FORT GORDON, Ga. (Oct. 23, 2015) - The Fort Gordon Retiree Appreciation Day drew about 130 retirees Oct. 17 to Darling Hall.
Retired Col. Ev Greenwood, the co-chairperson for the installation Retiree Counsel, welcomed everyone to the appreciation day and thanked all of them for their service in the defense of the United States of America.
"You have set a fine example for those following you and you do us proud," Greenwood said. "If your spouse is here, look at her or him and say thank you for your service. Do it. They sit quietly behind us while we are doing our thing and putting up with a whole lot that took me a long time to appreciate. It's important to thank them and if they are not here, do it when you get home."
"The Fort Gordon garrison, and the Soldiers at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center have worked hard to make this day special for you and to show their appreciation to you," he added. "On behalf of our retirees, I offer a sincere thanks to the garrison, Eisenhower, and everyone else involved in making this happen today."
Greenwood thanked the garrison commander, Col. Samuel G. Anderson, for being there.
"Your presence shows you care and we appreciate it," Greenwood said. "And yes, we look forward to you joining our ranks one day and you will. I don't mean that in a bad way. It's a good way."
"I believe our military is the best it has ever been," he added. "And that's the way it should be. I ask all of you to stand behind them and thank them. Support and guide them because we need them."
Greenwood, along with retired Sgt. Maj. Richard Downs, the Fort Gordon Retiree co-chairperson, accepted a proclamation on behalf of all the military retirees in Augusta, which was provided by the Augusta, Georgia, Mayor Hardie Davis Jr.
Soldiers assigned to D Company, 551st Signal Battalion, 15th Regimental Signal Brigade, under the supervision of Staff Sgt. Barbara Barney, the platoon sergeant; and the leadership of Pvt. Christopher Tessnear, performed a precision drill sequences.
Following the opening ceremony, many of the retirees shook the hands and thanked the Soldiers for their service and the fine performance.
Anderson encouraged the retirees to take advantage of the several seminars offered throughout the morning, as well as to stop by the information tables located in Darling Hall, room 188, to receive the most current information on their benefits.
"There's a lot of great information available that will help you and your family stay on top of changes in services, policies, and your own good health," Anderson said. "This morning's event, coupled with this afternoon's luncheon program, will update you on the various retiree services we offer on the installation."
"You'll be able to get a flu vaccine and other medical screenings," he explained. "We'll also update you on the changes in our installation community and give you a better understanding of Fort Gordon's growth and how it affects the local community."
During the morning, Soldiers assigned to 442nd Signal Battalion, registered the retirees, which allowed the retirees and their spouses to receive their flu and pneumonia immunizations, if they wanted them, and attend seminars on the Army Wellness Center, Healthy Heart, and nutrition for the aging.
Beth Williams with the Augusta Alzheimer's Association shared information on the early signs of the disease, and Michelle Banks-Gainer with Delta Dental talked about their retiree dental plan. Karen Smith, with the Fort Gordon Retirement Services, discussed the Survivor Benefit Plan.
During the noon luncheon at the Gordon Conference and Catering Center, Anderson shared information about the growth of the post, and Col. Michael A. Weber, DDEAMC commander, talked about the hospital's accomplishments and the wide variety of medical services offered there.
"This is an excellent idea," said Army retiree Donna West. "Normally, on this day I walk for breast cancer awareness and prevention, but I decided this was more important for me to attend. I learned some good information and I am grateful."
To find out more information about the Fort Gordon Retirement Services or the installation retiree council, contact Antoinette White at (706) 791-1950.
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