The Chronobox is designed to narrate your career as it happened.
Your career timeline is the heart of the Chronobox. “Chrono” is short for chronological. The Chronobox turns the traditional shadowbox into your career’s “time-box”.
Details of the Chronobox —
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From the date of your oath to the date of separation or retirement, every milestone is captured. Dates of promotions, to dates of assignments and deployments,
The alternating gray line at center depicts each assignment duration while the blue sub-line depicts each deployment duration. Both correspond to the 5-year incremented timeline above.
Sources: SURF, deployed service medal awards, dates of rank, separation/ retirement orders, DD214
__________Note: Dates are omitted if unknown.
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Each assignment is detailed with the base/post, location, unit patch and dates assigned.
There is a world map in the background. Every attempt is made to accurately map each assignment and deployment illustrated on the timeline below.
Sources: SURF, deployed service medal awards, deployment orders
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Note 1: Unit patches change over time and some retired patches pre-date digital imagery. Unit patches can be created from scratch assuming a photo or drawing is provided ahead of time.
Note 2: Temporary Duty (TDY) is not included in the Chronobox due to their typically short durations and frequency. Long term TDYs can be included on a case-by case basis though It is recommended they be omitted entirely given the complexity they add to the graphic.
Note 3: Map accuracy is affected by other Chronobox elements, if two element cannot be de-conflicted, the map illustration is always secondary and will move as needed for visual balance.
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Awards and decorations include various medals, service ribbons, devices, and special badges.
The Chronobox presents your awards and decorations in two distinct groups. Decorations as anodized, 24k gold, miniature medals and your service awards as ribbons, both affixed with any respective devices. Each is labeled, with number of times awarded if more than once, and mounted in order of precedence.
Sources: vMPF Awards/myDecs, decoration narrative, DD214
__________Note 1: Personnel records are often inaccurate, your Chronobox will reflect whatever awards you wish to have included.
Note 2: Some medals are limited and not for resale. If you wish to have them included, you will need to mail your personal version to be mounted prior to production.
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Military badges signify career field rating, qualification, and skill level unique to each specialty code (AFSC/MOS/NSS). They can also include special duty assignments during one’s career. It is common that you may have been awarded multiple military badges.
The Chronobox is designed to accommodate multiple duty badges. The example shown includes four badges. Each is labeled with the respective title, specialty code and if applicable, serial number.
Sources: SURF, DD214
__________Note: Some badges are limited and not for resale, if you wish to have them included, you will need to mail your personal version to be mounted prior to Chronobox production.
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A feature of the Chronobox is the depiction of three photos in the upper right corner. This is a favorite detail as people always enjoy seeing you mature through the years.
Photos are present chronologically, and label with the respective rank and year taken.
Sources: Hopefully you have many to choose from.
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Note: Photos must be of high quality and significant resolution as not to appear blurry or pixelated. -
Every Chronobox is as unique as the person it represents. To maintain the principles of graphic design and the proven appeal of the Chronobox, the infographic does not vary in layout, font selection, or color scheme. Though some customization is possible.
The example includes illustration of two aircraft and an air traffic control tower near the medal and ribbon sections. This space is optionally available for customization to reflect a member’s unique experience and preferences.
Requests to customize will be attempted as long as the request does not detract from the surrounding elements and can be done in a balanced and tasteful manner. Complex or time consuming customizations may incur an additional fee.
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The solid wood frame measures 22 x 18 x 1 13/16” and is of the highest craftsmanship. It is finished in matte black with silver pin striping.
Featuring UV protected acrylic glass to reduce breakage and the affects of fading over time.
The infographic is printed on acid-free, 305g weight fine art paper for the brightest, longest lasting print possible. We print with HP ChromaLife 100+ ink designed to help withstand common, everyday conditions that can cause a photo to fade for up to 100 years.
24k medals, awards and devices are mechanically mounted to ensure they do not fall off overtime or by normal handling.
All components are assembled and sealed to minimize the entrance of debris and dust.
The frame is finished with high quality hanging hardware to ensure secure mounting.
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$850 (plus tax for CA residents only)
Generic commercial shadowboxes typically cost $500-$700, these include no, or often very limited customization. Alternatively, custom frames and higher quality shadowboxes easily push toward $1000.
The Chronobox is an exceptional value in that it not only includes all the traditional items (rank, medals ect.), but at the heart of the Chronobox is the custom infographic that tells your story.
It is also made of the highest quality materials and is assembled by mechanically mounting all items which further ensures quality and longevity (no hot-glue guns here).
Finally, the price does not vary according to the number of medals you have, and it includes shipping! *
Bottom line, I guarantee your you will be exceedingly proud of your Chronobox!
* Though rare, additional fees maybe required.
Chronobox Production — average 3-weeks
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Step 1 is the Order Consultation. Start your order by scheduling a free, no-obligation consultation using the Schedule Consultation Button on this page.
During the Order Consultation, we will go over the production process and timeline. We will discuss the requested career information, any customization requests and any questions you may have.
After the Order Consultation, you collect the requested career information and photos.
Once you have everything ready to submit, you return to this page and schedule Step 2, the Submission Consultation.
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Step 2 is the Submission Consultation. During your scheduling of the Submission Consultation, you will be asked to upload the requested career information and photos.
Scheduling also requires you pay a $250 deposit. This deposit pays for review of your submitted information and the draft infographic to be created.
Note: Deposits are credited to your final cost invoice.
During the consultation I will have already reviewed the career information and photos you uploaded. We will discuss any missing information, gaps, and special concerns and settle on what will, and will not be included. Before the consultation ends, we will schedule Step 3, the Proofing Consultation.
Within 3-business days after Step 2 - Submission Consultation, I will create your draft infographic and I will email a link for your review. Please take the time to review the file and note any errors and required changes before the scheduled Step 3 - Proofing Consultation.
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Step 3 is the Proof Consultation. During the Proof Consultation, we will review the infographic, identify errors, and discuss change requests. Minor edits will be corrected during the meeting.
If no major changes are required, you will approve the infographic for production during the consultation. Otherwise, approval will take place via email after all changes are complete and accepted by you.
Upon your approval of the draft infographic, you will receive a Production Invoice for the remaining balance of your order. Upon receipt of the paid invoice, production will begin.
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Step 4 is Production and Delivery. Within 4-business days of proof approval and/or invoice payment, your Chronobox will be produced, boxed and shipped.
Note: Delays may be encountered depending on military medal and device availability or delivery of any items you may be forwarding for inclusion.
Shipping is from California and takes 3-5 days to the continental US. Express shipping is available for an additional fee if requested.