Wright-Patterson AFB Hosts Retiree Appreciation Day Published Dec. 29, 2025 By Rachael Ferguson 88 ABW/PA WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE -- Wright-Patterson Air Force Base hosted its annual Retiree Appreciation Day on Dec. 19, 2025, at the Wright-Patterson Club. The kick-off opened up with remarks from Col. Dustin Richards, 88th Air Base Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Tessa Fontaine, 88th Air Base Wing command chief. As the year concluded, Richards spoke about the base's current state and outlined his four lines of effort: a ready and resilient force, a ready and resilient installation, a focus on mission and community partnerships, and enhancing the mission command environment. "This is a great example of community partnerships," Fontaine said. "Everyone coming together to support what we are focused on here today, which is each one of you. Our partnership with you is important to stay connected so we can understand challenges you face and continue to support you where needed.” Following the opening remarks, attendees participated in seminars from various base organizations, including updates from the Medical Group, Defense Finance and Accounting Services, Force Support Squadron customer services, mortgage companies and legislative updates relevant to retirees. Master Sgt. Jasmine Brown, one of the RAD coordinators, emphasized the event's importance saying, "The primary mission of RAD is to honor and thank our military retirees, veterans of all branches, their families and surviving spouses.” Steven Saddlewhite, a retired US Army sergeant first class, drove an hour from his Ohio home to attend, seeking information on benefits and procedures. He retired from Fort Campbell, Ky, but wanted to learn about military benefits for retirees in his current location. "A lot of veterans just don't know," Saddlewhite said. "Information is slightly different in each region, and it's important we understand how we can receive care and benefits according to where we live." He added that he learned about differences in receiving care at the Wright-Patterson AFB hospital compared to his previous location, as well as caregiver options he was previously unaware of. Transitioning out of the military can offer unique challenges. "I realized as a retiree, I don't know a lot of information, and it's very confusing at the end when entering civilian way of life," said Shawna Lang, a retired Air Force medic who works at Wright-Patterson AFB. She added that the event was very helpful to connect with a variety of resources to smooth the transition. Brown summarized the day's purpose: “Honoring our military retirees is fundamental to who we are. We’re not just the ‘birthplace of aviation’, we’re a bedrock community where these heroes build their lives after the military. They were there for us, and we will always be here for them.” David McCoy, a retired Air Force senior master sergeant and interim director of the Retiree Activities Office, stated over 160 retirees registered for the event. For more information on retiree activities, contact the retiree activities office at 937-257-3221 or by email at 88abw.cvr.workflow@us.af.mil.