A little more than a week ago while U.S. Army Cadet Command and Fort Knox Commander Maj. Gen. Christopher Hughes was sitting at the food court on post, he said he was impressed with what he saw and heard.
A retired veteran, wearing a hat that stated his status as a veteran, took his tray and asked a group of young men and women from a Reserve unit to scoot over. The man sat down and had lunch with a group many years younger. Hughes shared what he witnessed to a room full of retired military men and women Friday for Retiree Appreciation Day at the Saber & Quill.
"The conversation was precious," he said. "You couldn't have scripted it better. I need you to have those conversations with our young people, with our Soldiers who are in uniform."
Most of the young men and women had combat patches, Hughes said.
"What they need to know is there is life after service in the military," he said. "They need to know that their military will take care of them. They need to know that you're out there and you have the experience and knowledge to share with them. (Because) what's next in their lives for all of us who get to retire, it's pretty scary and I know you remember that, how that particular point in your life felt."
The man, whom Hughes didn't name, told the young group about what his duties were in the military, when he retired and the three jobs he has held since.
"I ask you to not just be in our community, I ask you to be our community," Hughes told the crowd.
The annual event helps inform, update and show appreciation for those on Fort Knox and in the surrounding areas who have retired from the military services. Following Hughes' opening remarks, those in attendance were briefed about Tricare, Veterans Affairs, casualty benefits, military funeral honors, decorations and awards and retired pay. Retirees and their Families were also invited to attend an informational expo, luncheon, shredding event and bus tour of the installation.
Anna Fitz Simmons and Vernell Owens both have husbands who retired from the Army in the 1980s. The two said they attend the event on post every year. The duo said they like to learn what has been updated and get vaccines and medical screenings that are available to them.
"There (are) a lot of retirees that don't have access to what we do if you live in the area," Fitz Simmons said. "They come from all over and it gives them a lot of good information. They learn about medical and the different insurances so it's a lot of good things that they learn about."
Bill Marion retired from the Army in 1999 and also attends annually.
"I come every year to see what changes," Marion said. "Sometimes a little bit changes and sometimes it stays the same. This year they have the new (veterans) nursing home."
Marion explained that although he retired years ago, he now runs his own business and is always active.
"I never stop," he said. "You've got to keep moving."
Ed Bray spent a few minutes at the Veterans of Foreign Wars informational booth learning about medals and patches.
"They are given based on where in the world you served," he said. "I (served in) Vietnam and Iraq."
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