Retired Army general featured speaker for Retiree Appreciation Day

  • Published
  • By Derek Kaufman
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  One of the things military retirees like about Maj. Gen. William Matz is he tells it like it is.

The retired Army infantry officer, who's combat career spanned from the 1968 Tet Offensive in Vietnam to Operation Just Cause in Panama, will be the guest speaker at Wright-Patt's Retiree Appreciation Day, Friday, Nov. 13 at the Hope Hotel here.

Instead of war stories though, Matz now travels the globe sharing his views on the daily battles fought on Capitol Hill. As president of the National Association for the Uniformed Services, he interacts with audiences to educate them on the need to protect the rights and benefits of servicemembers and military retirees.

"General Matz is sure to light some fireworks while he's here," said retired Col. Paul Moore, director of Wright-Patt's Retiree Activities Office. "He's a plain speaking guy who doesn't sugar coat his perspective on things, especially when it comes to preserving the interests and benefits of our retired military."

Matz, who is also the administrator of the Society of Military Widows, is expected to address the national debate on proposed medical reform legislation and its potential impacts to retirees, Moore said.  Matz has spoken out against plans to raise certain TRICARE co-payments and other policy changes which raise out-of-pocket costs for retirees and their survivors. TRICARE is the military's managed health care program.

General Matz is a native of Drexel Hill, Penn. and a graduate of Gettysburg College. He and his wife, Linda, reside in Great Falls, Va., and are the parents of three married children.

Wright-Patterson's annual Retiree Appreciation Day event features guest speakers, free medical screening, refreshments, information booths and door prizes. It's geared for all military retirees, spouses, widows, along with those who are nearing retirement, Moore said. 

Providers from helping agencies will man booths, offer literature and answer questions. Door prizes will be provided by sponsors including Army-Air Force Exchange Service, the Defense Commissary Agency and others. Free refreshments are available from 7 - 8 a.m., followed by an 8 a.m. opening ceremony. After an available lunch buffet, manned informational displays and free medical screenings will be open from 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

Hope Hotel is adjacent to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Gate 12A at Bldg. 823, Area A, adjacent to State Route 444 in Fairborn, Ohio.