Offutt holds appreciation day for retired servicemembers

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Amanda M. Dick
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  Offutt recently hosted Retiree's Appreciation Day at the Offutt Field House, honoring those servicemembers who have paved the way for today's military.

Retired servicemembers and their families converged on the base Oct. 19 for this annual event, which provided them with information from briefings and booths, as well as base tours.

"Retirees are a vital part of our military heritage," said Master Sgt. Daryn Finnegan, 55th Medical Operations Squadron physical therapy non-commissioned officer in charge and wing point of contact for this year's appreciation day. "Just because you've done 20 or more years and are out of the military, doesn't mean we are going to stop taking care of you and your families."

After greetings from 55th Wing Vice Commander Col. Robert Maness, a succession of groups presented information, including the Retiree Activities Office, Airman and Family Readiness Center, Sarpy County Veteran's Affairs, Department of Veterans Affairs, Space "A" Travel and TRICARE.

After the briefings, retirees browsed booth exhibits from various agencies on base. The 55th Medical Group provided information about health and wellness, physical therapy options and pharmacy and dental processing, as well as providing flu shots to retirees and their families. The Airman and Family Readiness Center, 55th Force Support Squadron and the Air Passenger Terminal also provided information about their organizations.

"Everything was very helpful," said retired Air Force Tech. Sgt. Doug Zabel. "I was able to update my personal records while I was here."

Retirees were also able to update their military identification cards during the appreciation day.

"If retirees aren't close to a base, they can get almost anything they need done on a day like today," said Sergeant Finnegan.

Overall, most retirees found the day to be informative and helpful.

"I appreciated everyone, especially the military, giving up their day off to help out this year," said Mr. Zable, a former aircraft maintenance scheduler.

For any questions, comments or concerns, contact the Retiree Activities Office at 294-2590.