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Grand Forks AFB hosts Retiree Appreciation Day

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Susan L. Davis
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  More than 60 military retirees visited the base Sept. 27, 2014, to take part in this year's Retiree Appreciation Day activities.

The event kicked off at the Northern Lights Club where retirees signed in and had the opportunity to enjoy a breakfast in the Warrior Lounge.

Afterward, attendees heard from 319th Mission Support Group Commander Col. Anthony Hernandez on the history and mission of the base, as well as its economic impact on the surrounding community. Retirees also heard from a representative for United Healthcare about their medical benefits.

Highlights from the day included free information booths and displays at the Community Activity Center and the 319th Medical Group, a windshield tour of the base, and tours of the 319th Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dogs kennel as well as a 69th Reconnaissance Group hangar with an RQ-4 Block 40 Global Hawk.

Bob Greene, Air Force Region V Retiree Council representative, retired Air Force senior master sergeant, and one of the primary organizers for the multi-layered event, explained the significance of the day's activities.

First, he noted that Air Force Instruction 36-3106, Air Force Retiree Program, calls on Air Force installations to hold a retiree appreciation observance every year.

"In addition to showcasing the base's own programs and services for retirees, it's also our purpose to showcase off-base agencies that can help them with everyday scenarios and challenges they face."

Greene explained that planning for the day's activities began in early July, and drew support from the base's senior leaders, as well as members of multiple base agencies.

"The support we received in putting this event together was phenomenal," said Greene. "It gave us an opportunity to gather our best and brightest from their respective areas, and it gives our retirees a chance to see what is available for them on the base."

Greene mentioned one other reason why Retiree Appreciation Day is significant.

"This event is very important for many reasons," he said. "One of those reasons is that events like this are a retention tool for those that are still in the military to show them that, not only do we take care of them while they're in, but we still take care of them once they're out."