Military Retirement Gift

My husband (a marine) has a throw blanket with the USMC insignia and "once a marine...always a marine" and his service dates embroidered on it. He loves it!

When my dad and husband both retired, I know it was most appreciated to get them things to start their new life. It is a HUGE transition to go from 20 plus years in the military to being a civilian. Such as needing a whole new wardrobe.

However, one thing I am doing for my parents for Christmas is making (ordering) them a sign with all of the locations where they have lived. I am having it made to be mountain/rustic since they just purchased land in the Tennessee mountains for retirement. Maybe something like that, to show each of his duty stations (not every deployment)?

You could do a nice plaque with ooh rah on it and his dates of service. You could personalize a photo album with his retirement date on it for pictures of his retirement ceremony. I did the photo album for my dad when he retired from civil service with the Air Force. There's a website www.marineshop.net for gifts specific to the marines.

I am grateful for his service and for all our military personnel out there. I grew up around the military and to this day it brings a lot of emotion and a sense of pride for our country each and every time I see a man or woman in uniform. I am forever grateful for their sacrifice and forever proud to be represented by them.

Blessings,
L.

I have to agree with mom2kck...after a career in the military, most tend to have no CLUE about a civilian wardrobe!

When my now ex retired, we were in search of clothing suitable for interviews...and found ourselves scrambling for appropriate suits and ties!

I am sure you do not want to spend a fortune, but perhaps a nice selection of 'power' ties for him to give an extra boost of confidence?

One quick story about when (now) ex had retired, and gotten a job...I had to LAY his clothes out for him. If it was not a military uniform, he really had NOT a clue. After a year or so, I was 'called' out by one of his workmates at a company party. She asked if I 'dressed' my husband. I said yes, I lay the clothes out. She said she could tell when I was mad, as the ties did not coordinate on those days. LOL

It was TRUE!! Never knew anyone else noticed!! So, in spite of my 'passive/aggressiveness', I STILL have faith in the power of a great tie!

Best

M.!

Please be sure to thank him for his service and sacrifices to our country for me!!

This is a HUGE change...this isn't like changing jobs - this is changing a lifestyle. He will NOT be wearing BDUs (Battle Dress Uniform (i.e. Camouflage)) or Class A's - he will be wearing normal civilian clothes...does he plan on working or is he going to "chill"?? IF he's going to work? I would get him a gift certificate to a place like Men's Wearhouse so he can get "work" clothes.

His unit will most likely put together a flag and his decorations in a flag box...something like this

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AZNYL3Y/ref=asc_df_B00AZNYL3Y...

To be honest? My dad will make one for you - all you need to do is pay for shipping. He is a US Navy vet and GREAT with wood - so feel free to PM me and I'll have my dad put one together. You can talk to his unit/command and find out what they are doing.

He should be attending Transition Assistance classes - that will help him get his resume ready for the civilian world. But in case he doesn't and he's going to work? He would need someone to help him with resume writing...another thing he hasn't done in 22 years...he might have written his EPR or OPR (enlisted or officer performance review) with bullet points - but overall? He might need help getting it put together.

Any way, my suggestions would be:

a special gift would be the flag box with his decorations (if you put a name plate with dates of service) that would be great.

Gift certificate to a men's clothing store so he can buy civilian work clothes.

Pay for resume writing services.

Good luck! SEMPER FI!!

I would also like to thank him for his dedicated service to our country!! Congrats on his retirement!

I live close to Wendall August Forge in Amish country (Ohio). You can shop on-line and personalize your gift with his name, dates of service etc. they have different items that are for serviceman that can be personalized that are really nice and reasonably priced. You can check them out and see what you think. I have found their items make much appreciated gifts! :-)

I like to have personalized gifts for these occasions.

I have used this site a lot of times and have never been disappointed.
http://www.personalizationmall.com/

Categories to consider are,
Office
Drink ware (maybe with his favorite beverage
Cigar Accessories with a couple of nice cigars
Party Cooler, I love the big oval one. It looks great inside or by the pool on the patio, you could add a nice Bottle of Bubbly Proseco!

When Tyler retired several years ago, his unit did a flag box with his decorations in it. It sits on our fireplace mantel.

My mom made him a two-sided blanket, one side had a USAF fleece blanket and the other side was a red fleece and they were tied together, like this:
http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Fleece-Tie-Blanket
Tyler loves it.

The ideas for a Mens Wearhouse gift card? We would have loved that. We spent over $2K on suits and business casual clothes for Tyler. This job he has now doesn't require suits, but he still needs them for executive meetings.

Please thank him for his service! OORAH!!