I'm finally retired - Another Chapter Closes

[Mtn_Infantry]

Thank you all for your kind words and wishes. Yes, I'm planning on staying busy around the house and with my wood projects. I am also planning on reloading every piece of brass I have, and that should keep me busy for quite some time. Also, once the weather gets a bit cooler (90+ is not fun in Middle Georgia), I'll be busy shooting all the reloads, so I can start the process all over again.
I'm schedule to go to the Eastern Cape next year, and my friend @Tundra Tiger will be there during that time. I convinced a good friend to go on his first safari, and he is also joining me. I will hunt a Buffalo in the Cape, and hopefully later on I can go to some wild place and chase Buffalo and hopefully other critters. I'm also thinking of visiting @Tundra Tiger in Alaska for maybe Moose & Bear. We shall see. Wife wants to go to Argentina to visit a niece, and if we do, I'll figure out a way to hunt Argentina. So, we have lots of plans.

@TOBY458, I'll let you know brother. BTW, I woke up at 0530 this morning, and I was out walking the dogs and drinking a cup of coffee at 0700 hrs. LOL. No sleeping in for this old Airman. LOL!

If you decide to visit the niece let me know. I’ve looked at Argentina several times and have a couple contacts I can throw you. Just depends what you want to hunt and how much of that months retirement check you want to spend. The fishing is supposed to be really good too.

 

[VertigoBE]

Congratulations on your retirement and a career in serving your country dutifully. Enjoy the coming decades with Mrs. PARA45, I’m sure she is glad you will be more around the house now

 

[Randy F]

Congratulations!!! Thank you so much for your service!!

 

[BSO Dave]

Congrats @PARA45 !
Enjoy your retirement!

 

[Troubleshooter]

Outstanding! Congratulations on both the retirement and the .416 Rigby. Enjoy both of them to the utmost.

 

[Scott CWO]

Congrats and I’m really looking forward to reading your hunting reports! Let me know if you’re ever headed to Colorado now that your travel schedule is more open. We’ve got an African themed guest room waiting for you and your wife if you want to stop by.

 

[cpr0312]

Congrats man! Enjoy!

 

[Mountaineer]

Congratulations! Thanks for your service.

 

[Just Gina]

What a ride! Well, the date finally arrived, as of yesterday (30 Jun 2024) I am no longer employed by the Federal Government, and I am officially retired. It's a bittersweet feeling, but I believe the time was right to pulled chocks as we say in the Air Force. My parents were able to witness the closing of this chapter in my life, and I couldn't have been happier. They saw me spread my wings and join the Air Force in 1983 and leave the safety of their nest to serve and defend this wonderful Nation that graciously opened her arms and embraced us as one of her own. Here I am at 62 1/2 years old, and they were here to witness this special events.

What's in the future you may ask? Well, I'm not sure yet. But I do have a huge laundry list of honey dos from my wonderful Mrs. PARA45. Will I get another job, well, I may in the future, but for now, I don't think so.

It has been an honor to serve, defend and protect this wonderful Nation. I hope the young NCOs I mentor will carry this torch and continue to defend and protect our fragile Nation.

As a going away, my wife said yes to purchase a rifle from @krish, so I was able to purchase a beautiful Ruger RSM in 416 Rigby. She also said that if we could afford it, to hunt a Buffalo with the new rifle. I'll post pictures of the rifle later on. Here are some pictures of the festivities. Enjoy!

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My Superintendent making his presentation.

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My mom next to me, my commander, Mrs. PARA45 in white, my dad behind her, my best friend a special ops (PJ)_and who officiated my retirement ceremony, and lastly my brother in law.

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My Certificate of Service, and my wife's Certificate of Appreciation for her unconditional support.

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Table with all the gifts. I need to up my drinking game, and anyone is welcome to help me kill some bottles or smoke some cigars.

The biggest congratulations, Oscar and to Mrs. Para45!
How wonderful you were blessed to have your parents with you for this special event!
I am looking forward to reading a report of you retiring a buff on your retirement hunt!
Thank you for the many years of serving! Enjoy and have some fun. It is much deserved!!!

Gina