Grand Forks hosts Retiree Appreciation Day

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Derek VanHorn
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The 319th Air Base Wing welcomed about 75 military veterans here June 2, 2012, to celebrate and recognize Retiree Appreciation Day.

Retirees began the day with a complimentary breakfast provided by the Top 3 organization at the base's Northern Lights Club, where more than 25 information and activity booths were made available to the visitors throughout the morning.

The 319th Medical Group offered health screenings and services on immunizations, blood pressure checks and physical therapy exercises, along with pamphlets and handouts for many topics ranging from pharmacy help to dental health.

"After military members retire, they don't have access to or don't understand a lot of resources available," said David Collins, retired senior master sergeant and retiree affairs director here. "Events like this are important because we are able to provide (retirees) access to the necessary organizations on base."

Other organizations running booths included: the Army and Air Force Exchange Service; Distributive Education Clubs of America; National Active & Federal Employee Association; Disabled American Veterans; Veterans of Foreign Wars; 319th Force Support Squadron services and marketing; National Association for Uniformed Services; Airman & Family Readiness Center; Casualty Affairs; TRICARE; TRIWEST; and 319th ABW legal services.

Robert Bennett, a retired major who had served 27 years, said he makes the annual trip from Fargo, N.D., to stay up-to-date and informed on issues that can potentially affect him.

"'What are the benefits? What has changed?'" said Bennett, who was stationed here four years in the early 90s. "I come here and learn how and where I can go about getting my questions answered."

Following lunch at the Airey Dining Facility, 20 retirees and their family members boarded a bus for a tour of the base which included stops to the 69th Reconnaissance Group hangar for a RQ-4 Global Hawk briefing and a military working dog demonstration presented by the 319th Security Forces Squadron.

"I like Retiree Appreciation Day because I enjoy the camaraderie with the other veterans I know around here," said retired Tech. Sgt. Mike Crouse, who spent eight years as a Warrior of the North. "There is a ton of great information, that's helpful as well."

The daylong event was organized by members of the 319th Force Support Squadron.