GRAFENWOEHR, Germany - Once again U.S. Army Garrison Grafenwoehr is proud to host retirees and surviving family members at its annual Retiree Appreciation Day, Oct. 22. The event is part of the commander's program to thank military retirees for their service and continued support. All U.S. military retirees from all U.S. services, their family members and survivors are welcome.
As in previous years, numerous organizations will provide guidance and information on the vast array of services available. Services in Building 244 will start at 8 a.m. Several agencies that provide services and information to military retirees will be there, including the legal office, Federal Benefits Unit American Consulate General, Veterans Affairs, U.S. Customs, Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS), Survivor Outreach Services (SOS), Army Emergency Relief (AER), passports and DEERS ID cards. Each agency will have a subject matter expert to provide information and guidance on its services.
Although the event has been held on Saturdays in the past, this year it was scheduled on a Friday to reach members of our retiree community that could not attend on Saturdays. Because RAD is on a Friday, additional offices that will be open include Army Community Service, Finance Cage, Postal R Box Services, FMWR, DES/IACS, USO and Red Cross.
The opening ceremony will start at 9 a.m., in the first floor lobby of Building 244. Our keynote speaker is Brig. Gen. Steven L. Salazar, commanding general, 7th Army Joint Multinational Training Command. USAG Grafenwoehr also is supporting our effort in the workplace. Retirees working in the garrison will be allowed to take administration leave to attend RAD events.
Clinics
The theme for this year's RAD is Health and Fitness. The Grafenwoehr Health and Dental Clinic (Bldg. 475) will also provide services to our retirees and their families. On the day of the RAD, the clinic will kick-off services at 7 a.m. and no appointments are needed. The medical clinic will offer eye screening and provide eye glass ordering for patients who have a prescription dated within one year. Patients can also receive a hearing screening. If hearing aid adjustments or further testing is required, a follow-up appointment can be scheduled.
The medical staff will also provide information on the Retiree at Cost Hearing Aid Program (RACHAP). Tricare will provide benefit counseling. The immunization office will provide flu and pneumovax shots and the pharmacy will open for service after patients have seen a provider for medication. The dental clinic will provide oral cancer screenings, limited cleanings and information on the Tricare dental program.
Also that morning, the clinic will offer lab work to retirees enrolled with the Grafenwoehr, Vilseck and Hohenfels clinics. Patients who have their blood drawn for diabetes and cholesterol checks will have the opportunity to schedule a follow-up appointment. Fasting is required for those who are planning to have their blood drawn that morning. Fasting meaning not eating or drinking anything except water after 7 p.m. the night prior (Oct. 21). This is very important in order to get accurate results when having blood drawn.
Buses
RADs may vary from installation to installation, but, in general, they all provide an opportunity to renew acquaintances, listen to guest speakers, renew ID Cards, and receive medical check-ups and access services. The Grafenwoehr Retiree Appreciation Day (RAD) is designed with you in mind. We have scheduled bus services from Berlin and Garmisch/Munich to assist with travel. The seating may be limited. Retirees who reside those should contact the local retiree council for additional information.
The Garmisch/Munich point of contact is retired Col. Tervino at 08821-750-3615 or Ms. Teri Chang at 08821-750-3802. The Berlin point of contact is retired Col. Joyce. There are no requirements for preregistration or appointments to attend the Grafenwoehr RAD, but you must reserve a seat on the shuttle bus in advance to ensure a space.
This year's RAD will host an installation event aimed at giving special thanks to our military retirees. Our U.S. armed forces would not be the best in the world if you hadn't first blazed the trail. Your honorable service and sacrifices have provided our great nation the freedom we enjoy today.
In addition the Grafenwoehr Retirement Services staff is dedicated to offering VIP services to retirees and family members. Don't hesitate if you are in need of assistance, such as submission of retirement documents, Survivor Benefit Plans (SBP), report of death, records updates, or to just stop by to see what's new. Our office is located on Grafenwoehr's Main Post in Building 244 on the second floor. Hours of operation are Mon.-Fri., 7:30 a.m.-noon, and 1-4:30 p.m. We can be reached at 09641-83-8709 or via e-mail at rsografenwoehr@graf.eur.army.mil.
I want to thank you for your service and for the years you have dedicated to our country. You are an important part of the USAG Grafenwoehr team and I look forward to seeing you at Retiree Appreciation Day, at our numerous events, and in the community.
Editor's Note: Keith G. Harry is the casualty / retirement program manager for U.S. Army Garrison Grafenwoehr.
Important reminders
Aca,!Ac Clinics open at 7 a.m. (Bldg. 475)
Aca,!Ac Information booths open at 8 a.m. (Bldg. 244)
Aca,!Ac Opening ceremony is 9 a.m. (Bldg. 244)
Aca,!Ac Those having blood drawn during the RAD will need to fast starting at 7 p.m. the day prior (Oct. 21).
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