Team Scott hosts retiree appreciation day Published Oct. 1, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Erica Crossen 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE, Ill. -- About 300 retirees from a four-state community attended the 29th annual Retiree Appreciation Day at the Scott Club Sept. 27. "This event is a way for us to show appreciation to our retirees who continue to serve the Air Force and our Airmen every day," said Col. Kyle Kremer, 375th Air Mobility Wing Commander. "While we have some briefings and information to share, this is really an opportunity for us to say thank you. Our retirees are truly part of our Scott AFB family. They volunteer in our organizations, come out to our events and speak in our high schools to inspire the next generation." Scott AFB supports more than 26,000 military retirees from this area, and the day was a way to provide some medical assistance and help with pay or ID card issues. In addition to the variety of information booths from base organizations, there were also prize drawings that included gift cards to the Scott AFB Commissary and a free breakfast provided by the Scott Club and Commissary. The guest speaker for the day was retired Chief Master Sgt. Robert Frank, Chief Executive Officer for the Air Force Sergeants Association, who informed the crowd about the advocacy work his organization provides to retirees. "Do you know what percentage of congress has served?" he said. "Just 20 percent. Our organization works very hard to represent you, to make sure that 100 percent of congress understands at least a glimpse of what it's like to be a veteran and retiree." Lt. Col. Shawn Campbell, 375th Mission Support Group Commander, also addressed the group and shared stories about his father's post-retirement busy schedule. "Retirement is not simply the space in time that lapses between the end of your productive years and your passing from this earth . . . not at all. Retirement is an opportunity to take the things you have learned, and to apply it. As General Patton said, 'Never give me a report that you're holding the line. You are either advancing, or you are retreating, there is no in between space.' Now I ask that you also keep keep 'advancing' and moving forward." One of the highlights of the day was announcing the Volunteer of the Year Award, which went to the late retired Master Sgt. Andy Vazquez. As a Retiree Activities Office volunteer, he represented the RAO at Wing staff meetings and was a visible presence throughout the base for many years.