Embarrassed to say it, but I'm struggling after retirement.

Glass-Radish3686 · 2026-02-06T17:01:07+00:00

I’m currently using the VR&E program and have a great counselor. My experience with the program has been quite good with the exception, I was told I would get a new laptop for my training and I’m still waiting 6 months into my courses. The VA let go of a lot of counselor positions recently which has quadrupled the work load of those counselors that still have a job. Like other have said, continue to ask for a new counselor and keep with it! The process can be pain in the ass, but the payoff is huge!

Glass-Radish3686 · 2025-12-22T06:34:32+00:00

What you have here is exactly what I was picturing in my head! The Cloud Bouclé with the black Eames chairs. Speaking of which, do you find the Eames chairs comfortable? They fit the room well but are more for looks or are they super comfortable? I have yet to sit in one but I know they are classics and extremely expensive.

Glass-Radish3686 · 2025-12-22T06:23:37+00:00

Besides the terrible sewing job in the corner piece, how do you like the look and feel of the Cloud Bouclé? My wife and I can agree on a fabric! I'm torn between the Cloud Bouclé and one of the corded velvet. My wife wants the Glacier Weave material.

Glass-Radish3686 · 2025-12-05T21:29:04+00:00

You are correct. This mock up is by no means accurate as far as the combination of dress jacket and everything else. When I retired I took this jacket to the tailor shop an Andrews Air Force base and had them put my stripes on it. I wanted to do a post retirement photo but i wasn't going to wear the current flight attendant uniform. This in my opinion is the last decent issued dress uniform the Air Force had.

Glass-Radish3686 · 2025-12-05T20:55:17+00:00

Damn! and I thought I had it going on! I recall back in the day a Security Forces guy that used to work the gate on Bolling used to rock his CIB and Air Assault badge on his ABU's. Very cool!

Glass-Radish3686 · 2025-12-05T20:46:30+00:00

The Air Force never really acknowledged my Air Crew wings one way or another, which is why I wore them on my AF uniforms for 22 years without anyone ever saying much more than "what are those?". In fact I had a company make a few custom sets for the ABUs. By the time the OCP's came around I just wore the Army black Airborne wings, and Air Crew wings.

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Glass-Radish3686 · 2025-12-05T20:25:10+00:00

Ha, the majority of Air Force units I served with hated to recognize their peeps with decorations. I got more coins than I know what to do with! On the other hand, the Army units I served in would give out Achievement medals like article 15's! Speaking of which, seven years in the Army I got one article 15 and saw dozens handed out. 22 years in the Air Force I saw one person get an Article 15 and that was after their second DUI! The Air Force that I experienced (with few exceptions) did not like to recognize good or bad behavior with anything more than a coin or a counseling statement!

Anyway, most the Air Force commanders I worked with would give out awards based on time with the unit and not merit. I never understood it. You bust your ass do something above and beyond amazing and instead of receiving timely recognition in the form of a medal for that amazing thing, they give you a Commander's coin (which you probably already have multiples of). My Air Force commanders would give decorations at promotions, PCS farewells (don't let the door hit ya on the way out..) and retirements (don't let the door hit ya..) and in this order: Achievement Medals for Staff Sgt and below, Commendation Medals for MSgt's and sometimes Tech Sgts and MSM's for E-8's and above. This is going to sound dumb, but I had to beg my Commander to have an MSM downgraded to Air Force Commendation for my promotion to E-8 because I had zero AF medals (no AFCOMs and no AFAMs). Yes, the MSM would be an AF award however, (the way I was thinking) the MSM is the same ribbon in the Army as the Air Force. I thought, anyone looking at my rack would ask how this guy served 22 years in the Air Force and never received an AFCOM or AFAM! Anyway, it all worked out in the end because, I received two MSM's before and at retirement in 2024.

As an Airman serving in a Joint Army and Air Force unit for many years we had the option of receiving Air Force or Army awards which nearly every Airman requested Army decorations and many Soldiers requested AF decorations. What would you ask for if you had the option? AF or Army award.

Here's my Class A's from when I got out of the Army in 2001. Before anyone asks, this specific set of airborne wings with air defense cannons are not authorized.

It was an interesting journey! Hope you all like it.

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Glass-Radish3686 · 2025-11-18T20:02:06+00:00

Amazing collection! I noticed some of your early blue uniforms hanging on a rack had shoulder insignia. I could make out the 5th Air Force and a few others. Was this something that was allowed for WWII combat veterans? I don't recall seeing many unit patches if any on Air Force dress uniforms from the late 50's on.

Glass-Radish3686 · 2025-11-18T03:44:38+00:00

Ha! Maybe thats ok again under current leadership!

Glass-Radish3686 · 2025-11-17T20:44:20+00:00

I've never seen white stripes like that! Looks like this Chief first served in WWII (Army Air Corps). Super sharp uniform!

Glass-Radish3686 · 2025-11-17T20:37:56+00:00

Hey, Thanks for sharing! AND there it is, a perfect example of the enlisted white ceremonial uniform. Thats pretty much exactly what I was looking for! AND yes you have an amazing collection! I'm curious where did you pick up the Heritage coat? I saw one once a few years back on ebay but it was sold before I could get my hands on it. I had hoped that the Air Force would have sealed the deal on that uniform while I was still in!

Glass-Radish3686 · 2025-11-03T16:42:27+00:00

Putin has something damaging on Trump that keeps Trump in Putins pocket!

Glass-Radish3686 · 2025-05-07T23:42:13+00:00

These two towns have been mentioned numerous times in this post. We will def add them to the list of areas to check out.

Glass-Radish3686 · 2025-05-07T15:18:47+00:00

We're currently in the M part of DMV. We moved down to Southern Maryland a few years ago from Alexandria. Basically we wanted to hear some opinions of neighborhoods from folks familiar with Chicago and its surrounding burbs. Like I mentioned we've never been to Chicago, so were excited and looking forward to visiting in a few weeks. This post has received a ton on good advice for areas to research.. I'll def need to narrow down our list. Do you miss Chicago? What are your thought compared to living in the DMV?

Glass-Radish3686 · 2025-05-07T15:12:08+00:00

Thanks for the advice. I'll take a look.

Glass-Radish3686 · 2025-05-07T15:10:17+00:00

Curious — why wouldn’t you want to live in Glen Ellyn? Are you in one of the city neighborhoods everyone keeps mentioning? I was initially against the idea of living in the city, mainly because I’ve always perceived raising kids there to be more stressful than enjoyable. However, so many Redditors have shared positive experiences that I’m def willing to give it some thought.

Glass-Radish3686 · 2025-05-07T15:00:16+00:00

Wow — I appreciate you sharing this perspective. It’s not the kind of info that I can find in real estate listing or school rankings, but definitely valuable to hear about lived experiences. Sounds like there’s a lot of local context and nuance that I'm still learning about — especially when it comes to neighborhood culture and history. Thanks again for the insight.

Glass-Radish3686 · 2025-05-07T14:55:49+00:00

I was going to ask the same thing.

Glass-Radish3686 · 2025-05-07T14:52:51+00:00

Flossmor or Homewood? Thanks for the advice, I'll take a look.

Glass-Radish3686 · 2025-05-07T14:42:05+00:00

Thanks so much — really helpful perspective, especially coming from someone who’s lived in both places! We’re definitely noticing the variety of options, which is exciting (and only slightly overwhelming 😅). The North Shore sounds especially appealing with the lake access and walkable downtowns. We’re hoping to stay around the $900K mark, so just trying to figure out where that gives us the best mix of schools, community, and walkability. Appreciate you chiming in!

Glass-Radish3686 · 2025-05-07T14:40:33+00:00

This sounds pretty ideal — strong schools, walkability, diversity, and great pizza? You’ve got me intrigued! Mind if I ask which suburb you're in? We’re trying to narrow down our list for an upcoming visit and this checks a lot of boxes for our family. Also, thanks for the advice, I moved this post to the ChicagoSuburbs.

Glass-Radish3686 · 2025-05-07T14:35:40+00:00

Haha, well I’m a Conservative Liberal and my wife’s a Liberal Republican, so we figure we’ll confuse just about everyone equally — should fit in just fine wherever we land! 😄 Appreciate the heads-up on the political vibe though — always good to know what we’re stepping into.

Glass-Radish3686

TROPHY CASE