I need a suggestion!
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Join Date: Jan 2005
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I need a suggestion!
I have a close friend who is commissioned as a USAF officer next weekend. I've been trying to find a miniature RAF officers' sword to send him, but it seems they're not sold any more.
Someone, PLEASE, suggest an alternative gift! I've looked through books, fountain pens, memorabilia, and I can't think of anything that would be a good gift to a close friend at such an important time for him. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
t_e
Someone, PLEASE, suggest an alternative gift! I've looked through books, fountain pens, memorabilia, and I can't think of anything that would be a good gift to a close friend at such an important time for him. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
t_e
Join Date: Aug 2005
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Errr.... how about miniature USAF sword?
I'd have thought they are a whole lot easier to find on the internet. US military is very high profile over here, all kinds of mementoes available. Even in the local Walmart!
It would also be quicker to have it delivered over here from over here, and no customs issues with importing weapons. Yes, they are that anal...
Just a thought. Congratulations to your friend. Let him keep me safe.
I'd have thought they are a whole lot easier to find on the internet. US military is very high profile over here, all kinds of mementoes available. Even in the local Walmart!
It would also be quicker to have it delivered over here from over here, and no customs issues with importing weapons. Yes, they are that anal...
Just a thought. Congratulations to your friend. Let him keep me safe.
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RAF cuff links? Light and easy to post, and even Uncle Sam couldn't think they were a weapon, or could he?
Last edited by airborne_artist; 14th May 2006 at 13:25.
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How about a small American Flag (say about 18-24 inches wide) and pocket sized Bible. If you have photos of his family then you have it made. Remind him of why he serves....Family, God and Country. If he serves in a manner to honour all three he will be a success.
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Originally Posted by tablet_eraser
Cheers, Roadster - I wanted to give him something to keep me in mind, hence the RAF sword. I'll look into the USAF suggestion, though!
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I had a similar friend back in the 70s. I gave him my chip bag hat and he gave me his Zippo. I still have the Zippo and treasure it. I wonder what he used the chip bag for.
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Second the cufflinks suggestion, he can wear them with his mess dress uniform and remember you everytime he goes to a dining-in, etc.
However, some new officers are more timid when it comes to bending the rules and wearing unauthorized trinkets. But I knew guys who wore their father's mess dress ranks despite the fact that it was obvious they were not the latest version (darked color and a different button at the top). They would rather make a trip to the grog than not pay their respects...
Cheers! M2
However, some new officers are more timid when it comes to bending the rules and wearing unauthorized trinkets. But I knew guys who wore their father's mess dress ranks despite the fact that it was obvious they were not the latest version (darked color and a different button at the top). They would rather make a trip to the grog than not pay their respects...
Cheers! M2
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I'd definitely have gone for the cuff-links if your friend had been a Brit, but I think USAF officers have far fewer formal functions than we do, so he might not get to wear them often.
How about a silver tankard? Something suitable for his favourite drink, engraved along the lines of '2/Lt Joe Bloggs USAF - 27 May 2006 - Congratulations from tablet eraser'?
I guess the final answer largely depends on how much you wish to spend........
How about a silver tankard? Something suitable for his favourite drink, engraved along the lines of '2/Lt Joe Bloggs USAF - 27 May 2006 - Congratulations from tablet eraser'?
I guess the final answer largely depends on how much you wish to spend........
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
I have just checked the RAF Club catalogue. They have cufflinks, lapel pins, whisky tumblers, corkscrew, wallet etc. Nothing over £20.
The cufflinks are blue and gold enamel, £12.75. They are circular with the crown at the 12 o'clock and some bird's wings sticking out at 3 and 9
The cufflinks are blue and gold enamel, £12.75. They are circular with the crown at the 12 o'clock and some bird's wings sticking out at 3 and 9
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How about the USAF Academy Honour Code (Honor?) engraved on a brass plaque, the one that goes something like 'I will not lie, cheat or steal and will always dob on my mates'. Fortunately it usually gets forgotten on graduation, so this will be a suitable reminder of how daft he was to sign up to it.
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All sentimental rubbish.
Go out for a beer and talk about women and stuff... and then agree to do it all again next year and every year thereafter!
Oh, okay, the silver tankard gets my vote.
Go out for a beer and talk about women and stuff... and then agree to do it all again next year and every year thereafter!
Oh, okay, the silver tankard gets my vote.
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Originally Posted by SASless
How about a small American Flag (say about 18-24 inches wide) and pocket sized Bible. If you have photos of his family then you have it made. Remind him of why he serves....Family, God and Country. If he serves in a manner to honour all three he will be a success.