Appreciation for Retirees

  • Published
  • By Airman Miranda A. Loera
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

The base held its second annual Retiree Appreciation Night event, Nov. 10, to honor retirees for their service in conjunction with Veterans Day.  

Amongst the attendees was retired Col. Raymond Kleber, former 4th Fighter Wing base commander and current 4th Medical Group volunteer.

“The military has transformed greatly since I was in,” said Kleber. “We never had a night to appreciate our retirees. The fact that Seymour Johnson includes us in this lets me know that we are not forgotten.”

Kleber served for 32 years, and spent five of those years at Seymour Johnson. He has also volunteered at the 4th MDG pharmacy for the past 29 years.

“The Air Force is what you make of it,” said Kleber. “No matter what base, or what job, you have to learn to love it. Once you start applying yourself, before you know it you’ll be retiring just like I did.”

Throughout the night different base agencies distributed information to the attending retirees and their family members. The 4th MDG immunizations clinic were also on site and administered more than 30 flu shots throughout the evening.

Seymour Johnson offers many services to the local retiree community. Retirees can reserve units at Fort Fisher up to four months in advance. Also, the base offers low-priced golfing opportunities at Three Eagles Golf Course throughout the year.

Retiree resources are also available on base at the Airmen and Family Readiness Center. The employment assistance program provides aid for individuals who are searching for jobs. They can help write resumes, provide career counseling, and even hold quarterly job fairs.

The Veterans Affairs Office also offers local assistance when it comes to effectively utilizing the Veterans Benefits Administration. More information on this can be found at this website.

Col. Christopher Sage, 4th Fighter Wing commander, spoke to the retirees about the Team Seymour mission and about his appreciation for retirees.

“We want you all to connect with our Airmen,” said Sage. “My goal is to build and strengthen the social fabric here at Seymour Johnson.”

This was Sage’s first time speaking at the retiree night event, and he said he was very appreciative of the retirees’ service to the country.

“It’s an honor for me to celebrate with you,” said Sage. “Thank you for going before us and setting the ground work for the Air Force that we’re in today.”