Fairchild hosting Retiree Appreciation Day Published June 9, 2011 By Mr. Scott King 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- The Retiree Activities Office at Fairchild will be hosting a Retiree Appreciation Day Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Deel Community Center. All retirees and their families are encouraged to attend. There will be a briefing by the base commander or his representative. People from the 92nd Medical Group, the Base Exchange, the Commissary, the Veterans Administration and Eastern Washington Veterans Cemetery will be there to talk about their programs and to answer any questions or problems retirees may have. 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. There will be cookies and coffee available. Attendees will be on their own for lunch. The BX, the Funspot, Burger King or the Warrior Dining Hall will be available for meals. "This day gives our retirees a chance to hear about the latest in health care and other areas that affect their life," said Mr. Jim Smith, Fairchild Retiree Activities Office director. "There will be people from Veteran affairs, the Veterans Hospital, the Military Health System at the RAD to provide them information and assistance." The RAO on Fairchild is located at 7 West Arnold St, Bldg 2040, Suite 109. The office is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. They can be reached by phone at (509) 247-5359 or email; 92fss.rao@us.af.mil. The Satellite RAO is located at 825 Jadwin Ave, Room 138 in Richland, WA. The office is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. They can be reached at (509) 376-7588 or email; military_rao@rl.gov. If people would like to receive updates from the RAO about current issues or upcoming events/activities for retirees send a email with "ADD" in the subject line. "The RAD affords retirees a day of recognition for their service," Mr Smith said. "It helps the retirees reconnect with the active duty service -- it's a way to remember their contribution and service." The Retiree Activities Office here acts as an interface between the active duty and retired communities. It keeps retirees and their loved ones 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 RAO also maintains a list of phone numbers, Web sites and e-mail addresses to assist retirees in their issues.