My gifts from the Army upon my retirement.

[Downix]

I'm seeing my friend off to the bus for his marine bootcamp in a few weeks, will be interesting to compare his experiences to yours.

[thescot]

I'm seeing my friend off to the bus for his marine bootcamp in a few weeks, will be interesting to compare his experiences to yours.

Staff Rogerson, thank you for your service, and congratulations on a fine send off. We look forward to seeing and hearing more from you as you are now a man of leisure. It seems that the Army knows how to treat its own at retirement. (I was just thinking of John Wayne in She Wore a Yellow Ribbon as he retired at the end, basically forgotten as he rides out of the fort, still hoing to stop a bunch of unnecessary blood shed.)

As to Downix's friend, I can assure you that your friend is in for the experience of his life. It will be a bit understated in comparison to a man's 20 years, but he has time. If you want to send his name and address when he ships out, we'll write to him. You have no idea how important letters are when you're in he . . . I mean, Parris Island.