JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Thousands of retirees from the local area have been invited to the upcoming Retiree Appreciation Day scheduled at The Club at Andrews Saturday, Nov. 7 beginning at 7:30 a.m.
"We are looking forward to this year's Retiree Appreciation Day where our community can come together and learn the latest in retiree issues, including legislation that affects the retiree community," said Senior Master Sgt. (USAF ret.) John Neves, 316th Wing Retiree Activities Office director.
The day will start off with a Health Fair hosted by the 779th Medical Group.
"Folks look forward to our having the seasonal flu shot so retirees will be able to get their shots, their blood pressure taken, have a vision test and be able to speak with health professionals one-on-one," explained Mr. Neves.
At 9 a.m. will be the posting of colors along with an introduction of distinguished guests, including Maj. Gen. Ralph Jodice, Air Force District of Washington commander, who will welcome retirees to the event, and Col. Lee dePalo, 316 WG/Joint Base Andrews vice commander, who will provide an update on Andrews' transition from an Air Force base to Joint Base Andrews.
Other Retiree Appreciation Day sessions include a briefing on medical care at MGMC presented by Col. Robert Miller, 779 MDG commander and a Space Available travel briefing provided by Andrews Passenger Flight personnel.
"With both Colonel dePalo and Colonel Miller giving briefings, this will be the retirees' opportunity to ask pointed questions about what is - and what is not - happening at Andrews and MGMC," explained Mr. Neves.
Other presenters will provide information regarding current events.
"I'm pleased to announce that between 11:15 and 11:45 a.m. we'll have a legislative briefing with Col. (USAF ret.) Phil Odom of the Military Officers' Association of America. This is always a topic that our retiree community looks forward to. He'll provide us with all the latest information that affects the retiree community," he said.
Lillian Powell will provide a Defense Finance and Accounting Service briefing, as well.
"Ms. Powell, the DFAS representative, will have her computer with her and retirees with financial questions will be able to find out the answers to their questions right away. This is a huge opportunity for our retirees to be able to get the answers they need right on the spot," Mr. Neves explained.
The Retiree Appreciation Day's keynote speaker is Lt. Gen. (USAF ret.) Donald Peterson, who served a seven-year tenure as the Air Force Retiree Council co-chairman and, according to Mr. Neves, is well aware of retirees' needs.
A buffet luncheon is available for $8 per person and there will be complimentary coffee and Danish thanks to donations from Andrews Federal Credit Union and Johns Hopkins Medical Health Service.
The base Retiree Activities Office provides services to local retirees in the area as well as answers inquiries from retiree personnel from around the world.
"We're here to help," said Mr. Neves. "Just because we're retired doesn't mean we no longer serve our country. We still proudly serve our retirees, the base and our country."
For more information, call 301-981-2726.