As many of you know, I recently retired (am still on Terminal Leave, actually).  I'm still bumbling my way around MacDill trying to get all of my "out processing" done so I can really say I'm done.  From my point of view, there are only a few very critical things that you need to make sure aren't dropped:

1.  Pay...duh.  Make sure you treat those kids at Finance very well, so they treat you well.

2.  Security Clearance...if you're like me and have a clearance, then make sure you properly out process your workcenter so your Security Office has no reason to pull your clearance because you didn't play nice.

3.  Medical...this is probably the most important, and biggest PITA as well.  I've been "boringly healthy" (as Bill Farnand would say!) for the last 26 years, but now I'm trying to get tests done and entered in my records just in case things should go awry further down the road.  The way the hospital is, it's taking quite some time (and a little resistance) to be seen.  Don't make the same mistake I did - start early, and make sure everything is documented.

4.  AMVETS - this is also very important.  We have an AMVETS representative on MacDill - he's a great guy named Vince Roberson.  He's located at the Retiree Activities Office (next to the Commissary).  If you're filing a disability claim with the VA, you want AMVETS to handle it for you.  Vince will go through your medical records and get your claim rolling.  He can be reached through the MacDill VA Clinic, the Retiree Activities Office or through email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

MacDill supposedly runs one of the best TAP (transition assistance program) seminars in the DoD.  For your consideration, here's their entire TAP program from their CD, available through our web site here.

I haven't confirmed all the links yet, but there's a huge amount of information and checklists available for your SA (situational awareness).