Received a giant retirement certificate from the Marine Corps this past weekend. The package also contained an official “U.S. Marine Corps – Retired” lapel pin.

Turns out this is the same certificate even retiring generals receive.

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Received my first orders to appear for the temporary disability retired list (TDRL) periodic physical examination (PPE) this week.

I am to report to Bethesda Naval Hospital by the end of June 2010 to “determine any change in the condition for which I was placed on the TDRL.” As you may remember reading, those on the TDRL must be evaluated every 18 months in order to retain their pay and benefits. I’ll be scheduling my trip for the end of May, the only time I have off between Spring and Summer semesters. I’m actually looking forward to it. Unlike some civilian physicians, Navy physicians always appreciate the magnitude of my injury and seem to have a better understanding of my situation, though I’m not sure why.