MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Military retirees living in and around the Montgomery area can learn a bit more about the River Region by attending this year’s Military Retiree Appreciation Day event at the Maxwell Honor Guard Hangar, Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
This year’s theme of “Live Local” reflects the idea that there is a lot to do in the River Region and will be reflected by the giveaways and booths at the event.
“We feel there’s a lot of living to do within a few miles of the base,” said 1st Lt. Leslie Hernandez, with the 42nd Medical Group and this year’s event chair. “Our goal is to shine a light on the opportunities for fun, learning and life enrichment in the local communities.”
Attendees will have about 40 different booths to visit, each laden with information about things happening on and off base.
Some of the booths include Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Vietnam Vets of America Chapter 107, Harriott II Riverboat, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Military Officers Association of American and Jasmine Hill Gardens.
The Tricare booth should be of particular interest to retirees since the program will be undergoing significant changes in 2018, said Hernandez.
As in years past, a free lunch will be served, door prizes will raffled, guest speakers will be featured and, pending availability, flu shots will be given.
The biggest takeaway for retirees, however, will be the appreciation they will feel by those who still serve.
“We want them to know that we honor their service whether it ended five, 20 or 40 years ago,” said Hernandez. “Every service member has sacrificed, and we should never feel complacent in thanking them for all that they have done. Their actions while in uniform make it possible for me to wear the uniform today.”