Retiree Appreciation Day recognizes those who served, those still serving

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  When many servicemembers retire it does not mean the end of their service, numerous retirees volunteer at agencies across Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C.

Retiree Appreciation Day is a chance to honor retirees for their past, and in many cases continuing service to their country.

The base Retiree Activities Office is hosting a recognition ceremony Sept. 19 starting at 9 a.m. until approximately 2 p.m. in Eagles Landing (the old Enlisted Club). The event will feature distinguished speakers, highlight the contributions of retiree volunteers and includes lunch.

"We have about 80 volunteers working at Seymour Johnson," said retired Senior Master Sgt. Elmer Bryans, RAO director. Those who are still serving do a fantastic job. They provide work ethics across the base.

Many retirees dedicate their time to help elevate the burden of deployments at service oriented organizations across the base.

"Active-duty personnel are very busy and that is one of the reasons the volunteers are so busy," Mr. Bryans said. "I think it is important for (retirees) to know they are still needed to fill in where active-duty are deployed. We provide a very strong support in that respect."

Retiree Appreciation Day provides a reminder to members of the Seymour Johnson community to thank retirees for their service.

"I like to think we are still part of the military family since we are retired," Mr. Bryans said. "Even though we are volunteering we are still giving our time, so let them know they are appreciated."

Seymour Johnson is the servicing base for more than 30,000 retirees within a 50 mile radius of Goldsboro. Retired Master Sgt. Ollie Oliver, who lives in the local area, volunteers in the RAO.

"I volunteer because I want to give something back to the community," he said. "It gives me a sense of self satisfaction."

The RAO Retiree Appreciation Day ceremony is also as a chance for retirees to discuss and learn about events currently shaping their demographic. The office was founded in 1978 by retired Colonels Vick and Hayes who were the first office directors here.

"Since then we have had many dedicated directors who have provided information needed in the community with newsletters, phone calls and through various functions," Mr. Bryans said.

The retiree quarterly newsletter is distributed to the retiree community through a quarterly newsletter distributed at the base exchange, commissary and posted online at www.seymourjohnson.af.mil under the Retiree Actives link.

The RAO staff prides themselves on providing superb service to their customers.

"I may not know everything but I know where to refer people," Mr. Oliver said. "We can give them information and put them in contact with agencies military and civilian alike."

The RAO, located in the Airman & Family Readiness Center, is open Mondays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon and Tuesdays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"I think we probably have the best retiree community for volunteers that I have ever worked with," Mr. Bryans said. "If a retiree and his spouse are at home looking at a wall and not knowing what to do, they should join our volunteer program."

For more information about the retiree appreciation ceremony or the RAO, call (919) 722-1119.