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Retirees celebrated during appreciation day

Col. Ryan Samuelson, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander, speaks to retirees during the opening remarks at the Retiree Appreciation Day event Oct. 14, 2016, at the Red Morgan Center at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. “You are an important part of our community, you’re an important part of our base and an important part of our heritage,” Samuelson said. “Thank you for your service, this day is for you.” (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Taylor Shelton)

Retirees celebrated during appreciation day

Retirees speak with a representative from Fleet Reserve Association during the Retiree Appreciation Day event Oct. 14, 2016, at the Red Morgan Center at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. The event included multiple booths from different agencies to explain their services, including: Veterans Affairs, base legal, American Legion and Tricare. During the event four informational presentations about Tricare, ID cards, legal assistance and casualty assistance were given. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Taylor Shelton)

Retirees celebrated during appreciation day

Published Oct. 17, 2016
By Airman 1st Class Taylor Shelton
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- The Retirees Activities Office held an appreciation day for emeritus armed forces members and their families here at the Red Morgan center Oct. 14.

The event included multiple booths from different agencies to explain their services, such as: Veterans Affairs, Base Legal, American Legion and Tricare. During the event, four informational presentations about Tricare, ID cards, legal assistance and casualty assistance were given.

“We are here to celebrate the service of our retirees,” said Jim Smith, RAO director and retired Army sergeant major. “We want to provide them with information pertaining to their health care and other amenities the base has for them.”

The RAO acts as a liaison between the active duty and retired communities. It helps rely information and services on issues regarding Tricare, military ID cards, survivor benefits, death reporting and much more.

“It is important that the retirees feel appreciated,” Smith said. “The goal is to bring them together and make them feel welcome on base, because they are still part of the service.”

According to Col. Ryan Samuelson, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander, there are more than 16,000 retirees within a 150 mile radius of Spokane.

“You are an important part of our community, you’re an important part of our base and an important part of our heritage,” Samuelson said. “Thank you for your service, this day is for you.”

For more information on the Retirees Activity Office and the services they provide, contact Jim Smith at (509) 247-5359.