Army Vet Asked to Fund Retirement Gift After Getting Nothing

I retired from the Army reserve after 22 years in the summer of 2024. I got nothing as a parting gift from any level (unit, BN, BDE, etc.). I didn’t really care. I was just happy to be retired and have put that phase of my life behind me.

This past week I was asked over text by the same guys who couldn’t be bothered to give me so much as a certificate of appreciation on a piece of A4 if I wanted to contribute to a gift for another guy who is retiring soon. They plan to get him a 1911.

I told them I would but kind of jokingly reminded him I didn’t even get a used Starbucks gift card when I left. I didn’t get a reply. Waited a couple days and let him know that I really wasn’t trying to be an ass if it had seemed like it but that I was caught a little off guard being asked to contribute to such a gift after having received nothing and that it was a bit of a gut punch.

I’ve still heard nothing back. It’s not like these guys are just casual acquaintances. I’ve deployed to the Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, etc. with these guys and a couple even stood at my wedding. Known a few of them for nearly 20 years. I still have heard nothing at all. Just crickets.

So AITA for reminding the same people asking me to contribute to a pretty significant retirement gift that they got me nothing. I did chip in and throw $100 in the Venmo. And still nothing.

\- edited for a typo

\- Edit # 2 for those who keep asking why I sent money and for those who will. I’ve spent a decent bit of my life in some pretty shitty places with the guy they’re organizing this for. One of the best guys out there. Sure he’s one of the guys that could have done something when I left but me leaving empty handed doesn’t mean he should. I’m happy to contribute. I simply pointed out a fact when asked to do so.