JBER hosts Retiree Appreciation event

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Javier Alvarez
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Retirement Services hosted the 30th annual Retiree Appreciation Day on JBER, Alaska, May 21, 2016.

Multiple organizations attended, showcasing the various services available to retirees on the installation as well as who is supporting them out in the community, said Maria Johnson, 673d Force Support Squadron retirement services officer.

"[We had] a mix of everything so that whoever comes - whether they're retired and 33 years old or retired and 90 years old - there is something for them," she said.

Seventeen tables devoted to healthcare were set up in Building 600, Johnson said. The JBER hospital and the Alzheimers Association for the state of Alaska were among the attendees.

"You only retire one time from the military," Johnson said. "I feel that the more information you get, the better prepared you will be. Using your entitlements to their maximum stretches your dollar."

This year's event marked the first appearance of the Military Society of Model Railroad Engineers, and the Alaska State Department Division of Homeland Security Emergency Management.

"Once you leave active duty you tend to fall off people's radar scopes," said Suellyn Wright Novak, Alaska Veterans Museum president. "It's easy to forget those who went before you."

The event provides an opportunity for the retired members of the community to meet with base leadership, Johnson said. It's through events like these and through joining the retiree council, people can effect change in their community.

"This is a great opportunity for [retirees]," Novak said. "There's all kinds of information here; opportunities for volunteerism, and benefits they can sign up for."

The event was called Retiree Activities Day when it first came in existence, Johnson said.

"It changed in name but the premise was always to make sure our retirees, their family members, and survivors knew what they had for entitlements and benefits," she said.

The benefits available to retirees today are significantly higher than those people may have had 10 years ago, Johnson said. Retirees are encouraged to visit their retirement services office every couple of years to learn about updates to their benefits and entitlements.

"It doesn't matter what color the uniform is," Johnson said. "The entitlements and benefits are for all services. It's always been purple. And we want to make sure everyone feels included."

For more information or to join the retiree council call 384-3500.