I've hit a mileStone in my life as a collector on our forum!

Stone193 · September 24, 2015 3:15AM

Yes, an important "mileStone" and not post count, or completing a set or picking up a "whale."

Bigger!

As of Wednesday I worked my last day in the workplace!

I spent 30 years in the military and 18 in the private sector.

My biggest award for the military - The Legion of Merit

My biggest award for the private sector?

FREEDOM!!!!

I can travel more and wish to meet as many of you as I can over the coming years at the National!

graygator · September 24, 2015 3:21AM

Congratulations on your retirement! Must feel great.

JBrules · September 24, 2015 3:31AM

Congrats on retirement! Now you get to spend more time on your collecting. Any immediate plans?

LarkinCollector · September 24, 2015 3:44AM

Congrats, where's the first trip planned?

yankeeno7 · September 24, 2015 3:46AM

Congrats, Mike and thank you for your service! I have no doubt that is well deserved!

One of my very best friends is a Vietnam Vet who was severely injured on Hamburger Hill. We worked side by side for many years and I look at him as a true hero. Now I work at a VA Hospital and it is the best job I have ever had. I have so much respect for the men and women who become my patients.

Again, congrats and enjoy retirement! You have earned it!

BaltimoreYankee · September 24, 2015 3:51AM

Congratulations!! I still have at least 10 years to go myself. Enjoy your time!

jmaciu · September 24, 2015 4:46AM

Mike, I wanted to say congratulations. I know exactly what you have gone through in the private sector. While the patient side of things is a joy, the rest of what goes with it can be a total bear. You will sleep better and have so much less stress. I can wait to hear about your travel stories.

belz · September 24, 2015 4:49AM

Thanks for your service and congratulations!!! Gives me something to look forward to as well.

bishop · September 24, 2015 5:03AM

Welcome to the far side of the hill, Mike

perkdog · September 24, 2015 5:10AM

Congrats to Mike, one of the true gentleman here.

Porkins · September 24, 2015 5:13AM

Congrats, Mike!

Hope you enjoy the heck out of it!

mrmint23 · September 24, 2015 5:27AM

Congrats and well deserved.

VitoCo1972 · September 24, 2015 5:30AM

So jealous. Congratulations!!

Tangalang · September 24, 2015 5:51AM

Definitely Thanks for your service and Congrats on retirement!

slum22 · September 24, 2015 6:13AM

As many have already stated: thanks for your service and congratulations on your retirement. I hope you enjoy every day of it.

baseballfan · September 24, 2015 6:16AM

congrats!!!

enjoy!

kerryville · September 24, 2015 6:18AM

Cheers and Enjoy.

Littletweed · September 24, 2015 6:24AM

Congrats and enjoy your freedom! Hopefully I'll see you next year at the National in AC

flatfoot816 · September 24, 2015 6:31AM

good for you Mike--

now buy yourself a nice card tonite in celebration--and post the pic !!

Estil · September 24, 2015 6:44AM

Hey good going on that Legion of Merit! Isn't that the only other medal besides the Medal of Honor that goes around the neck?

Dpeck100 · September 24, 2015 6:46AM

That must feel great! Congratulations and obviously make the most of your new found free time.

lawnmowerman · September 24, 2015 7:22AM

Pretty cool Mike! Congrats, you deserve it!

robert67 · September 24, 2015 7:25AM

Congratulations!

vandweller · September 24, 2015 8:48AM

charrigan · September 24, 2015 9:10AM

Bang!! Congrats!!!

DanBessette · September 24, 2015 9:31AM

Congrats Mike, that's huge. Can't wait to see what your newfound freedom means for your collecting!

initialD · September 24, 2015 9:54AM

Congrats Mike, pretty jealous here! And many thanks for your service and contributions to our country and this board

Now you can fulfill your full time duty here and start ripping and subbing that 79 vending case haha!

SidePocket · September 24, 2015 11:17AM

Congratulations Mike!

I retired early 5 years ago, and I absolutely love it. Every day is Saturday except Sunday!

Hope you enjoy your retirement as much as I'm enjoying mine!

Arsenal83 · September 24, 2015 11:33AM

Congratulations and thank you for your service.

grote15 · September 24, 2015 1:29PM

Congrats, Mike! Enjoy your retirement~I can't wait for mine, LOL!

CocoaBeachDodgers · September 24, 2015 1:44PM

Congrats Mike,

You realize that this means no more weekends or no more vacations!

skrezyna23 · September 24, 2015 2:17PM

Mike, congrats on your retirement, thanks for serving and you have a couch to crash on if you ever make it to Korea.

mikelowell25 · September 24, 2015 2:23PM

Wait mike--you're 98 years old and you're just retiring now?????

Well, hope you make it to 100 so you can enjoy your cards for at least a couple more years!!

Darin · September 24, 2015 2:24PM

Congrats Mike! I've never met you but I've always had a lot of respect for you just from your posts on this board.

zep33 · September 24, 2015 6:18PM

Congrats Mike!! Well deserved

flcardtrader · September 24, 2015 6:22PM

Thank you for your service!

Enjoy your freedom!

Big80s · September 24, 2015 8:34PM

You've earned it, Mike! Enjoy that retirement!

NJ80sBBC · September 24, 2015 9:05PM

Congratulations and thank you for your service to our nation. Enjoy the heck out of retirement and hope that the hobby continues to be a big part of your life for many years to come.

aconte · September 24, 2015 11:18PM

Congrats Mike! Hope you have some great times ahead.

Tony

Stone193 · September 24, 2015 11:55PM

Wow guys - this is so humbling and warm.

I went to Eisenhower Park with Mary and walked 3 miles, then to Whataburger for breakfast - talked for an hour - now just home and heading to Barnes and Noble - tough schedule right?

Ya gotta love it!

See you guys at the National!

David - I'm only 96 - get it right!

FavreFan1971 · September 25, 2015 12:01AM

Congrats and nice work!

ssdawg77 · September 25, 2015 12:20AM

Congratulations on your retirement and thank you for your service.

Ironmanfan · September 25, 2015 12:35AM

PSA 10

Congrats!!!

IMF

Stone193 · September 25, 2015 12:36AM

<< <i>Hey good going on that Legion of Merit! Isn't that the only other medal besides the Medal of Honor that goes around the neck? >>

Sure is!

Can't think of anywhere I would wear it? To Whataburger?

I'm not much of a put it on the wall guy - now this may seem like bragging? But, in Texas, this tag is free! That's at least a 70 buck a year savings - go Texas!!!

Also, this is my P/U I bought when I retired from the Army - it can now vote!