An upcoming event shows that retired service members are not forgotten.
The Garrison, in collaboration with Fox Army Health Center, will hold their 52nd Soldier for Life-Retiree Appreciation Day benefits update/health fair Oct. 19-20 at Heiser Hall, building 3712, and the Community Activity Center, building 3711.
The annual event is coordinated by the Soldier for Life Retirement Services Office of the Directorate of Human Resources and the Redstone Military Retiree Council.
“The Retiree Appreciation Day is open to all retired, transitioning active-duty military, annuitants, and their family members. The goal is to ensure retired Soldiers and their families are updated on changes affecting their retirement rights, benefits, and privileges, and to foster goodwill between the retired and active-duty communities,” retired Command Sgt. Maj. Donell Pelt, co-chair of the Military Retiree Council, said. “A lot of changes can take place during a year, and it is important that retirees are aware of things that may have an impact on their livelihood. The RAD is a good event where retirees can reconnect with others they may have served with during their military career.
Pelt and retired Lt. Col. Russell Brownfield, council co-chair, are instrumental in planning Retiree Appreciation Day.
Brownfield said he appreciates their role in improving the quality of life for retirees who use the installation. Retiree Appreciation Day gives military retirees and their family members the opportunity to voice their opinions and obtain benefits information.
“As a military retiree and my serving on the retiree council, I think the RAD is the best way for leadership to hear about the needs of military retirees who are serviced by Redstone Arsenal,” Brownfield said. “Our vantage point is different from those of federal workers or contractors because many of us are not a part of the inner workings that take place on the Arsenal due to our not being employed here. We are a specific niche with needs. We want to know how Redstone is providing adequate services for our population as a part of the growth that is taking place on Redstone. When we retire from military service, our branch helps us prepare for transition into civilian life, but it does not prepare us for what to expect for services on any given installation. Having a connection to the proper resources is very important to the retiree community. This is the responsibility of installation leaders and is an ongoing process. Leaders will not know what retirees need unless we advise them of our specific needs. This event is a great opportunity for Redstone leaders to hear firsthand about our concerns and ensure our needs are being met. Our expectations are high for this event. We want to leave the RAD knowing that we matter.”
Pelt said the retiree council wants maximum participation at this year’s event.
“We would like for all our retirees to attend the RAD,” he said. “We want to ensure they have a platform on which they can have a voice to express their concerns. Although the MRC works to resolve problems at the local level, we forward those issues that cannot be resolved locally to the chief of staff of the Army, MRC to consider if the issue has Armywide implications. This allows Army leaders insight into retirees’ needs and concerns and provides retirees with a channel of communication with the active Army. We are working things out for them at every level of leadership.”
The schedule includes Oct. 19, Legal Services, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and ID Section Services, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Oct. 20, Benefits Update from 9 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. at Heiser Hall, building 3712, and Health Fair/Flu Shots at the Community Activity Center, building 3711, from 12:15-3:30 p.m.
“The Redstone retirement services team is working with the retiree council to plan an event that emphasizes how the Army is performing its mission to support military retirees and their families,” Redstone Retirement Services Officer Betty Anderson said. “The Retiree Appreciation Day is an important command sponsored event, mandated by AR 600-8-7. The purpose of the RAD is to provide Team Redstone’s deserving active military, military retirees, and their families updated information on retiree rights, entitlements, and privileges and any changes that may impact their quality of life at Redstone Arsenal. It is also an opportunity for attendees to express any concerns or issues that may impact their quality of life on the installation. This is a great way for our leadership and workforce to show their appreciation for the military service of retirees and how much they are valued as part of the Team Redstone community.”
Guest speakers will give briefings on health care, retirement benefits, veteran services and activities, and legislative action that could affect retirees during the Benefits Update program.
The Retirement Services Office is located at Honest John Road, building 3594. For more information call Anderson at 256-842-2719 or email betty.d.anderson.civ@army.mil.
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