FORT LEE, Va. (Nov. 31, 2013) -- Military retirees were afforded the opportunity to receive information updates, get medical screenings and share in the camaraderie of service during the Retiree Appreciation Day event that took place Saturday at the Soldier Support Center.
More than 250 military retirees, veterans and their family members from the local area and beyond were in attendance. Brig. Gen. John E. O'Neil IV, Quartermaster School Commandant, and Col. Paul Brooks, Fort Lee garrison commander, were among the installation leadership on hand for the annual occasion.
"I think it was an awesome day," said Cassandra Rawls, chief, Retirement Services Office. "We had a lot of retirees show up, many of whom didn't expect to be here. You could tell from their faces and reactions that they really appreciated the event considering all the turmoil caused by the government shutdown."
Retiree Appreciation Day was rescheduled from a date in September then experienced uncertainty about whether it would take place up until a few days prior to the event.
Furthermore, its scheduled guest speaker, Teresa W. Gerton, the deputy assistant secretary for policy at the Veterans Employment and Training Service, Department of Labor, cancelled her appearance. Col. Thomas Bundt, commander, Kenner Army Health Clinic, filled in and provided audience members an update on the facility, its services and various TRICARE programs.
Bundt raised several issues to include the workings of Kenner's appointment system. He detailed how "no shows," or those who fail to appear for scheduled appointments, are draining resources and contributing to the system's inefficiencies. Bundt urged those who can't make appointments to call and cancel.
"This is a very real issue with the system," he said to an audience of about 150 people gathered in the SSC auditorium. "Although there is no money changing hands, it is calculated as such when you miss an appointment. It's approximately a $100-$200 loss. It's also an appointment someone else can't get. That's another $100-$200."
Bundt, noting that external providers charge for missed appointments, said no-shows cost Kenner a "couple hundred-thousand dollars last year." He also said the facility has had some success in reducing the occurrences on the active duty side.
"If we can do the same for our other enrollees, we will really be sitting pretty," he said. "The whole idea is to effectively use our system."
There are no plans to start charging TRICARE enrollees for missed appointments, Bundt noted.
Just before Bundt's presentation, Brooks presented several medals to Korean War veteran Heywood M. Jordan of Halifax County. Jordan, for reasons unknown, did not receive them during his service that ended in April 1955. His daughter, Janet Perkins, said her father would have never pursued the medals so she took on the process "because he's my daddy, he did his service and earned the medals he was awarded. I thought he should have them."
Jordan, in the presence of several family members, including Perkins, did not say much in response following the presentation but his wide grin said it all.
"It's just great," he said. "I appreciate it."
Just down the hall from the auditorium, a variety of representatives from service organizations and Fort Lee agencies and activities manned tables in two rooms that offered flu shots, information and administrative services.
Retired Army Sgt. 1st Class James McKensie, a resident of Dinwiddie County, said he has attended the event for several years now and said it is imperative for all veterans to stay abreast of relevant issues.
"We have so many changes going on with our government and the things that affect military personnel and retirees," he said.
Most of the retirees who attended Saturday's event are longtime participants like McKensie, but many were first-timers. Retired Army Capt. David Hammel was one. A farmer from the Meredithville area, he said "my wife encouraged me to come." He said the medical information was especially beneficial and that "I'm glad I came."
Retired Air Force Tech. Sgt. Yvette Turner, also a first-timer, smiled as she walked from table to table, conversing with fellow retirees as she went along. She said her attendance was worthwhile.
"I like it," she said of the event. "I'm glad they gave me some information that I can really use."
Not far from Turner was retired Master Sgt. William Hood, who hung up his boots 22 years ago. He said he attends annually, primarily to get his flu shot. As soon as he uttered those words, he laughed and embraced a buddy who he was glad to see.
"I also like to come and see my old friends who I haven't seen in 25 years," he said.
That was a prevailing sentiment during the event. Mckensie said the sense of camaraderie at RAD is its most enduring feature.
"I've seen former coworkers and former Reservists I've served with," he said in one of the rooms. "It gives you the chance to interact and talk with people. It's sort of like a fellowship, friendship and it gives me excitement."
Next year, the Retiree Appreciation Day will be "bigger and better" said Rawls.
"Despite budgets and the related issues, we have plans in action to ensure that it happens because we know they look forward to it," she said.
Social Sharing