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Grand Forks AFB hosts Retiree Appreciation Day

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Bonnie Grantham
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. - Warriors of the North welcomed about 40 military veterans here Oct. 16, 2015 to recognize and honor Retiree Appreciation Day.

The event started at the Northern Lights Club ballroom with a mission brief given by Col. Anthony Hernandez, 319th Mission Support Group commander. Hernandez also spoke about the impact the base has on the community at large.

"The most important role we play in the community is providing services to our retirees," Hernandez said.

Representatives from the military personnel center, United Healthcare and the 319th Medical Group followed Hernandez's brief to inform retirees of their benefits as well as any changes that may have occurred.

Following the morning briefings, the retirees were treated to a demonstration from the 319th Security Forces Military Working Dogs and a tour of the base. The tour consisted of a chance to view the RQ-4 Block 40 Global Hawk and to see the inner-workings of the air traffic control tower.

Retiree Appreciation Day is a mandated annual event per the Air Force Instruction 36-3106. Master Sgts. Jesse Maki and Yesica Figueroaortiz took the lead in organizing the schedule for the day.

"[Retiree Appreciation Day] is a wing program to help out the local retirees," Maki said. "I jumped on the opportunity to help with that because it's important to keep them informed of their benefits and what's going on."

Maki said that he was pleased with the turn out of the day, and he received plenty of positive feedback from the retirees in attendance.

He also noted the day was important for a different reason.

"We wouldn't be here without our past," he said. "It's important to not forget about the retirees and keep them informed, and also to say thanks for their service because we wouldn't be where we're out without their commitment to their country."