News

Retiree office holds annual appreciation day

  • Published
  • By Jenny Gordon
  • 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  This year's Retiree Appreciation Day - the largest event conducted each year by the Robins Retiree Activities Office - drew a crowd of 130 people who learned about base services, and legal and medical issues during the all-day affair Saturday at the Heritage Club.

"A lot of information comes out of these events," said Ernie Munson, RAO director.

The day began with breakfast at Wynn Dining Hall, followed by lunch, door prize drawings, and an opportunity in the afternoon to chat with about 20 vendors from across Robins.

Representatives from the commissary, legal office, Health and Wellness Center and more were available to answer questions, Retirees were also able to update their ID cards.

Browsing a table of gift baskets, Zohra Khan pointed out she learned updated news from pharmacy and TriCare representatives as a result of attending.

"I get a lot of good information when I come here," said Khan, who retired after 24 years in the Air Force Reserve. "It's fun to come once a year for a whole day and enjoy the camaraderie."

Munson, who retired as a chief master sergeant after 29 years of service, said the RAO has enjoyed tremendous support from Robins leadership.

"This is probably the best turnout we've had in a long time," he said.

Munson added, however, that only a small percentage of the estimated 3,000 to 4,000 retirees in the area actually made it out to the day's festivities. He acknowledged that communication can be challenging when trying to reach this segment of the population.

He noted that retirees receive a national retiree newsletter mailing, which includes the Robins RAO number, but he wants to let people know his staff is available to help.

The RAO staff is made up of four part-time volunteers, including the director's position. Munson said his office assists from 200 to 300 retirees each year who make contact via phone calls and office visits.

Each time the staff meets someone new, his or her contact information is entered into a database. Munson currently sends out close to 3,000 emails to retirees.

Opportunities like the annual Appreciation Day allow word to get out about what the office does. The RAO, in Bldg. 767, is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 3 p.m. For more information, call 327-4707.