Help me find a gift for my Air Force grandpa...

I've got an idea for a gift for my grandpa, but it's pretty average. My mother (his daughter-in-law) suggested that I get him some History Channel DVDs, about WWII or the Korean War (which he is a veteran of.)

And that's fine, but I'd like to get him something special and memorable. He's in his late 70's now, and I'd like to give him something that he'll remember for a long time.

The little bit that I know of his Air Force career is that he was an in-flight mechanic. He was one of the guys that flew on many a mission just in case shit went wrong in mid-air. In my humble opinion...pretty badass.

I don't really have a budget, because I don't know what I'm looking for. So give me some ideas!

Thanks!

 

Make him a Shadow box like this with all his rank, awards, etc. I made this for my buddy when he retired and put a tear in his eye.

 

For some reason TSgt was a Mother-F to make...but once you make TSgt..MSgt is pretty easy.

 

all the way to major, that's awesome

 

Depends on what's available and your budget. Can you find his old service photos? Shadowbox is a very good idea and never fails. Find out what kind of plane he worked on, and maybe buying a large salvage piece, painting it, and maybe etch it with his service dates, places, etc. (like an old prop) Another cool one is maybe restoring his old service dress uniform. (just make sure no one suggests using it for his funeral in front of him)
Do some research on his plane and you might even be able to find a specially made dvd on that specific job at that time.
Maybe looking up old service buddies, and organizing a reunion.

 

+1 on shadowbox.

 

You can always email the SECDEF and they will sign a letter thanking them for their service, or any living Pres will do it too