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Retiree Appreciation Day is May 18

Jim Smith, 92nd Force Support Squadron retiree activities office director, speaks with his group of retirees at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., May 3, 2012. The RAO acts as an interface between the active duty and retired communities. It keeps retirees and their families informed on matters related to their military status. It provides important information and vital services on issues regarding TRICARE, military ID cards, survivor benefits, death reporting and much more. The staff at the RAO are all volunteers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Scott King/Released)

Retiree Appreciation Day is May 18

Published May 9, 2012
By Scott King
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- The Retiree Activities Office here will be hosting a Retiree Appreciation Day May 18. All retirees and their families are encouraged to attend. The event will be held at the Deel Community Center from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. There will be a briefing by the base commander or his representative. Among others, staff from the 92nd Medical Group, Base Exchange, Commissary, Veterans Administration, Red Cross and Eastern Washington Veterans Cemetery will be on-hand to talk about their programs and answer any questions or problems retirees may have.

"This day in where retirees are recognized for their service to our country by those who are still serving," said Jim Smith, 92nd Force Support Squadron Retiree Activities Office director. "Agencies both on and off the base are brought in to provide the latest information to the retirees about changes in policy and benefits that may affect them. It gives the retirees a chance to interact with these agencies while in one location."

There will be cookies and coffee available. Attendees will be on their own for lunch. The Base Exchange, the Fun Spot or Burger King are options for meals.

"We hope the attendees will leave with a sense that they are still part of the military family and their service was appreciated," Smith said. "Hopefully they will also come away realizing the RAO is a valuable resource to each and every one of them - we continually seek ways to provide information to retirees throughout the year, and this is a great avenue for them."

The Deel Community Center is located at West 5 Bong St. When entering the base through the main gate, continue straight on Mitchell Ave to Bong St. Turn right onto Bong, go one block. The Deel Community Center will be the first building on the left.