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NEWS | Oct. 10, 2007

Military retirees and their families get the 411

By Tech. Sgt. Paul Kilgallon 437th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

More than 300 retirees from the local area attended the Charleston AFB and Naval Weapons Station Charleston Military Retiree and Spouse Appreciation Day Saturday at the Charleston Club.

The military retirees and their family members received up-to-date information from keynote speaker, Douglas Smith, Director of the Defense Accounting and Finance Services, retiree pay and annuities, about existing federal programs.

During the presentation, Mr. Smith talked about the current changes and modifications to existing programs of retirement benefits which may affect retirees and their dependents.

He said that today's retirees or those close to retirement need to stay on top of the constant changes to federal programs so they can make decisive and well-informed decisions.

The retirees and their family members also received firsthand information about upcoming changes to Charleston AFB and Naval Weapons Station Charleston joint-basing plans from Col. John "Red" Millander, 437th Airlift Wing commander, and Capt. Robert Brennan, Naval Weapons Station Charleston commanding officer.

"Today's military retiree has a constantly changing environment," said retired Chief Master Sgt. Charles Short, director of retiree activities here at Charleston AFB. "That is what this event was for ... to keep the more than 14,000 retirees in Charleston and surrounding areas informed about their benefits and the things that can affect both them and their families."

In addition to the briefings, Airmen from the 437th Medical Group and the 437 AW Legal office provided free medical screenings and assisted the retirees in legal matters. Also, more than 25 booths were set up to provide information to help make military retirees' lives less stressful. Representatives from organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Tricare and Delta Dental had representatives available to give the retirees the most current and up-to-date information about memberships and medical and dental services.

"I thought the appreciation day was pretty good ... there was participation from all the services on the base and those around town," said retired Petty Officer 1st Class Mike Cannon, a trainer for electronic medical records at the 437 MDG. "The best part of the appreciation day was getting the information from the VFW. I was interested in contacting the branch in the local area and of hearing about the services available on the Naval Weapons Station and how to become a member."

Colonel Millander said that because of the accomplishments of our predecessors, we are able to be the premier airlift wing in Air Mobility Command.

"Many of the magnificent accomplishments of Team Charleston were possible because of the great things done by those who served before us," said Colonel Millander. "We are standing on the shoulders of our retirees, and that allows us to reach new heights every day."

The 437 AW Retiree Activities Office serves as an information center for retirees of all services and their family members. They also provide volunteer support to many of the 437 AW activities around the base. For more information about the RAO, contact 963-2228.