Writer's Note: Ron Macauley contributed content on the Schinnen event to this story.
CHIÈVRES, Belgium -- Retirees are integral members of the U.S. Army Garrison Benelux, and community members wanted to let them know that their military service and sacrifices are not forgotten.
More than 75 military retirees and their families gathered in the Schinnen Community Activity Center for the annual Retiree Appreciation Day held Oct. 20.
The attendees were treated to a free breakfast by Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation and live entertainment by Music 4 Vets Nederland before Thomas Joyce, the deputy to the U.S. Army Garrison Benelux garrison commander, addressed the community.
More than 30 Tri-Border community groups were represented, including the 470th NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen medical and dental clinics, Army and Air Force Exchange Service, Spangdahlem Air Base Casualty Assistance Representative, Defense Finance and Accounting Services, local and national veterans groups and service organizations. All were on-site to answer retirees' questions as the medical clinics provided free services.
This year, a special Vietnam Veterans Lapel Pin ceremony was held as part of a nationwide initiative started by former President Barack Obama to mark the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War campaign. The lapel-pinning ceremony was a way to thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War era and their families for their service and sacrifice on behalf of a grateful nation.
The day's event allowed the Schinnen community to show their gratitude to military retirees, Vietnam veterans, and their families.
"We received a lot of positive feedback from all of the retirees and veterans who attended today. They were very appreciative of the services provided, but most importantly they were grateful to have the occasion to visit with their comrades," said Ron Macauley, the event organizer. "The event went off without a hitch -- and it's all because of our amazing volunteers and supporters whose dedication and expertise made for an outstanding job well done."
Retiree Appreciation Day was also held Oct. 21 at the SHAPE Health Clinic for those living in Belgium.
Similar to the Schinnen event, Vietnam War veterans received a special lapel pin. Air Force Col. Max Weems, U.S. national military representative to SHAPE, presented the lapel pins while Shun Thomas, military personnel division chief for USAG Benelux, narrated the ceremony.
"We are honored this morning to have several veterans of that conflict. We would like to recognize with the Vietnam Veterans lapel pin, a lasting memento of the nation's thanks," said Thomas.
As the veterans stood in front of the room, Weems personally pinned and expressed his gratitude to each recipient. He then addressed the crowd, particularly about how veterans may not have received appreciation for their service when they initially came back home from the Vietnam War and other conflicts. Weems emphasized his respect and appreciation for the veterans' dedication and service to their country.
"I thank you for your service, and I appreciate the sacrifices you made without having the same welcome when you came back [home]. You served your country honorably and well when it was your time to serve," he said.
Among the recipients were familiar faces in the USAG Benelux community. Mike Doorbal, financial readiness and Army Emergency Relief program manager, and Wallace Turner, another Army Community Service program manager, received the Vietnam Veterans lapel pin.
Both use their military experience to help service members, veterans, retirees and their families today. After the pinning ceremony, they talked to retirees about services provided by ACS.
"It [my military experience] translates to taking care of service members and their families," said Turner. "Today is like a networking fair, because we are meeting other retirees in the community. You learn about their challenges in the community and assist them in any way that you can."
In addition to ACS, other organizations and agencies were on-site such as the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, Northern Law Center, Andrews Federal Credit Union and the SHAPE Health Clinic.
In addition, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service manager at Chièvres Air Base provided a cake, which was cut and served to attendees following the lapel pinning ceremony.
For those who could not attend the event, Dawn McCarty, the retirement and transition services officer at USAG Benelux, wanted them to know that help is available year-round.
"Any time a retiree has questions or has corrections for their record, they are always free to make an appointment with me," she said.
Retirement services are available in the U.S. Community Services Center (Bldg. 253) on SHAPE. To make an appointment, please call McCarty at DSN 366-6293 or +32 (0)65-326293. In addition, retirees can get information and access resources at https://soldierforlife.army.mil/retirement.
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