Retiree Appreciation Day will focus on health care, economy

By Bill Mossman, U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii Public AffairsOctober 5, 2009

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii - Hundreds of Army retirees and surviving spouses are expected to assemble, here, at the Hale Ikena to renew acquaintances, listen to guest speakers discuss the state of the military in the Pacific, and take advantage of free counseling services and medical checkups.

The annual Retiree Appreciation Day (RAD) is scheduled, Oct. 17, with a program focused on addressing pertinent issues that face the 9,000-plus retirees and surviving spouses who fall within U.S. Army-Pacific's (USARPAC) area of responsibility.

Around the world, RADs are staged once a year, with installations varying their programs and services. "RAD is something our retirees look forward to," said Rick Gajonera, chief, Retirement Services Office. "For many of them, they love the camaraderie, the chance to socialize. This is a one-day event for them, so they spend their time seeing their old buddies and talking about the good old days."

The program begins at 8 a.m., when guests, some of whom will be flying in from the neighbor islands, will assemble just outside the Pikake Ballroom to register and receive their tickets for a buffet luncheon ($16 per person). Pastries and coffee will also be provided at that time.

Then, following the Posting of the Colors at 9 a.m., retired Lt. Gen. Allen Ono, chairman of the U.S. Army Retiree Council-Hawaii, will welcome retirees, surviving spouses and their family members before turning the rest of the program over to the day's speakers, who will address several topics.

Health care remains the chief concern among retirees, according to Gajonera. At the forefront of this issue is a proposed hike in premium rates for those with Tricare for Life (TFL) medical coverage.

TFL began in October 2001 as a means of extending health care benefits to military retirees and their families. Previously, retirees' medical coverage would cease at age 65, forcing many to rely solely on Medicare. "Of course, a lot of them don't like the fact that their premiums may go up," Gajonera explained. "They feel like, 'Hey, when I signed up to serve, they said I would get free medical.' But now, they're paying for it, and they may have to pay even more."

Addressing health matters at this year's RAD will be two speakers from Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC): Col. Theresa Sullivan, chief of nursing, and Hope Cooper-Oliver, chief of patient education. Sullivan will give updates on the center's services, including its Wounded Warrior program, while Cooper-Oliver will discuss general health issues, including two of the leading killers among the elderly: diabetes and stroke.

As part of the event, TAMC will host a medical screening team, available to provide checkups, as well as administer seasonal flu shots. Also, representatives from various local agencies and veterans organizations will be on hand to offer counseling services to retirees and surviving spouses.

Like most people, Gajonera indicated that retirees worry about the state of the economy - more specifically, what the government is doing to help them "get the most bang for their buck."

Helping to shed light on this topic will be another speaker, Susan Sturgeon-Campbell, director of the Schofield Barracks Commissary.

"General Ono wanted this year's RAD to, in part, focus on local retirees," Gajonera said. "For example, when our retirees go to the commissary, they want to know what's in it for them, and what can the military do, through something like coupons, to help them save money. "For them, if they can save 25 cents, 50 cents or even a dollar, that's a big thing," he added.

Other speakers are scheduled:

Aca,!AcRetired Command Sgt. Maj. Donald Devaney, co-chairman, U.S. Army Retiree Council,-Hawaii, who will provide a tribute to deceased retirees;

Aca,!AcBrig. Gen. Michael Terry, commanding general, 8th Theater Sustainment Command, who will offer opening remarks;

Aca,!AcJohn Jefferis, general manager, Hale Koa Hotel, who will talk about the extensive renovation project at Fort DeRussy; and

Aca,!AcLt. Col. James Berry, Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC)/Traumatic Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (TSGLI) Strategic Communications, who will address CRSC issues.$