An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Retirees rendezvous at Scott’s annual appreciation day

  • Published
  • By Retired Senior Master Sgt. Henry J. Barajas
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Retiree Activities Office
Scott Air Force Base, Ill. --  Approximately 300 military retirees and their families filled the Scott Club for the 26th Annual Retiree Appreciation Day hosted by Col. Michael J. Hornitschek, 375th Air Mobility Wing commander.

Retiree representatives from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard were honored for their struggle, service and sacrifice. Some retirees also wore unique colored baseball caps and jackets denoting their branch of service, unit insignias and where they served or fought during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, or the Gulf War.

During his opening remarks, Hornitschek said the nation highly treasures its military retiree community who've given so much. Today's military is a living memorial to all military retirees, whether they served in a conflict or during peacetime, there are visible signs and living testimonies of countless contributions by our military retirees.

"On behalf of all U.S. military still serving our nation, I humbly thank you for your service--then and now," he said.

He also acknowledged the spouses who provided the support, added strength, and encouragement in taking care of the home front that was needed in time of separation, or difficulty.

Retired Chief Master Sgt. JC Grantham agreed.

"I'm a Vietnam War veteran and a service officer with the Veteran of Foreign Wars," he said. "I pretty much know what goes on that affects us retired military, but you folks at Scott got it right by having this special day that recognizes what we did for our country."

"We get to ask questions from the experts, we get updates on entitlements and we get together in a nice social atmosphere with the active duty, and that's good," he added. "It keeps us united and strong. Keep up the great work, Scott!"

The event also featured guest speaker, retired Senior Master Sgt. Gary Swanson, Air Force Network Integration Center, current telecommunications manager who briefed and provided updates on important legislative issues, military, and entitlement programs affecting retirees and their families. Matters such as TRICARE, DFAS, medical, dental, retirement pay, and Space "A" Travel were also covered and explained with provided informative handouts.

"It was by far the most informative Retiree Appreciation Day I ever attended--and I have seen a lot since I retired," said retired Master Sgt. Carlos Mariles. "It means a lot to me and my family that our country recognizes us for our service and provides information that we need."

Hornitschek added that it is important that our active duty military members use Retiree Appreciation Day's to maintain contact with and assist their fellow retirees, retiree's families, and members of the active military, and to help keep members of the retiree community informed on their entitlements and key issues affecting them.

For more information on the Scott AFB Retiree Activities Program contact retired Senior Master Sgt. Joe Barajas, deputy director, Scott Retiree Activities Office, 375th Air Mobility Wing at 256-5092, or at scottrao@scott.af.mil, or visit www.raolibrary.org.