Got this in the email inbox today:
YOUR REQUEST TO BE TRANSFERRED TO THE RETIRED LIST WAS APPROVED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY EFFECTIVE 01 AUG 2008. ON 01 AUG 2008 YOU WILL BE TRANSFERRED TO THE RETIRED LIST WITH THE GRADE OF CAPT AND WITH RETIRED PAY OF CAPT, PURSUANT TO PROVISIONS OF 10 U.S.C. SEC. 6323.
- PROCEED TO HOME OF SELECTION. REGARD RELIEVED OF ALL ACTIVE DUTY EFFECTIVE AT 2400 ON DATE OF DETACHMENT.
- EFFECTIVE UPON BEING TRANSFERRED TO RETIRED LIST YOUR DESIGNATOR IS CHANGED TO 1313.
- YOUR DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE NAVY AND YOUR COUNTRY IS DEEPLY APPRECIATED. MAY YOU ENJOY EVERY SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN THE FUTURE.
(SIGNED)
E. MASSO,
REAR ADMIRAL, U. S. NAVY
COMMANDER NAVY PERSONNEL COMMAND
Yay! This is what I asked for.
Why does it feel like somebody died?
I’d have more to say, but everyone has already said it for me, especially CPT J, Nose and John S.
But it occurs to me that it wasn’t the uniform that made you who you are; that was merely the method you chose to develop/express it. What you gained/became in service will not be removed with the uniform.
As others have said, there is no doubt in the strength of the abilities and character that will carry you into a new and exciting world. You wouldn’t have it any other way.
Well, I guess this means you’ll have a new insignia to put on your Title Bar Logos…
See image here:
http://www.therupturedduck.com/lexchng/index/images/rptred4.gif
Best wishes to ya, Lex-
Guess the first round’s on me, eh?
At least they give fair notice.
Look out World, Here he comes!
Capt. I know that you will excel in whatever you chose to do with the rest of your life.
Please make, as one of those choices, the continuation of this blog.
You never know, they, in their wisdom, just might decide to recall you at some future date.
One only needs to read the “About” info to know who you are. I like the opening, “Taught to be a gentleman before it was required of me”, and the ending, “Don’t know how I could be happier, or more blessed”.Core values will always prevail no matter what you’re wearing that day. And when that day does come and the cake gone, the well wishers gone, there is just you and your wife you will know you couldn’t be happier, or more blessed.
Thank you for your service to our country. As I stood watch during my time, you relieved me, and now you are relieved…as the wave washes accross the deck and exits a scupper aft, so we all eventually leave our Navy. I did love it. God bless you Lex.
Oops….Now you’ll have to pay for your own flight time, Lex.
Unless you wind up shackled to a BAMS control console.
Lex,
Something is passing, and your feelings are appropriate. There are so many things you will never do again, places you will never stand, views that will only live on in your memories. Younger men will take your place in the line.
It is the way of things, and sometimes it is bitter.
Semper Fidelis,
ASM826
Cap’n,
I forgot to ask. When Naval Aviators retire, does their former squadron do the ‘Missing Man’ formation?
God forbid! What would we all do everyday without our Lex Fix…I know, I know it’s a selfish sentiment but I’m not the first one here to say it, nor will I be the last I’m sure.
Lex – I’d be horribly remiss if I didn’t say what others have said – Thank you for your service at the tip of the spear. And for this blog and the community you have created with your wit, intellect and sagacity.
It’s gotta be hard to leave something that’s been such a part of your life for almost 30 years.
The Navy will forge ahead without you. Sons relieve their fathers, and we go on doing what we need to do. It has always been thus.
In whatever you choose to do after doffing the uniform for the last time, you will probably excel. The values and ethics that long-term military service instills transcend the military/civilian divide.
Congrats…I hear there is life after the Navy.
Enjoy!
limopi
And do keep blogging…
Does this mean that Son #1 gets activated?
Gotta keep continuity of service for your family’s name!
CAPT,
Congratulations and condolences. You have done yourself, family and country proud. For me the hardest part was realizing that the Navy will go on without me without missing a beat, a bittersweet moment to say the least. That being said the reason that the Navy goes on is because of the blood, sweat and tears you have shed over the years in preparing your relief(s). You sir, have done your duty thank you and welcome ashore.
v/r
CDR6290(ret)
Congratulations!
May you get all that you desire.
Thanks for your service to this great country.
Lex,
congrats. Hope you get “washed and hosed” someplace on the left coast. they stopped doing that here some time ago. You’ll have fun whenever your next endeavour takes you. Although I’ve never met you other than through this medium, you remind me of “Brick”. Also a 1310 O6, you prob know him. Great guy. He was putting up with the BS of the Puzzle Palace, but what he really wanted to do is fly and he really missed it. At some point, he punched, I think because the fun meter was no loger pegged. Think he found something fun to do, at least the pay is a heck of a lot better. Be really choosy in what you choose to do post nav. Interview them vs them interviewing you. And thanks for the service, and for this blog. Would have been an honor to work for you.
Claudio