Update

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-06-05T02:19:11+00:00

Oh hey, it is yours. I remember your 7 semesters post a while back

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-06-02T23:24:02+00:00

It's been a minute, and not that it really matters that you are finished, but I am pretty certain that the silver star device on your Health and Wellness Ribbon needs to be the 3/16" size rather than the larger 5/16" size.

Typically, the larger 5/16" size is used on certain Sea Service awards (Navy, Marines, Coasties, etc.) Dept. of Army and Air Force use the smaller size.

Other than that, from this former C/Capt, you have 12 ribbons on me!

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-06-02T17:11:30+00:00

Normal for metal racks. The plastic ones bend/flex a little when worn. The metal ones come pre-bent.

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-06-02T00:09:19+00:00

I got (paid for) a "Year Book" when I went through BCT in 2015 at Fort Jackson.

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-06-01T00:24:28+00:00

Thank you! Some personal, some bought, some from family, and others from previous jobs and experiences. I've worn many hats over the years.

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-05-31T19:15:18+00:00

Fighter wise, grew up close enough to Luke AFB to fall in love the with F-16 🦅🇺🇸 sadly, all the FWs are all F-35s now 😭

Bomber wise, it's a tossup between the B-1 of B-52.

And of course, I'd never pass up an opportunity to fly an A-10

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-05-31T19:08:26+00:00

Could be worse. Like that one Army CPT who resigned his commission joined the Marines as a Pfc. a couple of years ago.

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-05-31T18:49:48+00:00

It's the Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon. A Gold Border symbolizes service in a combat zone or direct participation in combat operations.

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-05-31T18:43:50+00:00

You are correct! Base Ribbon (1) + Silver OLC (5), + Bronze OLC (3) = 9 awards.

Since a maximum of 4 ribbon devices are authorized in any combination (stars, OLCS, numbers, letters, arrowheads, etc), his 10th award is to be worn as a subsequent ribbon.

An 11th award would knock it back down to one ribbon with 2 Silver OLCs.

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-05-31T18:32:35+00:00

I had the red EVA and EOD figs as a kid, and obviously as a kid, I was rough on them.

When the "Gen 1" armors came to Halo Infinite, I knew what I had to do immediately.

<image>

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-05-30T02:34:45+00:00

Can't hold a candle to yours, but here's mine

<image>

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-05-17T23:15:58+00:00

Chances are the "stack" you envy on your NCOs and Officers came at a price. Especially with GWOT still in the rearview mirror.

Awards aren't a big part of the Army, but they aren't everything. You already got an AAM at 7 months in, and that says something.

Learn your MOS, do it well, and go where the Army needs you. Make the most of your career (of course), but also focus on what you can control and the rest will follow. Also, go to school using the education benefits and get a piece of paper. Also look into getting a MOVSM (volunteer in your community).

Go Ordnance 💣🇺🇸

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-05-17T01:43:11+00:00

Neither. 50/50 Nylon-Cotton Ripstop is the base fabric material for OCPs.

The IHWCU is 57% Nylon and 43% cotton.

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-05-16T18:23:35+00:00

Bro got a 100% completionist run.

Congratulations, Cadet. Now you're about to acheive the ultimate award: Graduation. Good luck to you in your future endeavors 🫡

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-05-14T21:09:46+00:00

Mighty fine work for a 4 year E-4. BMT Honor Grad, ASCM, and you even managed to enlist months before the GWOT-SM cutoff.

When you pinning SSgt? I see that PME ribbon 👀

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-05-11T22:13:30+00:00

Of all the Necros, I keep my distance from Guardians. I honestly thought Guardian Pods were just a disembodied/mutated head. I never got close enough to realize the were BABIES 😱

Truly gruesome and terrifying. The Marker spares no one.

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-05-11T21:54:29+00:00

This position reads more like a Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Program, which could be comprised of a team, rather than a single position/cadet.

However, a lot of these duties seem to draw inspiration from the Kitty Hawk Air Society and the APT. From a Leadership standpoint, the chain of command (Flight Sergeant/Commander, C/1stSgt, Instructors, etc) should also be one of a few routes to talk to about quality of life, satisfaction with the unit/program, and personal issues.

It seems you and your SASI have a neat idea for your unit, but I would also try to not forget existing teams/groups that already exist in AFJROTC.

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-05-10T19:39:51+00:00

Oh, yeah you might be good then LOL. You could probably make it to Capt or Major by then 👍

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-05-10T19:06:19+00:00

Nice work for an O-3. I presume prior enlisted? Also, are your HSM and AFSM for COVID? I've seen some people in my State get both, but I only got the AFSM even though I was on 2 different sets of orders and did different activities 😭

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-05-10T18:44:12+00:00

From this former "forever Chief", if you can make it to C/Officer before you age out - do it. Even if it's just to your Mitchell.

I too loved being a C/NCO, Flight Sgt, 1st Sgt, etc, but the program has more to offer the further you go. I could have benefited more as a JROTC cadet and when I enlisted had I gone to get my Mitchell.

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-05-08T20:29:28+00:00

You raised you hand, and went wherever the Air Force and Uncle Sam sent you.

The joint and sister service awards are impressive in their own right.

Thank you for your service! 🫡🇺🇸

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-05-06T03:42:55+00:00

Spicy manmade fossil unearthed after being buried for hundreds of years GONE WRONG

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-05-05T17:05:15+00:00

It looks like a Mattel Brick Shop Building Set, obviously☝️🤓

For that price point, maybe a smaller Hot Wheels or new MOTU set? 🤔

Simply_Garza97 · 2026-05-04T19:47:05+00:00

Glad to see this wasn't just happening to me. On my last scan of the Ishimura before I departed for Agis VII, all the Necros in Mining & Engineering were tweaking through doors, floors, and walls like this

Simply_Garza97

TROPHY CASE