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Retiree Appreciation Day offers health information, financial counseling

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kirsten Wicker
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Retiree Appreciation Day is approaching and the 325th Medical Group, Retirees Activities Office, and Airman and Family Readiness Center have planned, prepared and organized up to 12 vendors and representatives from base and local health and financial organizations to participate in Retiree Appreciation Day, Sept. 18.

The day will consist of an information and health fair inside the medical clinic, building 1465.

"The 325th MDG's role in Retiree Appreciation Day is, first of all, being the host facility and most importantly providing health information to our retirees and their eligible family members," said Capt. Deborah Willis, 325th Medical Squadron event planner. "The MDG will offer information on various disease processes to include diabetes, cancer, dental health, and women's and men's health issues."

Captain Willis said TRICARE, the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs and the Social Security Administration will have information available, as well as having representatives from Bay Medical and Gulf Coast Medical Center available at the event.

"The local area has approxiamately 9,000 retired Air Force members, and nearly 25,000 total retirees from all branches of service," said Mr. Duane Peters, 325th Fighter Wing RAO director and retired Air Force chief master sergeant. "The day is open to all retirees and family members across all services, not just the Air Force."

According to event organizers, the schedule for the day showcases free blood pressure checks, medication reviews and a guest speaker. Mr. Jim Blanchard, 325th MDG health benefit advisor, will speak at 9:15 a.m. The 325th Comptroller Squadron, 325th Security Forces Squadron, 325th FW Legal office, 325th Force Support Squadron Manpower and Personnel flight, the A&FRC, 325th FSS marketing and community services flight and AAFES and Commissary representatives will be available for information and assistance.

"The 325th FW's goal for Retiree Appreciation Day is to provide information on health care services and benefits, assistance with medical and legal issues, and financial counseling to our local retiree population," Captain Willis said.

Information about benefit updates and how changes can impact retirees will also be available, added Mr. Peters.

"We set aside this day of annual recognition to salute and thank our Veteran heros for the sacrifices and contributions they have made to our nation," said Captain Willis.

Mr. Peters agrees that the day set aside for retirees is a chance to show appreciation by providing information and assistance about issues that most concern retirees.

"It's an opportunity for us to thank all retired men and women and their family members for their service," he said. "Retirees need to know about their benefits too and they can learn about it at Retiree Appreciation Day."

Registration for the event begins a 8:30 a.m., with welcome at 9 a.m. and day's end at 1 p.m. Volunteers are still needed to help with the event. Individuals interested in volunteering should contact the RAO at 283-8100.