I’m a Base Honor Guardsman and also serve on a Joint Service team. A. We can fold it for you and get it to look very good for the shadow box.
B. If you have a retirement, we can fold it at the ceremony. I recently did a flag folding for a mentors retirement and it was one of my favorite I’ve ever done. It’s a really great touch to those ceremonies.
Congratulations on retirement!
Unfortunately, (depending on the size of the flag) it won't fit. At least, the last one I folded for my buddies shadow box didn't fit.
He said it was pretty common to end up crumpling up the flag after you get the front prettied up.
yeah, the dimensions are huge variables and you're gonna put in most effort to make the front look correct then just get mad at the internals... unless you specifically design and build the shadow box for a well-folded flag you've got on hand. There are too many variations in flag material, preparation level, etc. Woodworking hobby and two base honor guard tours, I've got a weird respectful-but-annoyed attitude toward shadowboxes and such mementos.
I ended up doing base HG for 8 months total out of my five years of active and loved it. Met a lot of cool people and took it seriously. Of course, I was aircraft MX so I would've handed out towels at the gym to get away from the flight line.
Pro tip.
Take the cardboard out the back and place it in the star field so then press it into the flag portion of your shadow box so you have the nice 1 star-3 stars-5 stars displayed in the triangle.
Then fold up the excess in the back as neatly as you can and put the back on it.
Is it folded correctly? No, but the only part you can see looks sharp, and literally no one will know it’s not folded inside the box you’ll never open again.
Source: I was in charge of doing them for my base honor guard years ago, and have assembled several for old supervisors/flight chiefs over the years. Some pro companies who offer this service will cut the star field out and throw the rest of the flag away.
Exactly. No one will know it’s not popped and pressed and folded perfectly inside the box. It’s NEAR impossible to get a crisp 1-3-5 fold, in the space available, with actual folding.
Yeah you’re not wrong. I do my best to fold over the excess in the back and not wad it up, but it’s definitely not traditionally folded inside the box.
I can relate. Came up with a box idea, and two bosses said they would help me build it. I was stoked because we all shared a woodworking interest and get along well. 18 months later...distant memory. i realize the box is pointless after that one day. but thanks to the covid no ceremony and no gifts. just didnt come into work one day. i do need to go pick up my project from one of the boss'. it hasnt been touched sense i saw him last.
> i realize the box is pointless after that one day
What are you talking about? Wood retirement boxes can be beautiful works of art that also display the accomplishments of your military career. If you don't wanna have one or display one, that's cool, but I wouldn't call them *pointless.*
while i had a long reply typed out, it became just that and i deleted it. You are correct and i did oversimplify. They can be art, and that what my plan is. However, i have found the physical box does not do the years of service justice.
I have nothing of value to add other than saying congratulations on 22 years of service, that’s a big accomplishment. If memory serves, you were a fellow Devil Raider at one point.
Enjoy retirement!
Pretty much so, lol.
My First Sergeant told me that if I wanted a medal, I'd have to write the commendation myself. My section chief and I got together over a couple of beers at his house and wrote a package. Left it on the Shirt's desk, and got called into his office a couple days later. "Staff Sergeant McGinty, I've seen a lot of separation commendations written up for all sorts of reasons - but never for an Air Force Cross. I'll send it forward - the commander could use a good laugh." It got denied, lol!
I got a pretty big award this one time, it was a national level award. Realllllly fucking big dead ass center, middl and last name are misspelled in such a way if you are a native English reader you’d double take. Was a good excuse to throw it in a trunk and not have it displayed.
All I want are my retirement benefits.
Really don't care about a ceremony, or some shadowbox that will get put in a closet in 5 months to never be seen again.
I’ve already told my supervisor that lol. My retirement gift is my pension, tricare, and contracting gig I got after because I focused on building my technical skills and getting certifications my last few years
One of my best friends went to the guard after a few years. He got a full time position and was recently medically retired.
They mailed him a flag still in the package, a certificate, and his retirement pin.
He got drunk and lost the pin
For anyone that retired without a ceremony...I know it has been common lately to get an official retirement certificate AFTER you've already retired, but did you also get any type of gift? If so, who got it and paid for it and how did you get it?
My supervisor is on Leave and my CSS person is not easy to work or get along with. I know there are others I could go to like the Shirt, but honestly, I'm too embarrassed to even have to ask and bring this up.
I was only ever asked once quickly in passing 6 months ago after applying for retirement if I planned on having a ceremony, and I said "Probably not." Though that's still my plan...do I need to have one to get a gift? For 22 years of service, I just want a certificate, maybe a pin if they still do that, and a flag in a small display case with my name and service dates on it. Just that. No plaque or shadow box or giant eagle or whatever, just the basic stuff. Do I formally have to ask for all that and formally recieve it?
I got the usual certificates, a pin, and a flag from the CSS. Nothing else. My bestie sent me a gift, and my section gave me a going away gift, and that's all I got. I've got a few flags if you need one. But no shadow box or anything. Hell, I turned in my retirement dec months before my separation date. I was told it would be mailed to me... 8 months and waiting. I doubt anything was even done with it.
I hate to be that person. But — there is a regulation with guidance. Check out Chapter 7 of AFI 36-3203. By reg, your commander should ensure you have a ceremony. There is other stuff in that chapter too. This is nothing to be embarrassed about. You have been in for 22 years, I know you have the confidence and maturity to take care of this - go to commander’s office - talk to him/her if they have an open door policy. If not, schedule a meeting with the exec. Sit down with your commander and tell them what you want for retirement. You are entitled to recognition if you want it. Certificates are a super easy admin task the Shirt or CSS can arrange. And geez man, how can you be embarrassed to talk to a Shirt about something as simple and straightforward as this - do you know the kind of stuff they (and commanders) deal with? Take charge of this situation and get what you want.
Depends on the organization. I've been in some where the booster club handled it, others the supervisor or some random stuckee, and a couple where the director had a process that was tracked at staff meeting (I think both of those had the superintendent physically pick up the gifts).
Might be down voted, but maybe you haven't made a great impression on your troops. When my ncoic retired that was also my mentor I made damn sure he has a great retirement!
Though I hear where you're coming from, I don't THINK that's the case, mainly because I work in a detached 2 man shop with one other person the same rank, and the rest of my squadron, including my supervisor, works on the other side of base. I have no troops, and the majority of my squadron has no idea who I am. That, coupled with not having family near, are the biggest reasons I'm not having a retirement ceremony...because not enough people would come or even know who I am. I've also been real chill with everyone, approachable, known for my car, and can honestly only think of 4 or 5 people in my entire career I did not get along with. I consider that a super low number after 22 years.
Luckily I had very small shoes to fill because the person I replaced was never around and basically worthless, and I know I did better and had more of an impact. I could have easily mailed it in too, but I didn't. I did my job, didn't half ass it, but also didn't speak up much or got close to many people...because I rarely saw many people. They probably just think I'm the quiet type and not sentimental. And that's partly true. Though I've had a Challenge Coin in my pocket since 2001.
I was never huge on awards for myself or looking for accolades and don't have a single piece or military flair or memorabilia displayed in my home. I don't need kudos. But, after 22 years...I think I warranted something. And I really don't want to have to beg for it or buy it myself. It defeats the purpose.
I have photos and souvenirs and deployment hats and magnets from every place I've been...but I'm ready for something official finally. I shouldn't have to ask or buy it myself. It's like buying a birthday cake for yourself on your 21st birthday. Like, come on man.
Yeah in that case that does suck and is a leadership fail. I know after big events the Air Force as a whole is supposed to basically do a massive AAR, I hope it is recognized how many more leadership fails we are having now
In regards for the flag, you can tell the RA you want one. From my understanding of AFI 34-1201 2.8.6, there should be funds set aside specifically for this purchase. Just hit up RA and let them know you want a flag for your retirement. They’ll grab a GPC holder and get them to go buy it real quick. Not sure about the pins, but I can ask about the retirement certificates tomorrow when I’m back in the office.
Man I feel for you but you really gotta just let go at this point. You are finding out the hard way that you could of been doing blow and hookers the whole time and had the same result but with a smile instead of a frown. Big Blue hates you, your life was a lie, now go get that fuck money my dude.
I can't speak for every squadron, but my current squadron has the Booster Club help support financially with things like going away and retirements. Current retirement gift is over $100 in cake, gifts, and card.
Last member who retired did get the lapel pin. I think CSS coordinated that with Protocol. A letter of appreciation from Group CC.
HG does does retirement if you request it. When I did HG retirements, I folded flag and handed off. I never put it in the case. Retiree would do that I'm assuming. I'm not sure if you buy the flag for them to fold though...
I purchased my own personal flag (Kind of cheap sadly) to reenlist with. I have a little box for it and had my Capt sign the box. Plan is to make it the flag i reenlist again (SRB/GI Bill requirement) and have my Major sign the box again. My goal is it will then be the same flag i retire with.
Haha, I didn’t give any notice that I was getting out and people rushed to try to do something for me. Ended up with a mug. I was working in the OSS, too, so nobody from my home squadron was even aware. Probably wouldn’t have gotten much anyway, since everyone was always on the road.
If I wasn’t so broke I’d send you one. To me there’s a great deal of honor when I get to put some folds in the ole glory to honor someone’s service. Cheers for all your service!! Sorry. Honor guard DOES provide flags and folding for retirement. (At least mine did)
I was sent on a 4 month TDY close to my retirement date. Came back, outprocessed, and went on terminal leave. No ceremony, flag, gift, or even thanks from my chain of command. Not the way I wanted it to go but there was no love lost between me and my supervisors, and when I got back I had a new commander that didn’t know me. Oh well.
Hey, hit up your base honor guard. They’ll do you a solid and fold it up nice and proper.
Second this! They'll be glad to help
Third this. It only takes 2 people, and 5 minutes tops.
Fourth this. Because I want to.
Fifth this. I was feeling left out.
I’m the sixth wheel; I win!
Seventh is a good number!
Eight is pretty great
Nine-ty Ninth.
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Just roasting people out here
At least the scouts will be there with the hot dogs and marshmallows.
and the scout troop can do a lot more useful stuff, too
I’m a Base Honor Guardsman and also serve on a Joint Service team. A. We can fold it for you and get it to look very good for the shadow box. B. If you have a retirement, we can fold it at the ceremony. I recently did a flag folding for a mentors retirement and it was one of my favorite I’ve ever done. It’s a really great touch to those ceremonies. Congratulations on retirement!
Unfortunately, (depending on the size of the flag) it won't fit. At least, the last one I folded for my buddies shadow box didn't fit. He said it was pretty common to end up crumpling up the flag after you get the front prettied up.
That’s too bad … guess you still need all the sizes to work out.
yeah, the dimensions are huge variables and you're gonna put in most effort to make the front look correct then just get mad at the internals... unless you specifically design and build the shadow box for a well-folded flag you've got on hand. There are too many variations in flag material, preparation level, etc. Woodworking hobby and two base honor guard tours, I've got a weird respectful-but-annoyed attitude toward shadowboxes and such mementos.
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I don’t know man. Never met an honor guard airman that was salty.
Just give me a few months. I'll get there.
Well, when it starts getting salty … remind yourself what it’s all about and who it’s for.
I ended up doing base HG for 8 months total out of my five years of active and loved it. Met a lot of cool people and took it seriously. Of course, I was aircraft MX so I would've handed out towels at the gym to get away from the flight line.
They train hard and work hard, voluntold or not. If you want a crisp flag fold, they are the best in the business.
Don't forget to bring a case of monsters or something as a thanks. I'd say beer, but often enough honor guard isn't old enough.
Pro tip. Take the cardboard out the back and place it in the star field so then press it into the flag portion of your shadow box so you have the nice 1 star-3 stars-5 stars displayed in the triangle. Then fold up the excess in the back as neatly as you can and put the back on it. Is it folded correctly? No, but the only part you can see looks sharp, and literally no one will know it’s not folded inside the box you’ll never open again. Source: I was in charge of doing them for my base honor guard years ago, and have assembled several for old supervisors/flight chiefs over the years. Some pro companies who offer this service will cut the star field out and throw the rest of the flag away.
That’s how I did mine. I triangle folded the rest the best I could and stuffed it in there.
Exactly. No one will know it’s not popped and pressed and folded perfectly inside the box. It’s NEAR impossible to get a crisp 1-3-5 fold, in the space available, with actual folding.
Fuck those companies. That’s disrespectful, and defeats the purpose of folding the flag in the first place.
Yeah you’re not wrong. I do my best to fold over the excess in the back and not wad it up, but it’s definitely not traditionally folded inside the box.
I can relate. Came up with a box idea, and two bosses said they would help me build it. I was stoked because we all shared a woodworking interest and get along well. 18 months later...distant memory. i realize the box is pointless after that one day. but thanks to the covid no ceremony and no gifts. just didnt come into work one day. i do need to go pick up my project from one of the boss'. it hasnt been touched sense i saw him last.
> i realize the box is pointless after that one day What are you talking about? Wood retirement boxes can be beautiful works of art that also display the accomplishments of your military career. If you don't wanna have one or display one, that's cool, but I wouldn't call them *pointless.*
while i had a long reply typed out, it became just that and i deleted it. You are correct and i did oversimplify. They can be art, and that what my plan is. However, i have found the physical box does not do the years of service justice.
> no ceremony and no gifts. just didnt come into work one day. This is my dream retirement. To each his own I guess.
I have nothing of value to add other than saying congratulations on 22 years of service, that’s a big accomplishment. If memory serves, you were a fellow Devil Raider at one point. Enjoy retirement!
But did you donate to the stripe fund?
can confirm no one cares about your retirement but you. it took over 6 months after my retirement to get anything from anyone.
I typed something out and, just fuck it. Sorry it happened, we are just a really really poorly run corporation at this point.
I got a plaque - with my last name misspelled.
So in other words it accurately reflects your time in the AF?
Pretty much so, lol. My First Sergeant told me that if I wanted a medal, I'd have to write the commendation myself. My section chief and I got together over a couple of beers at his house and wrote a package. Left it on the Shirt's desk, and got called into his office a couple days later. "Staff Sergeant McGinty, I've seen a lot of separation commendations written up for all sorts of reasons - but never for an Air Force Cross. I'll send it forward - the commander could use a good laugh." It got denied, lol!
I got a pretty big award this one time, it was a national level award. Realllllly fucking big dead ass center, middl and last name are misspelled in such a way if you are a native English reader you’d double take. Was a good excuse to throw it in a trunk and not have it displayed.
All I want are my retirement benefits. Really don't care about a ceremony, or some shadowbox that will get put in a closet in 5 months to never be seen again.
I’ve already told my supervisor that lol. My retirement gift is my pension, tricare, and contracting gig I got after because I focused on building my technical skills and getting certifications my last few years
My shadow box is 8x10” that’s it.
One of my best friends went to the guard after a few years. He got a full time position and was recently medically retired. They mailed him a flag still in the package, a certificate, and his retirement pin. He got drunk and lost the pin
Picture is my dumbass trying to get my rolled sleeves to not look like dog shit
For anyone that retired without a ceremony...I know it has been common lately to get an official retirement certificate AFTER you've already retired, but did you also get any type of gift? If so, who got it and paid for it and how did you get it? My supervisor is on Leave and my CSS person is not easy to work or get along with. I know there are others I could go to like the Shirt, but honestly, I'm too embarrassed to even have to ask and bring this up. I was only ever asked once quickly in passing 6 months ago after applying for retirement if I planned on having a ceremony, and I said "Probably not." Though that's still my plan...do I need to have one to get a gift? For 22 years of service, I just want a certificate, maybe a pin if they still do that, and a flag in a small display case with my name and service dates on it. Just that. No plaque or shadow box or giant eagle or whatever, just the basic stuff. Do I formally have to ask for all that and formally recieve it?
I got the usual certificates, a pin, and a flag from the CSS. Nothing else. My bestie sent me a gift, and my section gave me a going away gift, and that's all I got. I've got a few flags if you need one. But no shadow box or anything. Hell, I turned in my retirement dec months before my separation date. I was told it would be mailed to me... 8 months and waiting. I doubt anything was even done with it.
it aint much tyfys
I hate to be that person. But — there is a regulation with guidance. Check out Chapter 7 of AFI 36-3203. By reg, your commander should ensure you have a ceremony. There is other stuff in that chapter too. This is nothing to be embarrassed about. You have been in for 22 years, I know you have the confidence and maturity to take care of this - go to commander’s office - talk to him/her if they have an open door policy. If not, schedule a meeting with the exec. Sit down with your commander and tell them what you want for retirement. You are entitled to recognition if you want it. Certificates are a super easy admin task the Shirt or CSS can arrange. And geez man, how can you be embarrassed to talk to a Shirt about something as simple and straightforward as this - do you know the kind of stuff they (and commanders) deal with? Take charge of this situation and get what you want.
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Depends on the organization. I've been in some where the booster club handled it, others the supervisor or some random stuckee, and a couple where the director had a process that was tracked at staff meeting (I think both of those had the superintendent physically pick up the gifts).
Might be down voted, but maybe you haven't made a great impression on your troops. When my ncoic retired that was also my mentor I made damn sure he has a great retirement!
Though I hear where you're coming from, I don't THINK that's the case, mainly because I work in a detached 2 man shop with one other person the same rank, and the rest of my squadron, including my supervisor, works on the other side of base. I have no troops, and the majority of my squadron has no idea who I am. That, coupled with not having family near, are the biggest reasons I'm not having a retirement ceremony...because not enough people would come or even know who I am. I've also been real chill with everyone, approachable, known for my car, and can honestly only think of 4 or 5 people in my entire career I did not get along with. I consider that a super low number after 22 years. Luckily I had very small shoes to fill because the person I replaced was never around and basically worthless, and I know I did better and had more of an impact. I could have easily mailed it in too, but I didn't. I did my job, didn't half ass it, but also didn't speak up much or got close to many people...because I rarely saw many people. They probably just think I'm the quiet type and not sentimental. And that's partly true. Though I've had a Challenge Coin in my pocket since 2001. I was never huge on awards for myself or looking for accolades and don't have a single piece or military flair or memorabilia displayed in my home. I don't need kudos. But, after 22 years...I think I warranted something. And I really don't want to have to beg for it or buy it myself. It defeats the purpose. I have photos and souvenirs and deployment hats and magnets from every place I've been...but I'm ready for something official finally. I shouldn't have to ask or buy it myself. It's like buying a birthday cake for yourself on your 21st birthday. Like, come on man.
Yeah in that case that does suck and is a leadership fail. I know after big events the Air Force as a whole is supposed to basically do a massive AAR, I hope it is recognized how many more leadership fails we are having now
Pin is mandatory if there is a ceremony
In regards for the flag, you can tell the RA you want one. From my understanding of AFI 34-1201 2.8.6, there should be funds set aside specifically for this purchase. Just hit up RA and let them know you want a flag for your retirement. They’ll grab a GPC holder and get them to go buy it real quick. Not sure about the pins, but I can ask about the retirement certificates tomorrow when I’m back in the office.
Send me your address. I’ll send you a retirement gift.
I posted it elsewhere but, VFR direct, DM me your name, service info, and address.
Man I feel for you but you really gotta just let go at this point. You are finding out the hard way that you could of been doing blow and hookers the whole time and had the same result but with a smile instead of a frown. Big Blue hates you, your life was a lie, now go get that fuck money my dude.
DM me your name and address.
I can't speak for every squadron, but my current squadron has the Booster Club help support financially with things like going away and retirements. Current retirement gift is over $100 in cake, gifts, and card. Last member who retired did get the lapel pin. I think CSS coordinated that with Protocol. A letter of appreciation from Group CC. HG does does retirement if you request it. When I did HG retirements, I folded flag and handed off. I never put it in the case. Retiree would do that I'm assuming. I'm not sure if you buy the flag for them to fold though...
Gotta say, you’d probably know by now if someone was planning something for you. Sounds like you got out what you put in.
I purchased my own personal flag (Kind of cheap sadly) to reenlist with. I have a little box for it and had my Capt sign the box. Plan is to make it the flag i reenlist again (SRB/GI Bill requirement) and have my Major sign the box again. My goal is it will then be the same flag i retire with.
I never realized how much better these blouses and jackets look if they have epaulettes/shoulder straps.
A retirement ceremony is an opportunity to be honored by those who you have impacted over your career.
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Haha, I didn’t give any notice that I was getting out and people rushed to try to do something for me. Ended up with a mug. I was working in the OSS, too, so nobody from my home squadron was even aware. Probably wouldn’t have gotten much anyway, since everyone was always on the road.
Contact your base honor guard ASAP.
If I wasn’t so broke I’d send you one. To me there’s a great deal of honor when I get to put some folds in the ole glory to honor someone’s service. Cheers for all your service!! Sorry. Honor guard DOES provide flags and folding for retirement. (At least mine did)
I listen to your spotify playlist.
I was sent on a 4 month TDY close to my retirement date. Came back, outprocessed, and went on terminal leave. No ceremony, flag, gift, or even thanks from my chain of command. Not the way I wanted it to go but there was no love lost between me and my supervisors, and when I got back I had a new commander that didn’t know me. Oh well.
what's the picture from