Sticker Club

I'm back home  (yea!) after 10 days on the road, visiting my in-laws for the holidays.  I rented a car because my car may or may not be reliable for such a long trip.  During the 2150 miles I've driven the rental car, I noticed an interesting thing:  I missed my military stickers.  I didn't actual enter any military bases during my trip, so it wasn't I'm going to have to go into the pass office and
get a temporary pass and this is a pain.  It was more along the lines of an imaginary conversation that I have with other cars:  Hey, you're military?  So are we.  Have a nice day!   Those stickers identify you as part of the club. 

One time, when passing a distressed vehicle on the side of a smallish road, I noticed the out-of-state plates and wondered if I should offer assistance.  I don't often stop to help people, but it was a mini-van with car seats, stuck on the side of a bridge on a busy road during the day.  It wasn't until I passed and saw the military stickers on the car that I knew for sure what I needed to do. They didn't need my help, but I'm glad I asked and hopefully they appreciated the offer.  We military folks need to look out for each other!  Plus, I'm sure I'm not the only person who has had a conversation based upon someone's stickers.  "Fort Nowhere?  When were you there?  Did you know Such-And-Such?  We were there right before you!"

I've heard that the Air Force is doing away with stickers altogether, and I understand some of the reasoning.  I hope the Navy doesn't follow along, because I think I'd feel lonely without those stickers.

Comments

[Guard Guy's Gal]

I was actually a bit sad when the AF did away with the stickers. I've always seen them as a sort of Badge of Honor. Like you said, part of the club. I grew up a Brat, so I've always had a sticker on my vehicle. The only exception was the 7 months between buying my own vehicle after graduating college and marrying Guard Guy. I was even excited the day I got to put my new sticker on my new truck, it made it complete. I recently bought a new vehicle and honestly didn't know what to do. I stopped at the Visitor Center the first morning I drove the new truck on Base. The gal working the desk said I didn't even need to get a temporary pass. I headed to the gate anyway, ID in hand and a completely empty windshield, not really convinced they were going to let me through. It's been a few months now, and while it's gotten a bit easier, and I'm more sure they're not going to turn me away, I still feel like I've lost something... I no longer have my Badge of Honor. People I pass don't know I belong to the military family, they can't know the pride I take in that. Honestly though, the hardest adjustment has been in scraping my windows in the morning. I still take extra care in the corner where the sticker should be so I don't accidentally scrape it off.

[Apryl]

They stopped with stickers about 3 years ago here...AFB is our closest base. I used to love going to Pendleton (I worked at the Scuba Shop on post) using my Dad's truck with his O-4/5 stickers on it. I got some nice salutes and odd faces as I drove through the gate. LOL

Although when we went to Ft Hooeychooey a few months ago we didn't have to get a visitor pass for our rental..nor when we were up at Ft Lewis. Thought that was odd.

I think the last time I had to get a visitor pass was when DH was at Command School at Ft Lost in the Woods.

I do know the Navy is still on top of that stuff...we were in Guam with the rental and they were all up in our shiznit.

[Laura, A Military Mom]

When you are only the parent you don't get the stickers, but #1 Son knew we liked people to know we had Military Sons and he got us license plate holders that say "US ARMY...Proud Dad and Proud Mom" So no matter what Vehicle we drive people know we are those proud parents. #3 Son never did find any that say US Air Force for us so we represent the two in the Army! :)

[Wifeunit]

I *totally* have those conversations in my head while driving. Even in a pretty high military population area where you see them a lot, I still smile and feel a sense of community.