Fort Buchanan US Army Garrison in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in Puerto Rico hosted a Retiree Appreciation Day, Claims Clinic, Veterans and Families Benefits Outreach event attended by approximately five hundred retirees and their families at the installation’s Community Club and Conference Center’s Grand Ballroom November 10, 2022.
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Fort Buchanan US Army Garrison in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in Puerto Rico hosted a Retiree Appreciation Day, Claims Clinic, Veterans and Families Benefits Outreach event attended by approximately five hundred retirees and their families at the installation’s Community Club and Conference Center’s Grand Ballroom November 10, 2022. (Photo Credit: Rosie Irizarry) VIEW ORIGINAL
Attendees of the USAG Fort Buchanan and VA in PR Retiree Appreciation Day event render honors to the nation during the opening of the day’s activities November 10, 2022.
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Attendees of the USAG Fort Buchanan and VA in PR Retiree Appreciation Day event render honors to the nation during the opening of the day’s activities November 10, 2022. (Photo Credit: Rosie Irizarry) VIEW ORIGINAL
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) provided information and recruited new members.
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) provided information and recruited new members. (Photo Credit: Rosie Irizarry) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT BUCHANAN, PR -- Fort Buchanan US Army Garrison in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in Puerto Rico hosted a Retiree Appreciation Day, Claims Clinic, Veterans and Families Benefits Outreach event attended by approximately five hundred retirees and their families at the installation’s Community Club and Conference Center’s Grand Ballroom November 10, 2022.

Members of the American Legion stand ready to provide information and support to Retirees and Veterans.
1 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Members of the American Legion stand ready to provide information and support to Retirees and Veterans. (Photo Credit: Rosie Irizarry) VIEW ORIGINAL
The Department of Veterans Affairs had many tables providing personal assistance in claims processing and inquiries; burial and memorial benefits; compensation; pensions; appeals; life insurance; eligibility and enrollment; education benefits; Veteran Readiness and employment and more.
2 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The Department of Veterans Affairs had many tables providing personal assistance in claims processing and inquiries; burial and memorial benefits; compensation; pensions; appeals; life insurance; eligibility and enrollment; education benefits; Veteran Readiness and employment and more. (Photo Credit: Rosie Irizarry) VIEW ORIGINAL
Many Veterans and Retirees as well as members of Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) went from information booth to booth gathering information and networking to better serve the community.
3 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Many Veterans and Retirees as well as members of Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) went from information booth to booth gathering information and networking to better serve the community. (Photo Credit: Rosie Irizarry) VIEW ORIGINAL
The American Red Cross had information on the vast services they offer including counseling for Retirees and Veterans.
4 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The American Red Cross had information on the vast services they offer including counseling for Retirees and Veterans. (Photo Credit: Rosie Irizarry) VIEW ORIGINAL
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided information on their recently formed Veterans Support Program and the hiring opportunities available for Veterans, such as these two men, recently returned from deployment and seeking employment.
5 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided information on their recently formed Veterans Support Program and the hiring opportunities available for Veterans, such as these two men, recently returned from deployment and seeking employment. (Photo Credit: Rosie Irizarry) VIEW ORIGINAL
The US Marine Corp Reserve at Fort Buchanan had tables and boxes as part of their seasonal campaign, Toys for Tots drive. Last year they distributed 57,308 toys supporting 21,168 children throughout some of the neediest communities in Puerto Rico.
6 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The US Marine Corp Reserve at Fort Buchanan had tables and boxes as part of their seasonal campaign, Toys for Tots drive. Last year they distributed 57,308 toys supporting 21,168 children throughout some of the neediest communities in Puerto Rico. (Photo Credit: Rosie Irizarry) VIEW ORIGINAL

Seventy-six Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) and, affiliated federal and civil agencies provided information to military Retirees, Veterans, Service Members, their Families and Survivors from 8 a.m. till 2 p.m. They provided services such as personal assistance in claims processing and inquiries; burial and memorial benefits; compensation; pensions; appeals; life insurance; eligibility and enrollment; education benefits; Veteran Readiness and employment and more.

AUSA PR Chapter President Chief Warrant Officer (Ret.) Cristino Lozada served as master of Ceremony to hundreds of Retirees attending the USAG Fort Buchanan and VA Retiree Appreciation Day event at the installation’s Community Club and Conference Center’s Grand Ballroom November 10, 2022.
AUSA PR Chapter President Chief Warrant Officer (Ret.) Cristino Lozada served as master of Ceremony to hundreds of Retirees attending the USAG Fort Buchanan and VA Retiree Appreciation Day event at the installation’s Community Club and Conference Center’s Grand Ballroom November 10, 2022. (Photo Credit: Rosie Irizarry) VIEW ORIGINAL

The master of ceremony for the event Association of the United States Army Puerto Rico Chapter President, Chief Warrant Officer (Ret) Cristino Lozada and guest speakers were, in representation of the Fort Buchanan Garrison Commander Col. Tomika M. Seaberry, Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Roderick W. Hendricks; Deputy Garrison Commander Lt. Col. Brian Mandock; on behalf of San Juan Veterans Affairs Regional Office Executive Director, Leanne Weldin, Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Officer, Jose A. Vega and Puerto Rico and Morovis VA National Cemeteries Director Juan Nieves.

“Thank you all for attending, we have here so many great veterans and supporting organizations here today. We want you today to walk away with an abundance of information. I am honored to be here to carry the guidon of the services available for our Retirees and Veterans,” said Fort Buchanan Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Roderick W. Hendricks as he addressed the Retiree Appreciation Day event at the installation’s Community Club and Conference Center, November 10, 2022.
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – “Thank you all for attending, we have here so many great veterans and supporting organizations here today. We want you today to walk away with an abundance of information. I am honored to be here to carry the guidon of the services available for our Retirees and Veterans,” said Fort Buchanan Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Roderick W. Hendricks as he addressed the Retiree Appreciation Day event at the installation’s Community Club and Conference Center, November 10, 2022. (Photo Credit: Rosie Irizarry) VIEW ORIGINAL
“This is great. I look forward to this every year, I like the camaraderie, which is clearly seen all around us,” said Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) William Laurido. He served in the US Army during the Vietnam War conflict, till retiring honorably after 31 years.
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – “This is great. I look forward to this every year, I like the camaraderie, which is clearly seen all around us,” said Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) William Laurido. He served in the US Army during the Vietnam War conflict, till retiring honorably after 31 years. (Photo Credit: Rosie Irizarry) VIEW ORIGINAL
“Thank you all for attending, we have here so many great veterans and supporting organizations here today. We want you today to walk away with an abundance of information. I am honored to be here to carry the guidon of the services available for our Retirees and Veterans. It was President and General George Washington who said, “The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.” Thank you for your service and the sacrifice your families have made. Tell your story!” said Command Sgt. Maj. Hendricks.
Deputy Garrison Commander Lt. Col. Brian Mandock thanked Retirees for their service and the sacrifices their families made during their military careers at the Retiree Appreciation Day event held November 10, 2022 at the installation’s Community Club and Conference Center.
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Deputy Garrison Commander Lt. Col. Brian Mandock thanked Retirees for their service and the sacrifices their families made during their military careers at the Retiree Appreciation Day event held November 10, 2022 at the installation’s Community Club and Conference Center. (Photo Credit: Rosie Irizarry) VIEW ORIGINAL
Service Members and Veterans also attended the Retiree Appreciation Day event gathering important information for their military and civilian future.
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Service Members and Veterans also attended the Retiree Appreciation Day event gathering important information for their military and civilian future. (Photo Credit: Rosie Irizarry) VIEW ORIGINAL
“You are the center of this event – not me. I am humbled and honored to be in your presence. This is Retiree Appreciation Day! There’s a much history in this room and Fort Buchanan means a lot to you. A hundred times over, thank you!” said Lt. Col. Mandock.
“VA is Vets helping Vets! We want to serve you and are honored every day to do so,” said Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Officer, Jose A. Vega on behalf of San Juan Veterans Affairs Regional Office Executive Director, Leanne Weldin, at the Fort Buchanan Retiree Appreciation Day event.
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – “VA is Vets helping Vets! We want to serve you and are honored every day to do so,” said Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Officer, Jose A. Vega on behalf of San Juan Veterans Affairs Regional Office Executive Director, Leanne Weldin, at the Fort Buchanan Retiree Appreciation Day event. (Photo Credit: Rosie Irizarry) VIEW ORIGINAL
The Association of the United States Army Puerto Rico Chapter had an information table and proudly display their chapter’s “Best Chapter” guidon for 2022.
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The Association of the United States Army Puerto Rico Chapter had an information table and proudly display their chapter’s “Best Chapter” guidon for 2022. (Photo Credit: Rosie Irizarry) VIEW ORIGINAL
“The Department of Veterans Affairs, PR thanks the leadership of Fort Buchanan for opening up the installation to this event. The work we do is important because you trust VA to oversee and help you with your well-earned benefits. VA is Vets helping Vets! We want to serve you and are honored every day to do so,” said Vega.
Puerto Rico and Morovis VA National Cemeteries Director Juan Nieves welcomed Retirees and their families to the Retiree Appreciation Day event held in Fort Buchanan’s Community Club and Conference Center and thanked them for their service.
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Puerto Rico and Morovis VA National Cemeteries Director Juan Nieves welcomed Retirees and their families to the Retiree Appreciation Day event held in Fort Buchanan’s Community Club and Conference Center and thanked them for their service. (Photo Credit: Rosie Irizarry) VIEW ORIGINAL
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) had three tables assisting Retirees, Veterans and their families. (L to R) Carlos Plansenti a DAV Chapter member and DAV Department of PR Commander Delvis Collazo Rivera assist a Retiree with an application.
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Disabled American Veterans (DAV) had three tables assisting Retirees, Veterans and their families. (L to R) Carlos Plansenti a DAV Chapter member and DAV Department of PR Commander Delvis Collazo Rivera assist a Retiree with an application. (Photo Credit: Rosie Irizarry) VIEW ORIGINAL
The US Small Business Administration (SBA) had many services to offer Retirees and Veterans, seen here on the right is SBA Lender Relation Specialist, Samuel Maldonado as he assists a Retiree.
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The US Small Business Administration (SBA) had many services to offer Retirees and Veterans, seen here on the right is SBA Lender Relation Specialist, Samuel Maldonado as he assists a Retiree. (Photo Credit: Rosie Irizarry) VIEW ORIGINAL
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had three tables assisting attendees with claims, follow up on existing claims and information.
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had three tables assisting attendees with claims, follow up on existing claims and information. (Photo Credit: Rosie Irizarry) VIEW ORIGINAL

During his remarks, Nieves said, “Please do as Lt. Col. Mandock said, walk out of here knowing all the benefits you have rights to, take advantage of this moment. Thank you.”

(L to R) Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Roderick W. Hendricks; Jaqueline Santiago; Alvin Santiago; Fort Buchanan Retirement Service Officer, Miguel Aponte-Cepeda; Command Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Sergio Figueroa and Deputy Garrison Commander Lt. Col. Brian Mandock.
(L to R) Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Roderick W. Hendricks; Jaqueline Santiago; Alvin Santiago; Fort Buchanan Retirement Service Officer, Miguel Aponte-Cepeda; Command Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Sergio Figueroa and Deputy Garrison Commander Lt. Col. Brian Mandock. (Photo Credit: Rosie Irizarry) VIEW ORIGINAL

There was a ceremony in recognition of former and recently deceased Fort Buchanan Retirement Services Officer Sgt. 1st Class (Ret.) Santiago S. “Chago” Vazquez. Congressional Record of the US House of Representatives from the office of Congresswoman, the Honorable Jenniffer González Colón and from the Puerto Rico House of Representatives approved Motion 2430 submitted by PR House Representative Hon. José F. Aponte Hernández honoring Chago Vazquez was presented by Lt. Col. Mandock to his surviving son, Alvin and daughter, Jaqueline escorted by her husband Army Command Sgt. Major (Ret.) Sergio Figueroa.

(R) Fort Buchanan Deputy to the Garrison Commander Yvette L. Castro expresses the condolences and unconditional support of Fort Buchanan to the Alvin and Jaqueline Santiago, son and daughter of honored and recently deceased Fort Buchanan Retirement Services Officer, Sgt. 1st Class (Ret.) Santiago S. “Chago” Vazquez and her husband Command Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Figueroa.
(R) Fort Buchanan Deputy to the Garrison Commander Yvette L. Castro expresses the condolences and unconditional support of Fort Buchanan to the Alvin and Jaqueline Santiago, son and daughter of honored and recently deceased Fort Buchanan Retirement Services Officer, Sgt. 1st Class (Ret.) Santiago S. “Chago” Vazquez and her husband Command Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Figueroa. (Photo Credit: Rosie Irizarry) VIEW ORIGINAL

Vazquez served in the military for 23 years and then as a US Army Civil Servant for another 50 years, “Respected as a leader, family man, father, grandfather and restless advocate of Puerto Rico’s veteran and military community, Sargent First Class (Ret.) Santiago is an example and inspiration to be follow by all,” from the Congressional Citation.

Fourteen students from North Point Military Academy located in Vega Baja, PR displayed historical United States Army Uniforms beginning with a pre-Revolutionary War uniform of the National Guard – War of 1812 – Mexican American War – Civil War up to the Operational Camouflage Pattern uniform worn today by Soldiers.
Fourteen students from North Point Military Academy located in Vega Baja, PR displayed historical United States Army Uniforms beginning with a pre-Revolutionary War uniform of the National Guard – War of 1812 – Mexican American War – Civil War up to the Operational Camouflage Pattern uniform worn today by Soldiers. (Photo Credit: Rosie Irizarry) VIEW ORIGINAL

Fourteen students from North Point Military Academy located in Vega Baja, PR displayed historical United States Army Uniforms beginning with a pre-Revolutionary War uniform of the National Guard – War of 1812 – Mexican American War – Civil War up to the Operational Camouflage Pattern uniform worn today by Soldiers.

Community Club’s Borinquen Bar and Patio served approximately 400 lunches at a special discounted price to all Retirees and Veterans.
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Community Club’s Borinquen Bar and Patio served approximately 400 lunches at a special discounted price to all Retirees and Veterans. (Photo Credit: Rosie Irizarry) VIEW ORIGINAL
Community Club’s Borinquen Bar and Patio's chef, cooks and wait staff, served approximately 400 lunches at a special discounted price to all Retirees and Veterans.
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Community Club’s Borinquen Bar and Patio's chef, cooks and wait staff, served approximately 400 lunches at a special discounted price to all Retirees and Veterans. (Photo Credit: Rosie Irizarry) VIEW ORIGINAL
Community Club’s Borinquen Bar and Patio served approximately 400 lunches at a special discounted price to all Retirees and Veterans with musical entertainment by Los Mismos (formerly known as Son Veteranos.)
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Community Club’s Borinquen Bar and Patio served approximately 400 lunches at a special discounted price to all Retirees and Veterans with musical entertainment by Los Mismos (formerly known as Son Veteranos.) (Photo Credit: Rosie Irizarry) VIEW ORIGINAL

Community Club’s Borinquen Bar and Patio served approximately 400 lunches at a special discounted price to all Retirees and Veterans with musical entertainment by Los Mismos (formerly known as Son Veteranos.)