Vanity - Retired Today

[AbnSarge]

Today I put on the uniform for the last time.

I was honored that Conor MacNessa and his bride were there to share the day.

To recap a 33 year career, I penned the following, all because I raised my right hand so many years ago, titled "No Regrets":

I have jumped from high in the sky, and dived deep into the sea

I have seen the sun rise from the peak of Mount Sinai, And watched it set into the Mediterranean from the beach at Tel Aviv

I have seen the sun glimmering off the snow-covered volcanic mountains of Hokkaido, and roamed the streets of Sapporo

I have sailed on the Sea of Galilee, walked the ancient streets of Jerusalem And seen the tomb of Christ

I have seen the ancient Babylonian Ziggurat at Agar Quf And touched the waters of Abraham’s Oasis

I have walked through medieval German castles And the ancient Roman ruins of Trier

I have watched Fijian war dances and Maori hakas

I drank chai with Jordanians in the desert, ate lamb in the home of an Iraqi Sheikh, and shared rations with Japanese soldiers in a snow-filled forest

I dove the crystal waters of the Red Sea, and swam through old and famous shipwrecks

I have been friends with Japanese, Uruguayans, Colombians, Hungarians, Italians, Brits, Germans, and Egyptians

Most of all, I have been blessed with the opportunity to learn from, teach, mentor and lead some of the finest men and women this country has ever produced ~

Once again, thank each of you for attending.

Now, for the last time,

Bushmaster 7 - Out

[Daffynition]

May your retirement be a rewarding as your service. Bless you!

[onedoug]

Well met, Sarge. Best of everything.

[Nailbiter]

Thanks for your service

[PGalt]

Congratulations. Thanks. Enjoy.

[rfreedom4u]

Awesome! Congratulations! I retired in 2013 after 26 years. A word of warning; the civilian world is not like the military one. You have to watch what you say as to not offend people (people are wimps). I’ve had my civilian job for almost two years now and I dread coming to work as I sit at a desk. I’ve got my next escape plan in the works and this time next year will be sitting on a beach sipping rum and fruit juice.

[MomwithHope]

From deep in my heart - Congratulations and THANK YOU for your service. Many in my family have served and one made the ultimate sacrifice. Enjoy your retirement, and maybe consider running for office. The civilian world badly needs leaders.

[M Kehoe]

Enjoy your retirement, you earned it.

5.56mm

[debrawiest]

Thank you for your service. Have a long and enjoyable retirement. God bless!

[combat_boots]

Congrats

[Grampa Dave]

Thanks for sharing this with us and for your service!

May the next phase be as rewarding for you!

[Bill Russell]

Hooah!