Retirement Ceremony Questions

[G_A_B]

I am in the process of getting my affairs in order for my up coming retirement ceremony (May 2004 tentatively). I was stationed in VA-185 (Nighthawks) from May of 1989 until May of 1991. I would like to have my flag flown onboard USS MIDWAY. If this is at all possible; can I get an address to send my flag. Also, I need to know if there will be any fees for this service, will I receive a certificate, and so forth. I also, would like to purchase a picture of the USS Midway at our second home (Philippines) and a squadron picture of VA-185 (Nighthawks) and VA-115 (Eagles). Just let me know the cost of all of this.
Thanks
George

My Snail mail address is:

George A Bullman
2150 Figaro Lane
Jacksonville FL
32210-2926

e-mail address:

tennesseeraider@msn.com

bullmange@aimdjax.navy.mil

[Eagle3]

Hi George and Welcome!

Congrats on your upcoming retirement. You have to be about ready for that, eh? ;) I'll try to help you as much as I can.

1) Flying your flag onboard the USS Midway.
I'm almost certain the Midway will be in San Diego by then and in the hands of the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum. It might even be open to the public by then. Either way, I'm sure the folks at the museum could do this for you. Contact Theresa Randall, at sdacm@aol.com or send your information to her attention to: 1355 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101

2) Pictures of the USS Midway, VA-185, VA-115.
The US Naval Institute has a photo service (http://www.usni.org/hrp/hrp.html) with a pretty good selection of ships and aircraft. That would be your best bet. There are also a few good VA-115 pics on my website, cv41.org that would make decent prints. You're more than welcome to use them.

Hey, I'm going to be in St Agustine in October. Maybe we can get a beer? :D

[G_A_B]

That sounds like a good idea.

[Eagle3]

I have more information that may be of use in the FAQ (http://cv41.org/faq.html) on cv41.org.

[Billntwrk]

To Eagle3 and all others.
You will find that reaching Teresa via email, might become more difficult as we work our way to the Grand Opening. I swear the woman is still reading email as late as 9pm California time.
In any event, if you have a question of a *GENERIC* nature, for Teresa, email it to me, and when I see her (At least once a week, in person) I will try to get the short answer to/for you.

Billntwrk@yahoo.com and mention SDACM Question in subject line.
Hope that Helps

[Rander]

:D

Dear G A B

As your retirement nears mostly your thoughts are toward closing up loose ends with the active Navy and becoming a civilian again. When I retired in February 1990 one of the things I took for granted was my financial affairs. Right now is a good time for you to sit down with your wife and take a good look at your monthly bills. morgage/rent payments, car loans, credit cards, any other monthly loans, food, gas, telephone, electricity, ect. Unless youn have a college degree when you retire, a lot of retirees will not be making the same ammount of monthly income as you did while you're on active duty. Try to pay off as much as you can before you retire. Especially credit cards if you have any as their interest rate are over 20% annually (banks call this bad debt). My wife and I spent the better part of 14 years getting our LAST credit card paid in full. OBTW if your living in Navy Housing YOU will have to move! If your on a large Navy base contact your local Retired Affairs Office while your still on active duty. They can Help you smooth out the transition form Active Duty to Navy Retired.

One final thought look around at all your current SHIPMATES, you will never see many of them again. I live in San Diego and over the last 14 years I count former shipmates I have seen. yup 9 of them now that I think about it. and only 2 of those on a regular basis. Maybe now that I am a Midway volunteer I will see a few more of them when they visit the ship.

Have a great time when you retire, I have and I didn't even miss the Navy. Any Questions E-mail rander8828@hotmail.com



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