Retirees recognized during 2010 Appreciation Day

  • Published
  • By Heidi Hunt
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  More than 350 retirees from the Missouri area visited Whiteman for its annual Retiree Appreciation Day Mission's End, Saturday.

Brig. Gen. Scott Vander Hamm, 509th Bomb Wing commander, was on hand to address concerns from retired guests and deliver the keynote speech.

"Whiteman's priority remains taking care of our military retirees and carry an ongoing commitment to the men and women who have served in the armed forces," said General Vander Hamm. "Your honor and service to this country is greatly appreciated."

Organized by the Retiree Activities Office, and various other Air Force Global Strike Command agencies and squadrons on base, this year's turnout was notable according to James Hill.
TRICARE, the 509th Medical Group, the Defense Commissary Agency, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, the 509th Force Support Squadron, Defense Finance and Accounting Service, 509th BW legal office, and military personnel flight all had members present with useful information and updates for the masses.

A health fair complete with information booths were set up and medics provided flu shots for retirees.

Events included a window tour of the base, a tour of the B-2 static display and an Oscar-01 Missile Silo briefing.

Active-duty retiree Willie O'Neil, from Kansas City, Mo., said he's been attending Retiree Appreciation Day here for years and said it's very informative and he enjoys it.

"I have the opportunity to see many of the people I have served with and visit with old friends," he said. "We look for each other every year."

The day was an overall success according to Mr. Hill, director of Retiree Activities Office.

"Everything went smooth, one of the best events to date," said Mr. Hill. "I am very thankful to all the people who helped with this event."

For more information about the Retiree Activity Office contact (660) 687-6457.