As some of you may know DJ will be retiring NEXT Thursday, July 1st.  He has served our country with tremendous honor for the past 22 years.  This is a very exciting time for our family.  Please feel free to leave well wishes here, or if you'd like (and I would LOVE), shower him with a card.  If you are needing our address, please send me a PM.

Thank you all so much for all of your support and love over the years and your continued support as we start a new chapter in our lives!!

:)  Steph

I am proud to call this hero of a man my friend.  Congratulations on your retirement and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your service to our country and its citizens.

Congratulations DJ.....and Thank You!

Huge congrats to you DJ.  Enjoy your new life - you've surely earned it, my friend!

Hugs
Carol

Welcome to the other side DJ! :)

Big congrats, Deej.  Ya did some labor and glad to see you get the time now. 

McConnell AFB, if I got it right, has some great heritage.  The Superfortress, a short after-war downtime, the swept-winged XB-47 six engine Stratojet, an RB-47 Recon, and then a bottle-thrust 606mph J-46 GE powered.  Big stuff, all state-of-the-art for the time.  Historical and proud place to work.  Your serving is very appreciated. 

You opened a world here, maintained wholeheartedly, too.       Thanks.   :)

Congrats DJ, enjoy the time but find a good hobby so you don't go nuts with all the free time. ;D

Congratulations - enjoy it!

Congratulations DJ and thank you for all your years of service.  You've served well and honorably.  I'm proud to know you and call you friend.  I salute you, Sir...

Much love,
Jackie

Congrats and much gratitude for all your years of service DJ!!  Now it's time to sit back and enjoy your family and friends!

Best Wishes as Always!

Thanks DJ for your service to this Country, for all you've given to the Clusterhead and Moya Moya communities.

I too am proud to call you friend.  As Steph said so well, this is not the end of a career, but the beginning of a whole new chapter of your lives together.

Congratulations, and may the fun truly begin... 

Well deserved DJ. You've served well the country and us. All the luck in the world.

Congrats DJ

Charlie

   START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE


Hope your "wild blue yonder" is full of new and exciting things. 

I have posted this before...I WILL post it again. When I think of DJ...this is what comes to mind:

_To Dr. Edward Jenner_
        _Monticello, May 14, 1806_

  SIR, -- I have received a copy of the evidence at large respecting the discovery of the vaccine inoculation which you have been pleased to send me, and for which I return you my thanks. Having been among the early converts, in this part of the globe, to its efficiency, I took an early part in recommending it to my countrymen.  I avail myself of this occasion of rendering you a portion of the tribute of gratitude due to you from the whole human family.  Medicine has never before produced any single improvement of such utility.  Harvey's discovery of the circulation of the blood was a beautiful addition to our knowledge of the animal economy, but on a review of the practice of medicine before and since that epoch, I do not see any great amelioration which has been derived from that discovery.  You have erased from the calendar of human afflictions one of its greatest.  Yours is the comfortable reflection that mankind can never forget that you have lived.  Future nations will know by history only that the loathsome small-pox has existed and byyou has been extirpated.

Accept my fervent wishes for your health and happiness and assurances of the greatest respect and consideration.

T. Jefferson

For a man to serve his country...and a tiny portion of same, with an orphan affliction, with the same dedication and love...it don't get much better than that!

Best,

Jon

Thank you for caring about your country and fellow mankind.  Your years in the service say alot about your charachter and we all know what a character you are. jk Here is to brighter days and peacefull nights. May you enjoy your new endeavors as you embark on this thing called retirement.

Very happy for you and your family DJ, and we also thank you very much for your service. :)

love,
mel

BigMatt wrote on Jun 24^th, 2010 at 4:48pm:

Congrats DJ, enjoy the time but find a good hobby so you don't go nuts with all the free time. ;D

He'll be wrapping and boxing and shipping cookies!

Thank you for your honorable service to our country DJ.

Enjoy your retirement and enjoy many years with your family.

From a very humbled friend.

Don

Thanks for having our "6:00" while we participate in this grand experiment of liberty.

"Thanks" hardly says it.

Congratulations, and thank you for your years of service, DJ.  Enjoy your retirement, and the many things yet to come.

All the best,

George

Mrs Deej wrote on Jun 24^th, 2010 at 10:42am:

As some of you may know DJ will be retiring NEXT Thursday, July 1st.  He has served our country with tremendous honor for the past 22 years.

way to go buddy! your still young. you'll have plenty of time for ball games and family stuff.

congratulations you deserve it [smiley=wave.gif]

Welcome to civilian life,  the real world. Six and a wakeup.

         Potter

Thanks for your service.  Hope retirement is as enjoyable as everyone says that it is.

carolyn

Congrates and a big THANK YOU now enjoy the family. Terry

DJ and Steph,

Thank you both for your service to our great Nation. 

I think we all view retirement from military service with mixed emotions when the time comes... 

The really good news is there's another life waiting for the two of you after military life that will be just as exciting and rewarding...  And friends are just that... They stay the same even after you hang up your uniform for the last time.

All the best,

Pete & Joyce

Hey Steph, that's fabulous news as he'll now be able to keep you in the style to which we feel you should be accustomed.

Already I hear the whip-crack and your cries of, "DJ! Peel me another grape and anoint my feet in goat's milk."

"DJ! It's fully 24 hours post-solstice and you've yet to change my satin sheets for silk."

"DJ! To the dungeon with you, vassal, where I'll call you names and make you feel cheap until you deliver unto me the perfect beer - on your knees."

It's only good times ahead, dearest love of ch.com, so let the carnival begin along with pics of you-know-who in velvet fetters.

Cheers.

Whoa Brian....I figured it's DJ doing the demanding:

"Someone bring me the head of a pig!"

"Find someone to play fiddle for me"

"I need a goblet of something cool and refreshing"

:)

Congratulations DJ. Retirement is such an exciting time as Joe has recently experienced. Thanks for your service to all of us. Hope you have the luxury of relaxing awhile and enjoying your family before you start pursuing whatever comes next.

Congratulations to you Steph! I have to tell you, I was scared to death but have been pleasantly surprised at how nice it is to have the man around all day! Now you'll have someone to run your packages to the PO!

QnHeartMM wrote on Jun 26^th, 2010 at 8:44am:

Now you'll have someone to run your packages to the PO FedEx!

There was a little grammatical problem with that one, so I fixed it. ;)

THANK YOU !! For your years of service to our country!!
Now on to the most important thing in your life FAMILY! [smiley=dankk2.gif]
Happy Pappy

Big congratulations DJ. Somehow I feel the country will be just a little less safe.

Don & Helen

I've been trying to find the words to say what I really feel, but "Thanks" says it all for me.  Enjoy the freedom to decide to do what you want to do for the rest of your life.  You've earned it.  Don't let anyone belittle you for taking what you have earned.

Jerry

Congratulations DJ.




Lefty

GOD BLESS YOU DJ!!!!

I wish now I would have stuck it out but for those that do I have FULL RESPECT!!!!

Goat!!!

Who's DJ???? ;)

Hope retirement works out as well for you as it has  for me. God Bless you for your service to the country.....and maybe a little bit more for having the vision to create this board. Love ya brudder.

Joe

One and a wakeup.

    Potter

Happy retirement, DJ!
Many congratulations! :)

Sanna

Nuthin but a wakeup.  Pics would be nice please.

                Potter

Pics indeed.   :)

Congratulations once again, DJ.

Best wishes,

George

As a veteran of the CH wars, and as a newbie to this wonderful site, may I add my gratitude, sir, and my congratulations! You have served your country well...and us sufferers as well. God's blessing on you and Mrs DJ! lance

Oh yes, we will have pics!!!  Im gonna be a hot mess tomorrow...blubbering idiot in front of the Commanders...LOL

I am SO proud of him!

Pics soon! ....countdown starting 24 hrs and counting...

Wont it be great to not have to wake every morning to DJ at the foot of the bed playing revelry on his bugle?

The shadow you cast will remain as you step away.

Thanks for your service.

Just think about the day you decided to head down this road. How young you were and how young you are now.

Good call.

Thanks,
Steve G

seaworthy wrote on Jun 30^th, 2010 at 8:12pm:

Wont it be great to not have to wake every morning to DJ at the foot of the bed playing revelry on his bugle?

Um   revelry ˈrɛvəlrɪ
n pl -ries
noisy or unrestrained merrymaking.

                   Potter

I think the word was supposed to be "Reveille."

Potter wrote on Jun 30^th, 2010 at 8:54pm:

seaworthy wrote on Jun 30th, 2010 at 8:12pm: Wont it be great to not have to wake every morning to DJ at the foot of the bed playing revelry on his bugle? Um   revelry ˈrɛvəlrɪ n pl -ries noisy or unrestrained merrymaking.                    Potter

START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGESTART PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Racer1_NC wrote on Jun 30^th, 2010 at 10:05pm:

Potter wrote on Jun 30th, 2010 at 8:54pm: seaworthy wrote on Jun 30th, 2010 at 8:12pm: Wont it be great to not have to wake every morning to DJ at the foot of the bed playing revelry on his bugle? Um   revelry ˈrɛvəlrɪ n pl -ries noisy or unrestrained merrymaking.                    Potter START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGESTART PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Sounds about right...... :D

Brew wrote on Jun 30^th, 2010 at 9:58pm:

I think the word was supposed to be "Reveille."

That to.

Wake up call for DJ.   

Is that lazy old retired fart outta bed yet????

Joe.....the OTHER old retired fart!

He seriously set the alarm for 5:15AM...I whispered to him that this was something that was going to change IMMEDIETLY!!!  LOL

We are having breakfast with his family now, they all came in last night/this morning!!  Gonna be a busy day...DJ and I have butterflies! LOL

Please pray that Brandon will cooperate, as this ceremony is right dab in the middle of nap time!   :-/

Pictures as soon as I can!  Thank you all for the well wishes and love, you all are amazing to our family.

:)

God Bless you for who you are and what you have done with it. Wish I had the ability to touch people as you do. Thank you sounds so little to say what you have done for me and my family. Your a very special person!!!!.

Happy Retirement Day, Deej!!!

I SOOOOO wish we all could have been there.

Pics appreciated when you're ready Steph...

22 years ago you signed on the dotted line DJ - that signature amounted to signing a blank check, payable in full with your life should the military require it.

Today, July 2nd, 2010, that check is now null and void, paid in full with honorable service.

Congratulations and thank you for paying the price for our freedom.

Cat

Patience is not my strong point.

PICTURES DAMMIT.....PICTURES

Love
Don

seaworthy wrote on Jul 2^nd, 2010 at 11:11am:

Patience is not my strong point. PICTURES DAMMIT.....PICTURES Love Don

Yep - what he said.  I have zero patience!  Where are the damned pictures!!! ;)

START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGESTART PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

DJ,
I don't think there is anything I could say here that hasn't been said by everyone else. But... I'll try.  ;)

So I will just say THANK YOU for your service to our Country, and I wish you, Steph, Brandon and Conner all the best in your retirement, and the golden years to come. You have done great things, and may they return to you tenfold.

I remember back when you said you just created this site to see if you could find anyone else who suffered with Clusters. THANK YOU for creating this site over 12 years ago, and bringing all of us who once suffered confused and alone in our unique malady together; letting each of us know we are NOT alone.
Without this site, many of us may still be suffering the ignorance of doctors, and some of us may not still be here today. As iron sharpens iron, this group, as dysfunctional as it can be at times, have learned from one another tips on how to stretch Imitrex, major triggers, o2, alternative therapies and so forth. Had you not created this site, alot of people would be still in the dark and feeling like they are the only ones who have this. I consider you both a hero, and a friend

Peace, Love and Future,
Carl D

Wow... just... wow.  I'm very embarrassed to say that this is the first time I've had the opportunity to read this thread.

It humbles me to read all of the nice things you folks have posted to me and my family in this thread.  I am honored to have served for the past 22 years protecting and defending this great Nation.  If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing!

Knowing and sharing with you all for the past 12 years has played a direct role in making me the man I am today and I THANK YOU for that.

I'm looking forward to what the future holds for me and my family, as well as for our online family here on clusterheadaches.com.  It's going to be an exciting time!

Below are a couple of my favorite pictures from the ceremony Thursday.  The rest can be seen on Facebook at START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart...

DJ

Steph receiving her certificates
START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGESTART PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

A dad and his son...
START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGESTART PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Mom
START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGESTART PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Grandpa
START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGESTART PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Brandon on the way home from the ceremony
START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGESTART PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Thanks for the pictures.


A good life around you beckoned.          Congrats.      :)

Congrats DJ and good luck on your new adventure.

with warm regards,
Tony