The veteran retiree population of Central Texas just became a lot healthier Oct. 29 thanks to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center's 2016 Retiree Health Fair.
Held in conjunction with Fort Hood's Retiree Appreciation Day, more than 450 retirees took advantage of health and wellness screenings, vaccines and educational opportunities during the 42nd year of the annual event and the first one at the new hospital.
The biggest draw for most of the retirees was the seasonal flu shot, a big bonus for veteran Valerie Nottage, who has been coming to CRDAMC's health fairs ever since her 1995 retirement.
"It's my primary reason for coming," she said, adding how impressed she has been with the new venue. "It's quite a change from the previous events at the Thomas Moore Clinic. It's just awesome here because there's so more space and room."
Sandra Webster, who along with her husband, has been coming to CRDAMC's health fair ever since her husband retired in 2002 retirement.
"There're noticeable differences in last year and this year," she said. "This new facility is wonderful, plus it's not as congested."
Besides flu shots, retirees were able to get various screenings such as glucose levels, blood pressure, oral cancer, hearing, vision and body fat. More than 200 CRDAMC employees and local volunteers staffed the 50 plus booths that ranged from women's health services and nutrition to physical and occupational therapy.
The most beneficial service to retiree Jessie Fielder was CRDAMC's sleep clinic booth.
"I had been having problems with my CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) mask leaking," he said, grateful that sleep clinic technician, Andrew Garza, educated him on the newest CPAP technology.
The purpose of the annual event, according to CRDAMC commander, Col. Mark Thompson, is to "keep the retiree population healthy."
"This allows retirees to see what is available here as well as gives us an opportunity to answer any questions they might have," he said. "It's also a fun day to show off our new hospital and take care of our retirees at the same time."
Robert Bateman has been coming to the health fairs ever since his 1993 retirement and praises the event for its benefits.
"It's very beneficial to us because it shows us a lot of things we don't know about and what is available to us," he said, adding that his big takeaway from the event is dermatology services. "I had been going off-post, but now I can come here. That's a big plus for me."
Bateman also praised Army Medicine for its continual improvement since his active-duty days.
"I've certainly had better experiences with Army Medicine as a retiree than I did as a Soldier, thanks to all the changes," he said, adding how impressed he is with the new hospital. "If we ever get nuked, I'm coming here because this building will certainly stand it!"
CRDAMC employee Melissa Zednick was not only volunteering at the fair, but also was taking advantage of the wellness services.
"This allows me to keep a better eye on my glucose, sugar and cholesterol," the 2005 Army retiree said, during a break from her volunteer duties. "I also found out educational benefits I'm eligible for and the step by step procedures to get them."
Zednick, who is a medical support assistant, said the six-hour event made her proud to be part of CRDAMC because she was able to engage in conversations with the retirees, as well as listen to them praise the new facility.
"How can you not be proud to be a part of CRDAMC and this event?" she said. "This new hospital is a showcase, and you can tell that everyone has been really impressed with what they have experienced and what they have seen."
Margaret Simmons, who was there with her veteran husband, said she looks forward to the health fair every year.
"I just love it," she said. "Everyone is always so nice. The whole experience just makes me smile."
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