Calling all chief petty officers USN E7-9

Question

My brother just made his boards, will advance to E6 to E7. This is a big deal for an enlisted man, as I'm sure you know. He's in Key West and I am not so it's not like I can run next door and pat him on the back. What would be a good gift to celebrate this occasion? His rating is AWAC. Should I get a plaque from a navy gift store? gift certificate to beer of the month club?

Answer 1

You could get him a chief's anchor mounted to a plaque with the date he made it.

Answer 2

I think the plaques are tacky but that is just my taste.  Get him something he can actually use, the Navy gives everyone enough junk to hang on their walls.  The beer of the month thing sounds cool even though I don't drink but go with something like that, and a sincere congrats will do the job.

Answer 3

The most awesome gift I can think of is a model 1860 Navy CPO cutlass. They're expensive. Maybe your other family members could chip in. If you can get one and ship it to his Command Master Chief to have presented during the actual pinning ceremony on September 16th 'from his brother on behalf of all absent family members'. It would be a memorable moment. Ask that pictures be taken to share with the family members that donated.