WIESBADEN, Germany -- U.S. Army Europe dedicated a special day here, Oct. 25, to thank retirees spanning many generations for their dedication and sacrifice to their country and their respective military branches. This particular event focused on World War II veterans and hosted approximately a dozen or the time-tested veterans who came alongside their family members for a day of festivities, war stories, and free health services.
The event kicked off with a ceremony commemorating those present and those who could not be among the present veterans with a speech from U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden's commander, Col. Mary L. Martin.
This day has been prepared with you in mind so please take advantage of each and every opportunity to take care of you and your spouse," Martin said. "We are here to support you so let us know if there is anything you need so we can make that happen. Thank you for your sacrifice, we honor your service to our nation and we are proud to have you in our community."
Lt. Gen. Donald M. Campbell Jr., USAREUR's commanding general, who will be retiring in approximately two weeks, also spoke at the event and gave praise to the few World War II veterans who were in attendance.
"I can assure you that we are going to continue to take good care of you," Campbell said. I hope that the information briefing that you will see today is valuable and a special thanks for those sitting in the front row."
Brig. Gen. Norvell V. Coots, the commanding general of Europe Regional Medical Command, spoke to the retirees at the event about some of the health service changes planned for the future and also about taking active steps into a healthy lifestyle.
"Think about your health and take an active role by making daily choices regarding nutrition, activities levels and sleep patterns and together we can increase our health," Coots said.
Col. (Ret.) Robert A. Mentell, president of the Army in Europe Retiree Council also spoke at the event and highlighted the accomplishments each of the World War II veterans sitting in the front row next to their spouses.
"The men we honor today returned from a great and terrible war and served their nation and their communities in a multitude of ways and are remaining examples for follow-on generations to emulate," Mentell said.
After the ceremony, retirees were welcomed to visit various support services provided by agencies and offices around the European garrisons. Some of the agencies that participated in this year's appreciation day included the Wiesbaden garrison Wellness Center, Army Community Service and the Red Cross to name a few.
"We are here to support the Retiree Appreciation Day because they have worked hard for their country and we want to let them know what benefits they have," said Andrew Munsterman, director of the U.S. Army Garrion Wiesbaden Wellness Center who was hosting a booth at the event.
He also explained that after retirement, statistically, many of the service members increase their risk for developing some health issues that may include hypertension, increased cholesterol levels and obesity and the wellness center is there to provided services to help retirees and others stay informed of how to live a more healthy life.
As the day progressed the veterans proceed to tell each other and all who stopped to listen stories about the times they shared were serving here in Europe and some of the more exciting battles they faced and even haunting times with a serious expression as they went into detail of times past.
The retirees also expressed their gratitude to participants in the event, thanking them for their service and the time they put into making the event a special day for them.
This is wonderful," said Ernest Peterson, a retired Sailor who cleared mines from landing-beaches as part of an Underwater Demolition Team during WWII. "I know everyone here really appreciates coming today."
The day wrapped up with the retirees having lunch at the base dining facility alongside their spouses and senior ranking members from the various Army garrisons around Europe. The retirees also had the opportunity to receive their annual flu shot from the garrison medical clinic here.
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About us: U.S. Army Europe is uniquely positioned to advance American strategic interests across Eurasia as U.S. European Command's force of choice and has unparalleled capability to prevent conflict, shape the environment and, if necessary, win decisively. The relationships we build during 1000 theater security cooperation events in more than 40 countries each year lead directly to support for multinational contingency operations around the world, strengthen regional partnerships, and enhance global security.
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