RAO Retiree Appreciation Day: A chance to socialize, get informed, meet new director

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --   The 4th Fighter Wing Retiree Activities Office staff is hosting a Retiree Appreciation Day event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 18 at Heritage Hall.

The free event open to all area military retirees and their spouses includes a free lunch catered by the Eagle Landing staff, information booths, blood pressure checks and guest speakers including members of base leadership and a local pilot who was shot down during the Vietnam War.

"This is a way to get area retirees together, we don't see or interact with each other very much during the year," said retired Master Sgt. W. Watson, Retiree Activities Office director. "This is also a way of recognizing volunteers and their spouses."

Attendees will have the chance to socialize with other members of the retiree community and an opportunity to meet with the new RAO director. Mr. Watson, who has volunteered at the RAO since 2006, became the office director in May after retired Senior Master Sgt. Elmer Bryans stepped-down.

"I'm still very much Air Force oriented even though I have been retired since 1975," he said. "I just enjoy being around people and the base."

In his role as the RAO director Mr. Watson is making a point to keep retirees connected.

"I think the most challenging thing is keeping the lines of communication open because you don't see them everyday," he said.

To keep everyone informed the RAO publishes a quarterly news letter, which can be found at http://www.seymourjohnson.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=4320. In addition, the RAO is open Monday through Thursdays. The RAO staff includes a force of approximately 80 retirees and spouses who are actively employed across the base.

"If you have spare time look into volunteering; it is not a painful thing as a matter of fact, it is rewarding," Mr. Watson said. "We will find a place to put someone if they want to volunteer. The pay is not that great but the satisfaction is wonderful."

If someone is interested volunteering through the RAO, they can donate as little as three to four hours of their time one day a week or if they wanted they could put in eight hour days.

To make a Retiree Appreciation Day RSVP or for more information, visit the RAO located in building 3602 or call 722-1119. If no one answers, leave a message so the call can be returned.