ROC Seymour gives back to the force

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman John Nieves Camacho
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The disconnect between retirees and active duty service members is rapidly shrinking as a new advocacy group here is filling this often overlooked gap.

Nick and Karen O'Donnell, both retired military Service members, formed a group called Retirees On Call (ROC) Seymour, to better assist base organizations with taking care of the Air Force's number one asset: it's people.

"It bothers me to see a disconnect between the retired community and active duty community," said Nick. "The retirees have a committed talent pool going untapped. I said to myself, 'find some way to use it'."

The main focus of ROC Seymour is bridging the gap between the active duty and retired communities here.

"There's a large pool of untapped resources within this community," said Karen. "Retirees have an understanding in the military mission and are very well suited to provide emergency help, build community relations and provide family assistance. The retired community has been there, and so they know through experiences how they learned how to do it."

ROC Seymour aims to assist with Department of Defense ID card holders with anything they can help with. The group can perform a variety of services, including helping someone maintain their motor vehicle, tutor children or mentor adults. They can also lend an ear to those undergoing hardships.

"People who have a need, that's who we're trying to help," said Karen. "Whether they're active duty, retired or dependents, it doesn't matter. If they have a problem, we help out and if we can't, we will find someone who can."

Nick said he wants to gather military retirees in the local area to be more involved with the Team Seymour community. So far, he has recruited 10 other individuals to help his cause.

"The retirees use their unique skill set acquired through years of experience, both in their military career and life journey, to educate younger individuals," said Nick. "We help make life easier to the active duty community. We know what we did to get over our obstacles and we can share that with people to help them get around it."

ROC Seymour's next meeting will be Jan. 8, at the Chapel Annex, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., with food being provided. Even though the group is retiree-led, everyone is invited to attend: to include current or past Service members and dependents. For those interested in volunteering, requesting help or more information, call (919) 722-0146.