A Gift For My Dad

Josh USMC Son · 08-29-2004, 05:42 PM

I was getting to think the other day (a feat in itself let me tell you).
A buddy of mine has a retirement gift of a trifolded flag, his ribbons and all of his ranks/promotions while he was in the Navy.(he was an FMF Corpsman).

Now I was thinking...that is something I would like to do for him. Is that something you would like if you were in my father's shoes?

Need some opinions.

Field_Sailor · 08-29-2004, 05:49 PM

What you are referring to is called a Shadow box. They are a real honor, but honestly as far as I know, They are MAINLY given at retirements, and they can get real expensive. But if done right they are real NICE. You can ususally buy them at an Exchange or any surplus store. The really awesome ones are made by hand. If you are really interested, I can hook you up with a person. I hope i helped.
Think of just a folded flag flown over say the Pentagon or something?

Josh USMC Son · 08-29-2004, 06:07 PM

He never receieved one at retirement (by neither family or friends(I was only 11 so I wouldn't of understood to do it etc). That is why I am asking.

Field_Sailor · 08-29-2004, 06:23 PM

Well HELL YES! That would be an AWESOME gift. If you need any help planning it, just ask. I think that is very honorable of you.
This is a pretty cool site for some ideas. Or you can just do a google or yahoo search for Military Shadow Box. I can always talk to a friend also if you need. Good luck.

http://www.hismajestysservice.com/
http://www.aafes.com
https://thor.milexch.com/ics/easyask...1BGJL01PFQ3QM2

Josh USMC Son · 08-29-2004, 06:56 PM

I liked the Master Sergeant Shadow Box, I am thinking that would be perfect for him. Now all I need to do is call the VA and see if he had recieved any other ribbons or medals before he retired. Just so i can get it just right. Then get a flag...then will probably order the box and do the box myself. I know how to set his ribbons and medals. Then find all of his Chevron pins and then go to Colorado and give it to him.

I hope it will turn out alright..thanks for the links.

Field_Sailor · 08-29-2004, 07:18 PM

You can try to go to the below site, I know it is for the Navy but since Marines fall under DON, maybe it work for him:

go to:
http://awards.navy.mil

Then go to personal awards, also you can look up any unit awards there. Great site.

Josh USMC Son · 08-29-2004, 07:40 PM

No, it doesn't work with Marines...just Sailors. Its a CNO funded site. Thanks though, I might be able to find something for that for the Marines though.

USMCRET6391 · 08-29-2004, 08:57 PM

Dont Go to the VA, they dont know a thing.............Unless he or any command he was in was awarded any citations or participation ribbons, everything he rates should be listed on his DD-214. If you think he rates anything else contact DFS Cleaveland (Ohio), they have all the info on retired Marines. They will (or should) have all his records and can tell you what service ribbons, awards etc he rates.

Josh USMC Son · 08-29-2004, 10:22 PM

Well if I could find his DD-214 I prob wouldn't have to worry about it...but I can't

. I will contact DFS though. Thanks. I appreciate all the help.

Field_Sailor · 08-29-2004, 10:37 PM

Have you thought about just asking him? You can try to disguise(sp) your interest as something for school. So therefore you get good info. Also from when to when did he serve, know what ships if any? Maybe some of us can tell you some of the given ribbons and medals (read: NDSM, Good Conduct, CAR, Sea service, Etc...)

Josh USMC Son · 08-30-2004, 01:35 AM

I already got some of his ribbons from his Gunny Unis, but he was a MstSgt for the last 10 years he was in.

He has 3 Good conduct ribbons (2 of them represented by bronze star devices) a National Defense Service Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Unit Commendation, a Navy/Marine Corps Overseas Deployment ribbon, and a Navy Sea Service ribbon as well.

I'm not in school either. I'm 22 years old...5 months from enlisting into the Marines myself.

*edit* I gave him a call and he told his DD-214 is here in Memphis at my moms house, so I will have to look for it...but I am not sure if I can find it...she got rid of a lot of his stuff...I was able to find a lot of his unis... and I saved them...that's mainly what gave me the idea.

Field_Sailor · 08-30-2004, 07:51 AM

Good research, I believe that dedication will serve well in the Marine Corps. I wish you fair winds and following seas. God Speed,

08-30-2004, 12:22 PM

Sorry to join the discussion so late, but Definately. My wife doesn't know it, but I know she is working on something similar to that for me. What a wonderful gift! It's a truely impressive sight to see all that in one general area! I agree that it is more impressive to see it done by hand, and original, however it does take quite some time.

-Spike

08-30-2004, 01:15 PM	#14 (permalink)
Josh USMC Son Member Group: Honor Sergeant Josh USMC Son is Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Memphis, TN USA Posts: 62 Threads: 5 UserID: 70 User Info