The only diploma that comes with a separation physical and a reenlistment code. The class ring is the DD-214 itself: the original in a fire safe, a copy in the glovebox, the member 4 copy in a folder for whoever asks next. The alumni association meets at the VFW, and nobody there needs the acronyms explained. The dues went in as field days, duty weekends and one more deployment than the recruiter mentioned, and the receipt has your dates, your awards and box 27, which you still look up. Wear it on Veterans Day, take the free pancakes, and slide the form across the counter one more time when the cashier asks for proof.

THE DEBRIEF

A crest with no circle: DD-214 ALUMNI arches across the top, DUES PAID IN FULL across the bottom. In the middle, a grinning skull in a jungle boonie hat, chin down, eyes lost under the brim, over two crossed suppressed carbines with optics and lights. A star at each side. Engraved line work, distressed lettering.