What do you think of displaying military awards at work or on holidays?

[Kenyth]

The worst thing you can do is display political stuff. The second worst is your hero wall. Mine is as impressive as most, but I've found in 20 years of Dilbert zone, the military stuff takes away more than it contributes. We contributed, and we're a minority. Of those who didn't server, some could not, but far more than you know would not - I call em "Melvins". Even the Melvins who are grateful don't want their noses rubbed in it. More likely than not, Melvin is your boss.

I keep a USS Robert E Lee coffee cup on the shelf above my desk. I wear a miniature pair of submarine dolphins on my collar once a year.

A very interesting take on things. It's sad that pride in military service has declined so. I worked here for quite a few years before putting anything but my pen holder plaque up, just in case. I figured that, plus finishing my degree, would reinforce the idea that I'm ready for a leadership position now that the Manager has been promoted to AVP. So far, I've had a pretty good response to the display. My bosses refer to it as "The War Museum". They're pretty good guys, so I'm lucky I guess. Reading about the "Veterans Pride Initiative" from the VA is what got me going on it.

[ggiese]

A very interesting take on things. It's sad that pride in military service has declined so. I worked here for quite a few years before putting anything but my pen holder plaque up, just in case. I figured that, plus finishing my degree, would reinforce the idea that I'm ready for a leadership position now that the Manager has been promoted to AVP. So far, I've had a pretty good response to the display. My bosses refer to it as "The War Museum". They're pretty good guys, so I'm lucky I guess. Reading about the "Veterans Pride Initiative" from the VA is what got me going on it.

I very much agree with what Bruce said. Seriously - you don't need to display your wares in order to be recognized. Those "things" you have in your possession were little reminders of the good things you were doing while you served - what you did to earn them is truly what should be on display. Do not display them because you want a promotion - instead, display the abilities you've learned on a day to day basis and be grateful the military taught you the kinds of things that set you apart from others.

Display your momentos because they mean something to you. You should look at them every day and be inspired by what it took to earn them. No one but you truly knows what you sacrificed - and you'll never be able to fully explain it with words.

[cinda]

I agree with GG. I work in an environment that would promote and cherish all the sacrifice anyone did serving in the military. But the one guy in the place that has his space full up with military things award etc he is somewhat talked about as obsessed with it. "military come first and he tries to fix his job in there somewhere." That just takes off because a person in his dept is irritated with it all and begins to gossip. The office is better decorated in tune with the rest of the environment you work around, with some stress free personal accents. I personally like to post the agency's mission statement to leave that team spirit effect. Good Luck in what ever you choose!

[Kenyth]

I've got up a combination of things. Family photos, Notre Dame stuff, challenge coins, technical certifications, and my medal certificates, plus a few small interesting gulf war trinkets. Maybe it's time to stop huh? I have enough cerificates of acheivement to fill the walls if I wanted to. If you volunteer for special duties, you tend to get a lot of them. Anyone who's been in can relate to this I'm sure.

I think maybe, in the future, a shadow box would be the best answer. It's much smaller than the certificates. It's just that those things are so expensive to put together if you buy all new sta-brite quality stuff to go in them. I guess I could put one together with my existing medals. That would shave quite a bit off the price.

[NullSmurf]

I've got up a combination of things. Family photos, Notre Dame stuff, challenge coins, technical certifications, and my medal certificates, plus a few small interesting gulf war trinkets. Maybe it's time to stop huh? I have enough cerificates of acheivement to fill the walls if I wanted to. If you volunteer for special duties, you tend to get a lot of them. Anyone who's been in can relate to this I'm sure.

I think maybe, in the future, a shadow box would be the best answer. It's much smaller than the certificates. It's just that those things are so expensive to put together if you buy all new sta-brite quality stuff to go in them. I guess I could put one together with my existing medals. That would shave quite a bit off the price.

Answer this question: who is it for? If the memorabilia is for you, chose the one (military) item that means the most to you. For me, its the coffee cup. If the answer is that you want others to see what you've accomplished, I'd say the shadow box. I recommend you keep any other decorations relative to your alma mater and to work. Whatever your choice, keep it modest. Cinda's post above is an extreme example of what I'm cautioning about.

One unit I served with is instantly recognizable. I found that people tended to pre-judge me based on that service. I prefer to let folks figure out who I am all by themselves, so I rarely speak of it. I've been with my current employer for 10 years and I doubt anyone knows.