RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Randolph Air Force Base is scheduled to host its 15th annual "Retiree Appreciation Day" to thank local retirees for their past and present military contributions Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Hangar 4.
"It's a chance for retirees to come together, see what the Air Force is doing today and to take care of personal affairs needs," said retired Col. Jim Scarff, 12th Flying Training Wing director of retiree activities.
Colonel Scarff said the day will open at 9 a.m. with remarks by Col. Jacqueline Van Ovost, 12th FTW commander. After that, 38 exhibitors in booths representing banks, home care agencies, government veterans' representatives, retiree associations and other businesses will display their organizations' services.
Colonel Scarff said there will also be static displays of the T-38, T-6 and T-1 aircraft security forces weapons and base fire department equipment. Randolph's security forces military working dog unit will also conduct a demonstration. Representatives from the legal office, casualty assistance, the survivor benefit plan and the Military Personnel Flight will cover everything from legal to survivor issues, as well as issue military identification cards.
Colonel Scarff added, this year due to the construction at the Randolph Medical Clinic, the 12th MDG Airmen will provide retirees with seasonal flu shots at Hangar 4 instead of busing attendees to the clinic. Additionally, there will also be drawings for door prizes from the base commissary, the BX and various booth exhibitors from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Low-cost breakfast and lunches will also be provided at the base dining facility and buses will be provided for access to the BX, commissary and the dining facility and Pitsenbarger Hall.
"It's going to be a lot of work done by a lot of people," Colonel Scarff concluded. "I think the retirees will get a real bang out of it."
One retiree who stays close to the Air Force by attending the yearly event said he definitely will. For him, "Retiree Appreciation Day" is all about camaraderie and his connections with fellow retired Airmen.
"Because of the ceremonies and the music and the booths, the day says to me that this was, and is, my Air Force life," said retired Chief Master Sgt. Emilio Serrano. "It's icing on the cake. It's something extra that says the Air Force hasn't forgotten about its retirees."