Well today is the day...I officially put my Army Combat Uniform on for the final time. This morning I will sign out and officially begin my retirement ater 23 years and two months of service to this great nation. Who would have imagined that this young kid from Tyrone, Pennsylvania would have stayed in the Army this long??? Not me, my mother, my friends...LOL!!! I can honestly say that this was a VERY SMART decision for me. I have met a ton of great people, traveled to many beautiful (and not so beautiful) countries, had the opportunity to protect this great nation, and made life lasting friendships in the process. I had some great and not so great jobs...my favorite being the 32 months I spent as being a First Sergeant and being able to personally take care of over 500 Soldiers (yeah, it was the largest company in the brigade). I have met thousands upon thousands of Soldiers, Sailors, Airman, and Marines throughout the years...all giving their best to support this great nation we live in. While I am saddened to "hang the boots up", I am excited to turn the page and adventure out into the "new" (civilian) world. This old Soldier (not as old as Tobii) is extremely grateful for the time served and would not trade it for all the money in the world (well maybe for all the money i the world). For those continuing to serve, be it in harms way or not, remember why you serve and always keep your head up and those shoulders back. You truly are appreciated and envied for serving in the most rewarding job a man or woman could ever have.

1SG Mac out
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Incredible post man. Thanks for all of your years of service. Congratuations Mike!

Enjoy a really special smoke tonight!!
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:-) I couldn't have said it any better. Thank you Mike :-)
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:-):-):-)
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:-) Congrats Mike. Enjoy retirement and thanks for your dedicated service to our beloved country. :-)
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Congratulations Mike and thank you.:-)
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Congratulations Mike.

Thank you for so many years of service.

Enjoy your retirement.

:-)

(P.S. Nobody is as old as Tobii. :-))
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You have my gratitude Michael :-)

Tyrone PA,my Brother has in-laws in and near there.Talk about small town America :-)
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Mike, thanks for your service and pass on to Kelly thanks to her as well for hers. I loved my 20 years in the Navy, glad I did it, would do it again, and glad I'm done. Enjoy the start of the next phase or your life.
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I just started putting on the uniform because of great people like you. Thank you for all you have done in proudly serving the USA!
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I salute you, Sir. :-)

Thanks just doesn't say enough.
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Thanks for the great service buddy!

:-):-)
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Thanks Mike, and congrats on the beginning of the next part. Tonite we will all smoke a good one in your honor.
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:-)

:-)
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Thanks for your service! Happy Retirement, you've earned it.
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Thank you for your service mike! You have earned that retirement!
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God bless you, Michael. As Peter said... "thanks for your service" just doesn't cover it, but just know it was deeply appreciated by many.

Enjoy your well-earned retirement. Hope I have the privilege of lighting one up with you some day. :-) :-)
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Thank you for 23+ years of service to this great country, Mike. :-)

Enjoy your retirement, Sir. :-)
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I agree with al on everything he said here....





(though al maybe older then tobii...we're waiting on the carbon dating to come back)
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Thank you. :-)

You spent your time on the wall protecting this country and your fellow citizens. I wish you all the best.
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