OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Offutt is scheduled to host its 48th Annual Retiree Appreciation Day Oct. 16 at the Base Exchange from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will offer a variety of free services to retirees, spouses, widows and widowers including immunizations, identification card assistance and legal services.
The event, sponsored by the Offutt Retiree Activities Office and the result of the Retiree Activities Program established by Headquarters, U.S. Air Force, is aimed at serving military retirees and their families while supporting, advancing and unifying the retired and active military families.
Col. George “Marty” Reynolds, 55th Wing commander, will kick-off the day with remarks during a ceremony also scheduled to include an invocation, the presentation of colors, playing of the national anthem.
“Air Force retirees - more than 695,000 retirees, spouses and surviving spouses living throughout the world - are a valued component of our force and community," Col. David Berg, 55th Wing vice commander and Active Duty Coordinator for the Offutt RAO said. “Offutt has the honor of hosting this event annually to show our retiree community how much we appreciate them. We can’t thank them enough for their dedicated service and sacrifice, and in many cases, continued service. Through their volunteerism, retirees are often a force-multiplier on the base and in the community.”
Participants can take part in activities and attractions including raffle prizes; more than 20 booths set up at the Base Exchange including the 55th Medical Group, who will be administering flu shots, and booths featuring TRICARE, Veteran’s Affairs and the Red Cross representatives.
According to Senior Master Sgt. Janna Kuh, 55th Force Support Squadron and event organizer, besides the services offered during the event, it also provides an opportunity for the retiree community to come together, share memories, and enjoy each other's company.
“Our retiree community has a wealth of experience and knowledge that can be valuable to their fellow retirees and currently-serving members,” Kuh said. “In addition to providing valuable information regarding current affairs within the respective service branches; current legislative efforts on behalf of retirees; current medical information; and services and activities available on base, we hope they will take time to reconnect with each other and offer insight to those who are following in their footsteps.”
Shuttle buses will be available to transport retirees to the I.D. card office, now located in building 49, as well as the legal and finance offices. Some of these facilities offer limited parking, so utilizing the courtesy transportation is highly encouraged.
The Offutt RAO serves as liaison between base functions and military retirees living in the greater-Omaha and surrounding community encompassing Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri.
The United States Air Force Retiree Activities Program was established in 1975 and functions as a staff agency and comes under the organizational control of the 55th Wing.
For additional information contact the Offutt Retiree Activities Office at (402) 294-4566.