Retirees stopped by Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital for flu shots, health information and free gifts during Fort Polk’s Retiree Appreciation Day Oct. 15.

A retiree gets his flu shot at Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital during Fort Polk’s Retiree Appreciation Day Oct. 15.

 FORT POLK, La. — More than 500 retirees, Family members and

surviving spouses attended the 2022 Retiree Appreciation Day at Fort Polk

Oct. 15.

The day’s festivities kicked off with welcomes from Col. Sam Smith, Fort Polk garrison commander, and retired Lt. Col. Michael J. Juneau, Fort Polk Retiree Council.

Among the highlights were static displays by Fort Polk units, a military

working dog demonstration, ID card updates, legal services, pharmacy services, immunizations and mammograms. There were also displays at the Fort Polk Commissary and Main Post Exchange, as well as a retiree golf tournament.

“Thank you for coming here today as we celebrate the dedication and service of our military retirees and Family members for their selfless and dedicated service to the nation,” Smith said in welcoming the guests. “We must never forget to take care of our retirees. We are Soldiers for life. It is the least we can do for those who dedicated their lives to our great nation.”

Smith said he hopes the retirees realize how important they are to the Fort Polk Family.

“Our retired servicemen and women risked their lives to secure America’s national security,” Smith said. “Their commitment and service to our country continues after their time in uniform as neighbors, co-workers, Family members and friends in our communities.”

Not only does RAD serve as a thank you to the retiree community, but it also serves as a reminder to those currently serving that military are valuable members of the Army community.

“We couldn’t do what we do here at the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk without your support,” Smith said. “Not only do we thank you for your service in the past, but we also thank you for what you continue to do for us. Thank you for your dedication and faithful service.”

Following the welcomes, Smith and retiree council members held an official cake cutting ceremony, after which retirees were invited to partake of the services offered as part of RAD.

Milton and Anne Nelson, both retired Soldiers, made the trip from Baton Rouge to participate in the day’s activities.

“I think it’s important to have events like this to let retirees know they are still considered a valuable part of the Army Family,” Milton said. “It give us a chance to connect with younger Soldiers, while at the same time allows us to share our experiences with them.”

Milton spent 28 years as a Soldier and Anne spent 22.

“It makes us feel good knowing we’re not forgotten,” Anne said. “We helped shape the country as it is today, and now the country is giving back to us. I feel more at home when I’m around other Soldiers.”

For more information about retiree services call Fort Polk Retirement Services at (337) 531-0363.