News

Retiree Appreciation Day returns to Offutt

  • Published
  • By Delanie Stafford
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs

Offutt is scheduled to host its 49th Annual Retiree Appreciation Day Oct. 15 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, is a result of the Retiree Activities Program established by Headquarters, U.S. Air Force in 1975. Its purpose is to serve military retirees and their families while unifying them with active-duty military families. More than 16,000 invites were sent to retirees throughout Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri.

Col. Michael Manion, 55th Wing commander, will kick-off the day with remarks during a ceremony that is scheduled to include an invocation, presentation of the colors and playing of the national anthem.

“Military retirees and their family members are an important part our Team Offutt community," Manion said. “We are excited to host this event to show our appreciation for their dedicated service and sacrifice.”

Prizes will be raffled off and more than 20 information booths will be available with representatives from organizations such as TRICARE, Veteran’s Affairs and the base legal office. The 55th Medical Group will be administering flu shots, and bus tours are available at 10 and 10:30 a.m. for those interested in learning more about the base.

According to event organizer Master Sgt. Stephanie Best, it also provides an opportunity for the retiree community to come together.

"Our retiree community has a wealth of experience and knowledge that can be valuable to other retirees," Best said. "The Retiree Appreciation Day is a great way to get them together to network and share information. It also allows us to show them that their contribution to this country was not forgotten."

Shuttle buses will be available to transport retirees to the I.D. card office, now located in building 49, as well as the base legal and finance offices. Event organizers suggest utilizing the courtesy transportation as parking is limited at some of the facilities.

The Offutt RAO serves as liaison between base functions and military retirees living in the greater-Omaha area. For additional information, contact the RAO at (402) 294-4566.