Lackland Air Force Base, Texas –
Lackland plans to honor military retirees Nov. 3 with a daylong series of activities, including a special Retiree Appreciation Fair from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Arnold Hall.
"This is our opportunity to honor those in the San Antonio area who have served our nation," said Robert Zaske, director of Lackland Retiree Activities Office and a retiree. "We are recognizing the thousands of retirees who have served and continue to serve, in some cases right here on Lackland."
The appreciation day event will feature flu shots (based on vaccine availability), health screenings and vendors of interest to retired military people. In addition, Lackland's Commissary, Base Exchange and 37th Training Wing organizations will feature specials that day.
Following opening ceremonies at Arnold Hall, retirees will be offered free bus transportation to and from the 9 a.m. basic military training graduation parade on Lackland's parade field. Additionally, they will be recognized during the parade by the 737th Training Group's narrator.
Following parade, the retirees will return to Arnold Hall for the health and information fair which features nearly 30 agencies and organizations.
According to Senior Master Sgt. Mark Merlo, Retiree Appreciation Day project NCO, "Our retirees are an important part of Team Lackland and this special day will show just how much we appreciate their service."
The 37th TRW Legal Office will be offering same day walk-in service Nov. 3 for any retiree who needs assistance, along with tacos, coffee and juice from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
At 12:30 p.m., buses will provide transportation to the Kelly Field Annex for those wishing to attend the Lackland AirFest 2006 practice show. The practice show is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.
The Air Force aerial demonstration team, The Thunderbirds, will take off for their practice show at approximately 1:30 p.m. Buses will return to Arnold Hall at 3:30 p.m.
"San Antonio's retired military population, of all branches, will find plenty of interesting information at our retiree fair and be offered many specials," Mr. Zaske said. "We hope to get hundreds of former military folks out to enjoy these specials, ask questions of experts and browse through the displays at Arnold Hall."
The Lackland Commissary and Base Exchange will offer specials aimed at their retired customers, and both agencies are providing refreshments and support during the Retiree Appreciation Day event.
More information on Retiree Appreciation Day is available by calling the Lackland Retiree Activities Office at 671-2728.