Fort Belvoir, Va. (Sept. 18, 2014) - Retired servicemembers in the National Capital Region learned about resources available to them at Fort Belvoir and in the local community during the Directorate of Human Resources Retiree Appreciation Day at Barden Education Center, Friday.
Retirees spoke with representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, Tricare and the Association of the United States Army. Organizations like Air Compassion for Veterans and The Fairfax at Belvoir Woods, a Sunrise Senior Living Community, were at the event to share information about their services. The American Red Cross and the Department of Motor Vehicles were also at the event, taking retirees blood pressure and assisting with car registration; and new identification cards.
Though the event took place a week earlier this year than in the past, attendance was higher than previous years, according to Gwendolyn Lott, DHR, retiree services officer.
"The event went very well," said Lott. "We had 263 retirees come and 191 of them received their flu shots. The classroom briefing maintained at least 85 percent participation at all times and the vendors went away with barely, if any, of the handouts or trinkets they came with."
The VA National Cemetery Administration wants Veterans to know about burial benefits available to them through the administration.
"The benefits include burial at any of our 131 national cemeteries," said Gina White, Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration, program analyst.
Burial at one of the 131 national cemeteries includes a free marker, plot, free opening and closing of the grave site and perpetual care. The benefits are available to all veterans and their spouses. Each veteran has to have served at least one enlistment with an honorable discharge. Burial at a private cemetery includes a free government marker, according to White.
She wants veterans to understand their burial benefits.
"A lot of folks here talk about Arlington, but Arlington is run by the Army," said White. "It is not run by the VA. There are 131 cemeteries run by Veterans Affairs."
Retirees like J.D. Carr, Soldier and Family Assistance Center, education counselor, took the opportunity to speak with DMV about his car registration.
"I've been here four months, so I want to know the guidelines for getting my decals, stickers and tags," said Carr. "I noticed the Red Cross is here and they always provide good information. ACS is here which I love because they always support the servicemembers and their Families."
Other retirees like Paul Weisenberger, retired Army, came to the event for updates on healthcare options.
"My son has Medicare and has a disability," said Weisenberger. "There's always some new information being put out, or a change in a program or policy."
Weisenberger spoke with representatives from Tricare and AUSA during the event. He was especially satisfied to learn about the Armed Forces Vacation club.
"You can't beat a week's vacation in a condo for $349," said Weisenberger.
Retirees learned about Tricare and other services during classroom briefings.
Kimberly Bagley, Tricare Northern Region, education specialist, discussed how Medicare works with Tricare during her presentation.
"Once they leave the military, a lot of retirees don't have anyone to go to, to help them figure out their bills," said Bagely. "So, they get frustrated. These events are good to bring people out and share info on subjects retirees may be having problems with."
Bagely feels events like Retiree Appreciation Day are important because it gives retired veterans a chance to get answers.
"My parents have Medicare," said Bagley. "Without my help, I know they would be paying bills they shouldn't be paying. Some folks, through no fault of their own, are unable to advocate for themselves. They need events like this to make their voices heard."
Lott is satisfied with the turnout and the information retirees received during the event. She also thinks they left with more than just new information.
"The biggest benefit was that they left knowing that they are very much appreciated and a part of the Fort Belvoir community," said Lott.
For more information on services available to retirees and veterans, contact Gwendolyn Lott at (703) 806-4551. For more information on Tricare benefits, go to www.tricare.mil.
For more information on burial benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs, go to www.cem.va.gov.
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