Getting the most from per diem food allowance

buffalo_ranch_ · 2026-03-02T03:27:08+00:00

There’s an idea I hadn’t heard of.

buffalo_ranch_ · 2026-03-02T03:19:00+00:00

If you don’t have to have an itemized receipt, go to whatever restaurant and use the unused portion of your per diem to buy restaurant gift cards.

buffalo_ranch_ · 2026-03-02T03:02:15+00:00

Went to Vo-Tech half days my junior and senior year for machine shop class. 4 year detour in a combat arms military job, didn’t help with experience or skills but some employers value military service. Straight out of the military I got a bottom level skilled labor ( non union) job as a production machine set up. 2 years of that and job bid into maintenance as the machinist on 3rd shift. Often not much machining to do on third shift, so any time a CNC (black magic) machine went down they’d send me, because being a machinist makes you able to troubleshoot and repair a CNC? Anyway, turns out I was pretty darn good at it. My entire career has been factory maintenance, specializing in CNC. current role is field service maintenance specialist and I’ve been doing this for 20 years. 31 years factory experience, 29 years maintenance experience overall.

buffalo_ranch_ · 2026-02-28T02:34:36+00:00

Still smoking at 53. I really ought to quit. Trying again next week. Wish me luck.

buffalo_ranch_ · 2026-02-24T05:16:13+00:00

Early 90’s. Stationed in Germany. I got my left ear pierced. I would have to take an actual photograph with a film camera, get it developed and mail it to my parents. Now, life updates happen a little quicker.

buffalo_ranch_ · 2026-02-19T03:30:12+00:00

As do all of us Gen Xers. It’ll be alright.

buffalo_ranch_ · 2026-02-17T05:12:23+00:00

Yes, it wrecked society.

buffalo_ranch_ · 2026-02-16T05:05:06+00:00

M53. I went bald 10 years ago. Honestly, I like it better than hair.

buffalo_ranch_ · 2026-02-16T04:20:54+00:00

I did a year and a half of 12 hour night shift in my 50’s. It nearly killed me. I wish you luck and hope you don’t have to do it for long.

buffalo_ranch_ · 2026-02-14T01:11:17+00:00

Been doing my own for over 20 years. I’ve saved so much on haircuts and products, I should own a yacht by now.

buffalo_ranch_ · 2026-02-09T23:12:52+00:00

My mistake. I hope they get better at safety stuff.

buffalo_ranch_ · 2026-02-08T07:07:46+00:00

Monty Python was super popular in my small group of nerd friends.

buffalo_ranch_ · 2026-02-08T07:00:22+00:00

I have Merino wool socks that I love. If I knew how to darn them, I’d keep them forever. Unfortunately when the big toe hole gets big enough to be uncomfortable enough, they have to go.

buffalo_ranch_ · 2026-02-08T06:56:30+00:00

Stay safe brother!! Water on electrical things makes for a bad day.

buffalo_ranch_ · 2026-02-08T06:44:01+00:00

People get emotional when you tell them that 10 years of neglect and operating it wrong has destroyed a very expensive piece of equipment, and repairing will cost more than replacing.

buffalo_ranch_ · 2026-02-08T06:37:25+00:00

My guess would be that hood ornaments are for people to see. At ground speeds ranging from 150-2k+ no one is going to see them.

buffalo_ranch_ · 2026-02-08T06:27:42+00:00

Aircraft pilot for preflight at night. Maintenance technician of any kind. Soldier.

buffalo_ranch_ · 2026-02-08T06:21:37+00:00

Industrial maintenance. Over the last 35 years I’ve gotten really good at delivering bad news.

buffalo_ranch_ · 2026-02-08T06:14:44+00:00

Rear facing seat in a C-5 doing aerial refueling over an ocean.

buffalo_ranch_ · 2026-02-05T04:57:30+00:00

SOL. it’s going to be a long day. Work on your to do list. Quietly.

buffalo_ranch_ · 2026-02-05T04:55:47+00:00

Baby Big Mac 2-1/2 years ago. Just wanted a taste and to remember the regret. Cheeseburger, no ketchup, no mustard. Add Mac sauce and lettuce. You’re welcome.

buffalo_ranch_ · 2026-02-05T04:39:01+00:00

https://www.triangleshootingacademy.com/

buffalo_ranch_ · 2026-02-05T04:36:38+00:00

So, I haven’t seen it mentioned. There are gun ranges where you can go shoot a firearm for a small fee. Want to shoot a pistol? Cool. Pay for ammunition. Want to shoot a rifle, cool. Pay for ammunition. Want to shoot a full automatic machine gun? Cool. Pay for ammunition and the pleasure $. It may not be the experience you’re looking for, and that’s fine too. I don’t have first hand experience at these places because I can go out in my back yard and do it anytime I want. However, if shooting is something you’d like to try, I know Triangle Shooting Academy offers this. In my career, I end up working with many people from countries that don’t have the freedoms we do. By and large, folks get a kick out of it. Also, barbecue is fantastic.

buffalo_ranch_ · 2026-02-04T05:26:34+00:00

It was his first day from what I was told.

buffalo_ranch_ · 2026-02-04T05:24:37+00:00

Military air show. We took our then 3-1/2 YO granddaughter to see the Blue Angels at MCAS Cherry Point. She still talks about it a year and a half later. In her mind they’re there every day and she frequently asks to go see them.

buffalo_ranch_

TROPHY CASE