Annual Retiree Appreciation Day approaches RAF Mildenhall

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Eric Petosky
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  The Joint Retiree Activity Office for RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath announced May 15 as Retiree Appreciation Day for the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. 

The all-day event caters to nearly 3,500 retired servicemembers, annuitants and survivors who currently live on the British Isles, according to Dr. John Grantham, retired Army chief warrant officer and director of the Joint Retiree Activity Office. 

There is an icebreaker at the Galaxy Club May 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. to start. The next day, attendees can look forward to morning tours of a static display KC-135 and F-15, air traffic control tower, fire department and more. After lunch, the day continues with an information fair with representatives from the hospital, Federal Benefits Office, and civilian community. 

Dr. Grantham said the festivities are sponsored by the Top-3 Council, with some assistance from volunteers at the Retiree Activities Office. 

"This an opportunity for active-duty Airmen to show their appreciation to retirees," he said. "It's also an opportunity for the wing commander to know the needs of our community. (Retirees) provide in the region of 5,000 hours of volunteer hours annually in support of active-duty operations, from manning information booths at the hospital to helping sort packages at the post office. It's a vast pool of manpower with experience, proven reliability, and we don't cost a lot." 

"It's an important day from a heritage perspective," said Tim Litherland, retired chief master sergeant and Retiree Activity Office volunteer. "One day, you'll 'cross into the blue' and get a blue ID card. It's important to look after those who preceded you. One day, you'll be retired yourself." 

Editor's Note: Those wishing to attend may either RSVP directly to the Retiree Activity Office at DSN 238-2039 or commercial 01638-542039, or e-mail to rao@mildenhall.af.mil.