Retiree Appreciation Day 2009

  • Published
  • By Jennifer Greene
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  More than 250 retirees from the Missouri area visited Whiteman for its annual Retiree Appreciation Day, Oct. 3 at Mission's End. A special guest was in attendance, retired Lt. Col. Vernon H. Berry, who at 91 years of age, has served in World War II, and spent more than 10 years of his career dealing with missiles. 

The Wing commander was on hand to deliver the keynote speech and field questions from the retired guests. The questions ranged from aircraft capabilities, to the current status of our nation during wartime.

"We are engaged in two fights, the hot fight in the Mid-East, and a fight to prevent the next war [deterrence]," said Brig. Gen. Robert Wheeler, 509th Bomb Wing commander.


Organized by the Retiree Activities Office, and various other agencies and squadrons on base, this year's turnout was tremendous with support from multiple agencies across base. TRICARE, the Defense Commissary Agency, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, the 509th  Force Support Squadron, the 509th BW Legal Office, and the Military Personnel Flight all had members present with useful information and updates for the masses.

Additionally, a health fair complete with information booths were set up at Mission's End, and the Commissary put on a "tailgate party," complete with food and prizes.


According to Mr. James Hill, director of Retiree Activities Office here, "Everything went smooth, one of the best events to date."