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Members of the Kaiserslautern Military Community paused and reflected on the service of more than 2 million retired members of the U.S. Armed Forces, during Retiree Appreciation Day on Ramstein Air Base, Oct. 18.
American retirees in the local area were able to come to the event to voice opinions, tour an aircraft, and get medical and healthcare checkups.
Military retirees and their family members received up-to-date information from guest speaker, Maria Bentinck, deputy director of the Army Retirement: Soldier for Life Office in Washington, D.C.
“It’s my job to make sure veterans’ needs are met and they know what’s available to them,” said Bentinck. “These could range from programs, benefits, Veterans Affairs eligibility, or entitlements.”
Retiree Appreciation Day included a full day of a variety of activities. Service members welcomed the attendees and began the morning with a question-and-answer seminar led by U.S. Air Force Col. Joseph Wenckus, 86th Airlift Wing vice commander, and U.S. Army Col. Jason Edwards, U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz commander.
Various guest speakers gave briefings on health care, retirement benefits, veteran services and activities, and legislative action that could effect retirees.
The purpose of today was not only to recognize our veterans but also let them know what services on Ramstein Air Base are available to them and encourage them to ask questions and get answers directly, said Wenckus.
Following the morning events, attendees were able to visit booths from numerous agencies and organizations to get information on support for them and their families. Representatives from organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Tricare and Delta Dental had representatives available to give the retirees the most current information about memberships and medical and dental services.
Raffles were held throughout the day, offering various prizes and gift cards to the ticket winners, and the day ended with a static tour of a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.
“When service members retire, they aren’t leaving the service,” said Wenckus. “Because even out of the uniform, retirees are still filling a valuable role to military community.”
