Offutt to host Retiree Appreciation Day

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. James M. Hodgman
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  Many of America's warriors of the past will gather here Oct. 18 to get the latest information, renew their identification cards and so much more. Offutt officials have invited them to say thank you for their service. 

Offutt is scheduled to host a Retiree Appreciation Day at the Offutt Field House Oct. 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event, open to all military retirees and spouses to include surviving spouses, will feature information booths set up by numerous base agencies, as well as organizations of interest to military retirees. 

55th Wing Commander Brig. Gen. John N.T. Shanahan is scheduled to speak at the event and said it's important to honor America's retired servicemembers. 

"It's so important that we take time to recognize the sacrifices and contributions of our military retirees," General Shanahan said. "Our military retirees paved the way for today's Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines." 

"Those who came before us won World War I and World War II, they fought hard in Korea and Vietnam, and more recently achieved victory in Desert Storm," General Shanahan said. "Others have contributed to operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere around the globe." 

The general stressed it's because of the courage and dedication of the military members of the past that enable today's servicemembers, as well as civilians to enjoy the freedoms they do. 

"It's because of their commitment to the ideals that our nation has always held so dear that we are able to enjoy so much today ... it would be a grave injustice for us not to honor them," General Shanahan said. 

"If you're a military retiree or a retiree family member, I invite you to come out to Offutt on Oct. 18 and take advantage of all that Retiree Appreciation Day has to offer. If you're not a retiree but are a member of the Offutt family, I invite you to take every available opportunity to thank a retiree or veteran in your community," the general said. 

Retired Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James M. McCoy, said he's been coming to Offutt's Retiree Appreciation Day for the past 10 years and he's looking forward to the 2009 event. 

"I look forward to the event every year," Chief McCoy said. "It's a great opportunity for retirees to get together and get the most up-to-date information and take care of things they need to get taken care of." 

Chief McCoy also said he appreciates the respect Offutt shows to the retired community, and hopes it continues. 

"So many people forget about our retirees," Chief McCoy said. "We didn't get to where we are overnight, servicemembers of the past served during the Cold War, WWI, WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam conflict," Chief McCoy said. "It's important to acknowledge their service and make sure they know they're not forgotten," he added. 

By simply having an event like Retiree Appreciation Day, Offutt is showing tremendous support for the servicemembers who served before those who serve today, Chief McCoy said. 

Last year about 1,200 people attended Retiree Appreciation Day and organizers are expecting the same turnout this year. 

"We've mailed out more than 29,000 invitations to retirees from Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota," said Master Sgt. Timothy W. Woodard, superintendent for the 55th Maintenance Operations Squadron. 

"We're hoping to have the same amount of attendees this year but, we'd like to encourage all retirees in the local area to attend," Sergeant Woodard said. 

Those who attend Offutt's Retiree Appreciation Day will have the opportunity to hear briefings from many organizations including Tricare, the Airman and Family Readiness Center, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Survivor Benefits and Casualty Office. 

Also, attendees will be able to hear briefings they've missed as they will be recorded and played back throughout the event. 

During the event, retirees also will be able to renew their identification cards as shuttle buses will transport them from the field house to the military personnel flight throughout the event. Shuttle buses will also transport retirees to the legal office where they can create a will or file other necessary paper work. Tours of the base will also be provided. 

Parking for the event will be available in the field house parking lot. 

For more information about Offutt's 2009 Retiree Appreciation Day, contact the Retiree Activities Office at (402)-294-2590.