Team Dover supports retired military

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Matt Davis
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Dover Air Force Base hosted the Annual Retiree Appreciation Day at The Landings club Oct. 21, 2017. The event gave local military retirees an opportunity to receive multiple types of support from base organizations in a single location. Attendees also could attend briefings that provided guidance on many topics concerning retired military members.

“Retiree Appreciation Day is important to our local retirees because it provides the opportunity for retirees in the area to meet other retirees. It also enables them to find out what services are offered to them on Dover AFB other than just the AAFES, Commissary and the pharmacy,” said Retired Air Force Master Sgt. William Oldham, Dover AFB Retiree Activities director. “This day also offers them the opportunity to talk to representatives from several organizations to help resolve some of their problems such as DFAS, Veteran Administration and Tricare, and finally it informs them of any changes coming in their retired benefits.”

A few of the supporting agencies that attended the event were the 436th Force Support Squadron, 436th Medical Group and the 436th Aerial Port Sq. Some of the services provided at the event were immunizations, optometry and issuing ID cards. Many Team Dover Airmen and civilians participated in the event to provide the needed support. According to Oldham, the event would not have been possible without the volunteers from the supporting organizations.

“The 436th MDG had a total of 17 volunteers and 11 flights represented,” said 2nd Lt. Kaitlyn Winter, 436th Medical Support Squadron medical logistics deputy flight commander. “We were also fortunate to bring along Lt. Col. Goldie, the only Air Force commissioned dog, who was a huge hit among the retirees and volunteers.”

Over 150 retired members from all service branches attended the event, which highlighted topics such as survivor benefits, retired pay and medical services. The annual event is held to keep retirees updated on their benefits and what is available to them on base.

The event also gives retirees the opportunity to speak one on one with representatives from DFAS, Veteran Administration, TRICARE, state benefits and other organizations that assist the retirees. A large number of retirees also depend on this for their information because they do not receive the majority of their information digitally.

“Many of our local retirees weren't aware they were eligible for a new pair of eyeglasses each year; we were able to fit 10 retirees for a new pair of glasses at the event,” said Winter. “We were also able to administer quite a few flu shots and provide oral cancer screenings for five people.”

Airmen who attended the event used it as a way to thank the veterans for their service and give back to the local retired military community.

“Events like Retiree Appreciation Day are very fulfilling for Airmen to participate in,” said Winter. “It brings a sense of pride to connect with other community partners and let our local retired service members know what services are available to them.”