FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Fort Rucker held its 42nd annual retiree health fair Oct. 28 at Yano Hall as a means to give back to those who made a career out of serving their country.

Hundreds of retirees were treated to a one-stop shop for their medical and health information needs, according to Chris Moore, retiree services officer.

"(The fair) gives us a chance to give back to folks that have given so much, initially," said Moore. "It's a very small token of recognition once a year for the sacrifices they've given for many years."

During the fair, retirees were able to speak with medical professionals from all around, including Lyster Army Health Clinic, as well as Medical Center Enterprise, Southeast Alabama Medical Center, Veterans Affairs, the Red Cross and more.

The event provided a great opportunity for retirees to see what on- and off-post agencies have to offer, Moore said.

Retirees even had the chance to get their blood pressure checked and get flu shots, which Laura Farrell, retired military family member, took full advantage of.

"I came out to get my flu shot, which I do almost every year. It's just great that we can come here and get that taken care of to not worry about," she said. "This is also a good time to ask any questions we might have because, as time goes on, there are more things you need to worry about."

Farrell said that being able to come out to the fair gives her the opportunity to see what type of preventative measures she might have to take in the future.

"I don't know anybody that likes to go to the doctor for visits -- it's just not a good time," she said. "But at a certain age, that sort of thing becomes necessary, so while we're here, we can get all the information we need to know where to go and who to talk to, because that can be something that can really be a pain to find."

Farrell's husband, Stephen, who is an Army veteran, said that he enjoys the convenience of the fair and said it's something he's glad the installation puts on every year.

"This is where we always try to come get our flu shots because it's just really convenient for the both of us," he said. "We don't have to make an appointment or wait in long lines, so it works out great."

"Any time that we can save a trip to the doctor's office is a definite plus for me," said Stephen. "I'm just really grateful that we have this hear for us, and as long as they continue to hold it, we'll keep coming back."