Team Edwards shows its appreciation to retirees

Published May 8, 2013
By Jet Fabara
412th Test Wing Public Affairs

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- More than 200 military retirees, their families and surviving spouses attended the Military Retiree Appreciation Day event held here May 4 at the Oasis Community Center.

Of those in attendance, all were treated to financial and healthcare information and services in addition to welcoming remarks from base leaders.

"Today, we're showing our appreciation for all our military retirees and their families. We gathered the bulk of our base support systems that our retirees use so they can get the information and services they need at this event. It's just a small way of saying thanks and taking care of our predecessors," said Capt. Allison Bain, 412th Medical Group medical readiness officer and action officer for the event.

During the event, information booths were set up throughout the community center with breakout sessions that occurred throughout the morning. Each breakout session was used to discuss the latest information regarding medical benefits, TRICARE, legal services and Casualty Affairs information.

"After speaking with folks who attend, they really enjoy an event like this because it gives them an opportunity to meet face to face with someone they normally have contact over the phone, be it medical or legal," said Ed Fiske, 412th Test Wing Retiree Activities Office deputy director.

"If a retiree has a question or an issue they can't resolve over the phone, this is a good platform to be able to do that as well," added Bain.

Along with information booths, independent vendors were also in attendance with free lunches provided by the Commissary.

"I retired when I was 60 and have been attending ever since they started this, so I make it a point to attend every year," said William Petersen, retired Air Force servicemember who served on active duty for 30 years.

Collectively, it took the help of more than 15 organizations to put the event together, according to Bain.

"I am really grateful for all the support all the agencies provided to get this event running today especially with our fiscal constraints, it was awesome to see the giveaways we received from the commissary and Base Exchange," Bain said. "We also thank and appreciate all the support from our various base private organizations and the representatives from the various organizations at all of our information booths today."

For any information regarding military retirees, call the Edwards AFB Retiree Activities Office at (661) 277-4931. The Edwards AFB RAO is located in Bldg 3000 and is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday.