Tough questions answered at Retiree Appreciation Day

  • Published
  • By Derek Kaufman
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Attendees at this year's Retiree Appreciation Day will be treated to a detailed discussion of military retiree benefits successes and shortcomings led by the President of the National Association for the Uniformed Services. The event takes place Oct. 29 at the Hope Hotel near Gate 12A here.

Retired Army Maj. Gen. William Matz, returns "by popular demand" as featured speaker and to address questions from retirees from 9 - 11 a.m., said retired Col. Paul Moore, Retiree Appreciation Day organizer. The NAUS is an advocacy organization representing active duty, Reserve and Guard members, veterans and family members for all services.

"When it comes to their benefits, retirees ask tough questions," Moore said. "I can tell you General Matz is both very knowledgeable and candid on the topic."

Moore, who directs the base Retiree Activities Office, said more than 28,000 military retirees and surviving spouses from all military services live within about 70 miles of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Several hundred attended last year's Retiree Appreciation event and Moore expects an even bigger crowd this year.

Col. Kimberly Slawinski, commander of the 88th Medical Group at Wright-Patt, is also slated to speak about what's on the horizon for Wright-Patterson Medical Center.

The event is open to all military retirees, spouses, widows, along with those who are close to retirement. More than 50 information and provider booths will be manned with free literature. A number of door prizes will be provided by sponsors including Army-Air Force Exchanges Service, the Defense Commissary Agency and others. Free refreshments are available from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m., with an Opening Ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Following an available $6.95 buffet lunch, manned informational displays and free medical screenings will be open and from 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Representatives the U.S. Air Force Enlisted Village at Shalimar, Fla. will be among those on hand.

"Whether you are a retiree or know one, I hope you can join us. You won't be disappointed," Moore said. "Please tell a friend about this event."

The Hope Hotel and Conference Center is located in Building 823, Area A at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, off of Ohio Route 444 in Fairborn. For more information about this event or retiree volunteer opportunities, contact the Retiree Activities Office at (937) 257-3221, or visit http://www.wpafb.af.mil/units/rao.