92nd FSS RAO helps navigate life after retirement

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anneliese Kaiser
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

Whether you are a retiree or retiree beneficiary, the 92nd Force Support Squadron Retiree Activities Office is the point of contact to navigate life after service.

 

The RAO is Fairchild’s one-stop-shop for information about activities and benefits for retirees and their families.

 

“We can walk people through the many benefits available, in particular regarding those with limited-to-no computer access,” said Rouén Sterling, 92nd FSS RAO assistant director. “Since most everything is shifting to online, we fill in the gaps for people that need it, and it’s our honor to service those requests.”

 

The volunteer-run office serves by ensuring all the activities and benefits available are clearly communicated to the Fairchild retiree community, and their dependents.

 

“There may be times when a question isn’t straight-forward and a more in-depth reply may require some digging,” Sterling said. “We will get back with a reply after conferring with our network of knowledgeable peers that are on base and in the community.”

 

The RAO has connections with other agency liaisons, for the benefit of customer support.

 

“We are the go-to source for contacts in the support community,” Sterling said. “If a retiree, for instance, is in jeopardy of losing their house, we can find a contact to help.”

 

As for activities, the RAO tracks the latest information about on-base services such as the Fitness Center, thrift store, library, Commissary, Base Exchange, financial services, health care, wood shop, automotive center, outdoor recreation center, and space-available travel.

 

“[Retiring] we’ve all been there and we’ve all needed help at one time or another,” said Michael McGaughy, 92nd FSS RAO volunteer. “It’s a chance to help others in the same situation.”

 

The office which entirely consists of volunteers is dedicated to the mission of 92nd FSS: ‘Refueling the Fairchild community’ where they are held to the same standard as current military service members.

 

“We can make the retirees time on base more manageable by aiding them when their issues aren’t necessarily a quick fix,” Sterling said. “That’s what we are here for.”

 

For more information about retiree activities and benefits, or to volunteer for the RAO, call 509-247-5359 or stop by the office inside building 2040.