Wright-Patterson to host Annual Retiree Appreciation Day

  • Published
  • By John Harrington
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio –  The 88th Air Base Wing Retiree Activities Office and Team Wright-Patt are scheduled to host an Annual Retiree Appreciation Day for all military retirees, their spouses, widows and widowers, and those nearing retirement at the Hope Hotel and Conference Center starting at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 27.

Veterans are also welcomed and pre-registration is not required for this free event with an optional buffet-style luncheon with drink available for $10.95 plus tax.

“The Air Force community cares about all military retirees and their families,” said Capt. Sarajo Paluch, Retiree Appreciation Day Project Officer. “Discussions on pay, legislative updates, veteran’s benefits and more provide 10 to 12 different areas of benefit to the retiree community.”

The event will host several guest speakers including those from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, VA Chief of Patient Service, Military Officers Association of America, Air Force Sergeants Association and the Defense Finance and Accounting Service Cleveland.

“It is in their best interest to stay current with actions by elected officials regarding military earned benefits,” said Frank Wolfe, a retired chief master sergeant who’s attended six Annual Retiree Appreciation Day events at Wright-Patterson after serving on active duty for 33 years.

“This is an opportunity to learn what is occurring in Congress and encourage you to contact your elected officials with requests to either support or vote against various House and Senate bills that apply to veteran and retiree benefits,” Wolfe said.

The Annual Retiree Appreciation Day serves as a forum for getting updated information out to a retiree community that spans Ohio’s surrounding five states, according to Paluch. The event generally draws between 250 and 500 participants.

“Many of our attendees return each year to hear updates from returning guest speakers and to interact with other retirees from the area,” Paluch said. “The vendor tables provide information and services from the around the Miami Valley. Door prizes are presented by Army and Air Force Exchange Service, the Defense Commissary Agency and others.”

Breakfast refreshments and registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the event program starting at 9 a.m. The buffet lunch will be available at Packy’s Grill starting at 12:30 p.m. Display tables and providers will also be available beginning at 12:30 p.m. with the event wrapping up at 3:30 p.m.

The Hope Hotel is located adjacent to Gate 12A on Area A of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in building 823, near State Route 444 in Fairborn, Ohio.