Appreciation Day provides information to those who served, widows and widowers

By Jacqueline LeekerSeptember 24, 2009

Appreciation Day provides information to those who served, widows and widowers
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT BELVOIR, Va. -- Retirees, widows and widowers gathered at Barden Education Center Saturday morning as Belvoir recognized their service and sacrifice by with its annual Retiree Appreciation and Widow/Widower Day.

The day offered those gathered a chance to learn about current information on topics such as construction, wills, health care, benefits and legislation.

Installation Commander Col. Jerry Blixt and Command Sgt. Maj. Gabriel Berhane welcomed the crowd and expressed their appreciation for them paving the way.

"We are where we are today because of your sacrifices," Berhane said. "We truly appreciate what you have done. We are here to make sure you are always taken care of."

Blixt added, "As a guy who has grown up around many uncles who have served, I am humbled by your service. This information is a token of appreciation to you. Enjoy this day. It is for you."

Blixt also acknowledged the importance of reaching out to those in the community who are retired or who have lost spouses in service to the nation.

"This is your post; we need to do a better job communicating with you. You've earned the right to be here and continue to contribute. We will do our best to help you in any way we can," he said.

Retired Army Maj. Gen. Bill Matz, a former paratrooper in the 82nd and 101st Airborne divisions and now president of the National Association of Uniformed Services, updated retirees on legislation that affects them.

Matz, who served two tours in Vietnam and two in Korea, discussed opposition to an increase in Tricare fees and the need to educate those in Congress.

"Politicians make promises. Those promises, past and present, need to be kept. You have earned your privileges, you deserve them," Matz said. "Less than five percent of our Senate, Congress and their staffers have ever served in uniform."

Retired Air Force master sergeant and 20-year veteran Emile Walker said Matz inspired him to get involved.

"The general really got me fired up. I'd like to start a [NAUS] chapter in Northern Virginia," Walker said. "I originally came out today because I was curious. I learned a lot about things happening on post, like the widening of Gunston," he said.

Display tables lined the halls manned by representatives from several organizations.

For Ed Fondrick, a retired Army master sergeant, attending the annual day of recognition is a regular event.

"I retired ... after 27 years. I try to come to these every year. I don't use the medical anymore because I am of Medicaid age, but I came to get some more information on dental coverage at the information fair, and get updated on changes happening at the post. The legislation piece has always been interesting," he said.

Staffers from DeWitt Health Care Network were on hand to conduct cholesterol and blood pressure checks as well as provide H1N1 options. Lt. Col. Leonardo Martinez, chief of preventive medicine at DeWitt, said the retiree population is 6.4 percent of the entire population, and regular check-ups are important.

In addition to the private organizations, installation staff was there to provide any information the attendees may have wanted.

After the presentation and information fair, retirees watched a K-9 demonstration and then were bused to the Eagle's Nest, Belvoir's dining facility, to have lunch with Soldiers.

The afternoon portion of the program was dedicated to Belvoir's Survivor Outreach Services, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, and an informational presentation on benefits and how to navigate the system.

"I think it's important to note that all three organizations, TAPS, SOS and Gold Star Wives came together today to represent and support all the surviving families in the area," said Bonnie Carroll, TAPS executive director.

The presentations provided information on emotional support, benefits, navigating paperwork and what resources are available at not only Belvoir, but nationally.

Retired Lt. Col. Gerald Musarra, chairman of Belvoir's Retiree Council, summed up the day.

"We came here for two reasons today, to know that Army appreciates our service and sacrifices, and to appreciate this great country. We are still serving. I was a Soldier. I am a Soldier. I will always be a Soldier," Musarra said.

"If you live long enough, we welcome you into our ranks. We aren't here to set the world on fire; we are all in this together."

For more information about Belvoir's Retirement Services, call 703-805-2675. For more information on Survivor Outreach Services, call 703-805-2967.