Random, Thoughts, X,XXIV

#30,652
#30,652
VolNExile said:
It’s like Walmart, but a different level of weirdness!

Seriously, for Those of Us of a Certain Age, it’s absolutely worth the membership fee, if only for this and for one year (well, through your warranty period.) $1500 contrasted to the more common $3000-$4000 elsewhere.
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Bought flooring for rentals at Costco....
 
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#30,654
#30,654
@DD4ME

I’m in ARNG aviation in TN. If your boy ever has questions about what things will be like once he gets to his unit I’ll gladly pass along my contact info. Basic Training is going to suck, but just play the game. His AIT will be a little better.

Aviation gets what’s called Additional Flight Training Periods which you can perform in addition to your regular weekend a month/2 weeks a summer. I think support personnel get 48 a year. It’s a great way to supplement your income and get proficient at your job. A good attitude will quickly get him considered for a flying crew chief slot. There are a lot of opportunities to get hired as a full time technician at the facility he’s assigned to at that point. Our motivated crew chiefs are often groomed to eventually put in a flight pocket as a warrant officer.
 
#30,661
#30,661
While I’m at it, and regardless of what 95 says, some general career advice since you said he’s looking to get a retirement out of this. The army has gone to what’s called the Blended Retirement System. A combination of pension and Thrift Savings Plan (gov equiv of 401k.) Guard and reserve pensions are calculated differently than Active Duty. You get points for each day you serve. To maximize your points, make sure to do every AFTP and volunteer for whatever schools or activation opportunities come available. For the TSP, contribute at the minimum 5% to get full government matching. Obviously the more you can do up to the maximum the better. Deployments to combat zones get tax free contributions and the limit is increased to something like 60k. Could really set himself up well with a couple of those and maxing it out if able. Your TSP defaults to a lifecycle fund now which auto manages your portfolio into less risky things the closer you get to retirement. That’s okay, but a young guy can afford to ride the highs and low. Most people recommend going 100% C fund or a blend of 80 C/20 S.
 
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#30,662
#30,662
Today’s CBS Morning Show is all about Charles Osgood, who died Jan. 23, 2024. It is comforting and fitting to witness such a remembrance. If I do live as long as my namesake forefather, it’s not likely that many of my peers will be around. Hopefully, my surviving family members will gather after my death, and hopefully, they’ll have some memories and stories of me to share. Shortly afterward, I’ll pass from conversation and be forgotten within a generation. If VN is still around, maybe Joe will use my Oil Can thread as a daily journal.

I miss you, MBRO.
 
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#30,663
#30,663
Jimmy Fallon is at his best when his guest is Justin Timberlake. Even if you don’t care for Fallon, he’s watchable when he’s with Timberlake.
 
#30,671
#30,671
Atlanta meteorologist, Ella Dorsey is recognized as a UGA grad and obnoxious fan, however, this morning, she’s wearing a gold and black dress - a Georgia Tech look. I wonder what bet she lost…
 
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