Retiree Appreciation Day speaker to discuss status of benefits

  • Published
  • By Derek Kaufman
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Retired military members and those nearing retirement can bring their questions to a prominent speaker during Wright-Patterson's Retiree Appreciation Day Oct. 25. 

Retired Army Maj. Gen. William Matz, president of the National Association for the Uniformed Services, will be among the speakers to present information of interest to the military retiree community during the all-day event at the Wright-Patterson Club and Banquet Center. The activity is being hosted by the Retiree Activities Office here. 

"A lot of people nearing retirement, as well as current military retirees and surviving spouses have concerns about a perceived erosion of military retirement benefits," said retired Col. Paul Moore, base project officer for Retiree Appreciation Day. "General Matz is a gifted speaker who is very familiar with current and proposed legislation affecting retirees for all military services." 

Moore said Maj. Gen. Matz' will overview changes to financial and medical benefits and address specific questions and concerns from Retiree Appreciation Day attendees. 

The National Association for the Uniformed Services is one of about 36 organizations sometimes called the military coalition that work with Washington lawmakers to protect our retiree benefits" Moore said. "Maj. Gen Matz represents the interests of all services and ranks." 

More than 40 information booths will be manned with free literature and door prices available throughout the day. An opening ceremony with free refreshments at 8:30 a.m. will be followed by presenters from 9 - 11 a.m. Free medical screenings will be offered by 88th Medical Group and Veterans Administration medical personnel from 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 pm. 

The Wright-Patterson Club will offer a lunch buffet from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at a reduced rate to all attendees. 

"Beyond the sharing of important information, we want to this to be a fun event and we'll recognize the many contributions of our retirees," Moore said, acknowledging retiree volunteer support is critical to many base organizations ranging from Wright-Patterson Medical Center and the Health and Wellness Center to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. 

According to Air Force Personnel Center officials, more than 28,000 military retirees and surviving spouses from all military services live within about 70 miles of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. 

"I sincerely hope many retirees from our sister services throughout tri state area will join us here on Oct. 25," Moore said.

The Retiree Activities Office provides current information and assistance to military retirees, their dependents and survivors who reside in the local area of responsibility and coordinates retiree volunteer assistance to many base organizations. For more information call the Retiree Activities Office at (937) 257-3221, or visit http://www.wpafb.af.mil/units/rao/.