Retiring Already?

My brother Kirk is retiring from the Air Force after 20 years.

He's only 41.

Mike and I were late to the ceremony...I know-shock!

Sorry dude!

All the mess at the gate to even just get ON the base.

Kirk presented Lane with his squadron coin....the coin explanation was sent to me after a post about Aaron McCoy's boys being given their Dad's squadron coins. The explanation is as follows:

The coins are called challenge coins. They are an Air Force tradition dating back to World War I (before there was an Air Force). They are called challenge coins because it is tradition to always carry your squadron's coin wherever you go. If you are challenged to show your coin, and you do not have it, you have to buy that person a drink. Get caught without it, and it can get very expensive.

Kirk and Lane

Kirk's family
Kirk presenting a plant to our parents. He's so cute.
What a bawl butt (wink)


Our parents

Linz.
Presentations by some of his squadron mates....(is that what you call them)

Many congratulations after the ceremony.

Burgers and dogs were served to the whole squadron and our family.

They all seemed to be really nice guys.

Apparently Buckethead is the preferred name by his friends.
Me and Lindsey
Kirk and his squadron commander...an incredibly nice guy.

Mike, of course, finds someone to talk to.

In conversation it turns out that this guy's kid practices football right across the field from Carson. Their team played right before ours last Saturday and is coached by a friend of ours. How weird! I always expect to find people from all over the country when I'm anywhere on base.

One of the guys in the squadron drew this animation.

It is SO fitting!

Notice the huge dip in his mouth.

Poppa and Linz
Some of the things that were presented to the retiree.

Chatting
Lane and his favorite aunt
Self portrait

There's Mike in the corner...still talking.


LOVE this picture.

Kellie Avorie Lane Kirk Lindsey Krystle

A younger slimmer Kirk in the program.

Happy Retirement! I'm jealous!