Posted on 04/24/2013 4:58:41 PM PDT by Badabing Badablonde
I am totally clueless aboout this, but last week I got an invitation to the promotion and party for my cousin, who is being promoted to Colonel.
She has worked very hard for this and made so many sacrifices and is so dedicated, I would really like to give her something special not just for this accomplishment, but also because she has included me, and because she is working for me and my family. She has not asked for gifts and I know she never will, because she is like all of our brave military, and is proud to serve her country, and is thankful for the opportunities it has given her.
So my question is for events like this, do attendees give gifts? If so, what kind of gifts? What would have meaning? I was thinking about some kind of donation in her honor, but only if that is acceptable for this occasion. I just don't have a clue, and I'm wondering if the military was of doing this is different.
So, no military experience here, so I can’t help you with that, but being cousins ... have you considered something with family significance? Perhaps a framed picture from when you were kids together at a family get-together?
(Having no clue, I tend to think that something with a personal, family touch would be nice...)
Not sure if you’re a crafty person or not, but oftentimes, handmade gifts are also a nice thing. In this case, something with a colonel’s insignia on it.
Just a couple of attempts at ‘outside the box’ thinking. Good luck, and best wishes to your cousin!
Well Great GooglyMoogly!
I really never studied the General that much in depth. I know that he loved his side arms.
I’m going to boost your post and do some more looking into what he thought about such things.
Thanks for the info.
I remember the movie “The Wind and the Lion.” Prez Teddy vs the Grand Muffdie or some such. The most important thing that both men dwelled on, was the preferred firearm of their opponent.
They judged their opponent by the type of weapon they preferred.
Interesting observation.
Not kidding, but when one of my female friends made COL, the gift she liked the best was a box of chocolates.
Attendees do not normally give gifts. Your attendance is the gift. Physical gifts are normally given departure or retirement ceremonies. Always touching, they are usually also humorous.
However, you being a civilian family member, something meaningful and discreetly given is not only appropriate but will be treasured.
Should you decide to do this, a challenge coin or service tie would do nicely. Selection should be limited to something you can legitimately give and your cousin and legitimately use (don't give her a Navy tie). You can get some ideas from this website; www.medalsofamerica.com.
As far as meaning, you actually already know that. The gift would represent something important in your cousin's life or career. Maybe even something shared with you.
My recommendation, consider a challenge coin. If you find one you think right, is given discreetly through a handshake. And it is never forgotten.
You’re such a nice relative for thinking of such a sweet gift! She might appreciate a monogrammed afghan/throw with the appropriate military service seal and the date of her promotion. Or, a very nice bottle of her favorite alcoholic beverage along with engraved glasses; a bottle of wine in a leather case with monogrammed plaque; a framed print of a special military hero (there are quite a few of Gen George Washington kneeling in the snow that are just beautiful); a “coffee table” book of a special place/monument with a nice inscription...hope those ideas help. I received similar items along the way when I was active duty...
So, tattoo your family tree on her butt.
LOL. Sorry, old sailor humor.
forgot to add: tell her congrats on her promotion from this retired USAF O-5!
We do throw the “wetting down” parties so that's kind of a gift (and can get expensive).
I also like the idea of a donation in her honor to WWP or the USO. Both good and worthy causes.
I’m an Army officer
********
God bless you and keep you safe. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service.
We just had a wetting down party for one of our boys that is a Navy LDCR. The base has an old Admirals house that is no longer used for that purpose, and that is where we had the party. Shrimp and crawfish boil and all of the side dishes and drinks. Great fun! No gifts.
See my post 51.
You mention that her military occupational specialty deals with nuclear ordnance. Perhaps you could find out more about her duties and responsibilities and form your message to convey appreciation for the sacrifices she has made to pursue a career in being quietly ready to do well a mission no one ever wants to occur.
The one thing I’d say that if she missed her time in the “chit” I would avoid buying gifts that imply combat time. I would also avoid jewelry, like rings, because that’s something that many other people might think of giving.
I like the idea of an inscribed weapon, if that’s something she’d like and appreciate. In her case you might consider another idea, like getting a nice wood-stock, lever action rifle and having someone carve out circular areas on both sides of the stock where you can have her unit and command coins inserted.
Yeah...I’d really avoid anything that looks “combat” or “campaign” related for someone like that...it’s almost like mocking to give her something like that.
It really doesn’t matter if she were in the “nuke functional area” all that much. There were a lot of officers pulling duties in Afghanistan that had virtually nothing to do with their primary job back “home.”
One of the younger officers I used to supervise and fly with was killed in Afghanistan a few years ago leading a “reconstruction” team.
Of course, a bottle of top shelf tequila and a bag of limes is always appreciated at a gathering like that.
Two gifts that would seem appropriate.
A bottle of champagne, and an engraved officer’s sword of the appropriate length. Either a modern, chrome sword, or an antique sword or reproduction.
...along with an NSN barcode ;-)
Again, all very good suggestions! Thanks, everyone!
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