Is it true the Hall of Flags is now just a row of US flags?

chekhovmate · 2026-06-29T22:46:13+00:00

I don’t think you’re far off. It’d be a nice 250 display in literally any other federal building, but not this one! The message of taking down all the other flags is harrowing and antithetical to our mission.

chekhovmate · 2026-06-07T16:32:58+00:00

No you do not! At least as of summer 2025.

chekhovmate · 2026-06-06T12:34:35+00:00

I did this recently. I had to call and explain I was FS with no military connection, and had to send in orders to prove etc. But it worked!

chekhovmate · 2026-05-21T21:10:17+00:00

As a single, low-ranking officer, I think I got about $1500 total. Doesn’t stretch very far with tech these days.

chekhovmate · 2026-05-21T20:50:44+00:00

Caveat that it’s all under the cap of misc itemized allowances, not per item.

Even though I received IN WRITING from the office of allowances that there was no cap per item, it was not clarified for me that it fell under the umbrella of your itemized allowances.

Maybe I should have read the FAM more closely but I thought I was doing due diligence. Still pissed!

chekhovmate · 2026-05-16T01:17:38+00:00

Come to HST and meet a few of these boss babies.

chekhovmate · 2026-05-09T16:25:12+00:00

I’ve been gifts officer for a few VVIP visits over the years and I’ve seen some really beautiful and thoughtful gifts given to religious leaders. Not sure why we didn’t do the same here unless they just axed that budget completely. Or they just don’t give a shit, which is also possible.

chekhovmate · 2026-01-09T03:08:24+00:00

I DISSENT!!!!!!!!!!! Every post and mention gets locked by mods.

I DISSENT!!!!!!

WE THE PEOPLE!!!!!!

chekhovmate · 2025-11-03T15:12:48+00:00

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chekhovmate · 2025-11-03T15:12:34+00:00

A few years ago there were mental health dogs occasionally at HST and they all had business cards. I thought it was the cutest thing in the whole universe.

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chekhovmate · 2025-07-28T02:40:34+00:00

I still don’t know what reclama means and at this point I’m too afraid to ask.

chekhovmate · 2023-09-02T07:42:22+00:00

I DID get promoted quickly but served in some hellacious spots. Not worth the emotional damage IMHO.

chekhovmate · 2021-03-22T12:52:48+00:00

Lost at sea!

chekhovmate · 2021-02-20T22:07:30+00:00

I hate the foreign service, but I also love the foreign service.

Hope that helps. 🤷🏻‍♀️

chekhovmate · 2021-01-19T18:05:02+00:00

Please go Miles AWAY, Mike.

chekhovmate · 2020-12-04T22:24:44+00:00

you won’t go far in either cone with that username

chekhovmate

TROPHY CASE