20 plus years removed from trucking

When I was single I did exactly what you're wishing to do. Make no mistake, most of the time you're gonna be on a tight schedule but there will be opportunities for enjoying the sights.
When my boy is with me I take 34's and we go to a local amusement park or some zip lining.

 

In your shoes I would never consider trucking. Retiring just to work 70 hours a week? That don’t sound all that great.

I’d go one of two ways. I’d either get a camper and explore the us. Or just as soon as international travel restrictions are lifted I’d be on a plane to south east Asia where you can live like a king on your retirement. Fifteen hundred bucks a month is enough for two people to live well nearly anywhere in the Philippines and most of the people are reasonably fluent in English. Set up a home base in Dumagete or Valencia and spend your weekends island hopping and snorkeling.

 

What's the difference in money for an early retirement vs sticking around a couple more years?

 

go socialsecurtiy.gov and punch your numbers in and it will tell you exactly how much at what yr. it's somewhere around $3-500/yr the longer you wait.

wait until 70 and get the max.

if you think you'll live to enjoy it afterwards

 

Is that your military pension?

 

Excellent!