RAF Mildenhall, RAF Lakenheath show appreciation for retirees

  • Published
  • By Karen Abeyasekere
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath held a joint Retiree Appreciation Day June 6, 2014, on RAF Mildenhall, England.

The bases honored the more than 150 people - retirees and their families - who visited the base for the event.

"Events like this are important for the retirees so they can be kept up-to-date with the current events (involving active-duty members), medical and dental benefits, and other benefits available on the base for the retirees living in the United Kingdom," said Master Sgt. Brian Applin, 352nd Special Operations Support Squadron group superintendent of communications and RAD committee chair.

Following a morning social, the retirees attended the 100th Air Refueling Wing's Heritage Day opening ceremony. Later in the morning, they viewed a showcase of military exhibits including a CV-22 Osprey, as well as displays from the 100th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department, 100th Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dogs and the base honor guard drill team.

"It's important for active duty (Airmen) to get involved with the retirees, to pay their respects to those who have served before them and to carry on that tradition," Applin said.

Retiree Appreciation Day began at RAF Chicksands, England, in 1986. Back then, the U.K. Retiree Council sponsored the event, which was called the "annual barbecue."

Jim Flowers was one of the many retirees who visited RAF Mildenhall for the event. He was stationed at RAF Mildenhall from 1988 to 1991 as a maintenance superintendent, and he now lives in Royston, Hertfordshire, England.

"I had a great group of guys and girls to work with and it was a really challenging mission, but we all pulled together, made it a fun job and got the mission done," Flowers said. "In those days, we had so many different types of airplanes, and we made it happen. I really enjoyed the time I was here.We had some good times together."

Flowers said he enjoyed the RAD events, both this time and in past years.

"I think it's a great idea to get (retirees) together," he said. "These guys have gone all out to get this together and show us the demonstrations, and I've met a whole lot of other (retirees). I think it's really worth it. I hope they continue to do this because I will continue to attend."

The retiree said he particularly enjoyed meeting some of RAF Mildenhall's Airmen and talking to them about how they contribute to the Air Force mission.

"I've always had a thing about seeing what the young troops are doing, and watching the young people do things that I really appreciate," Flowers said. "It's been great."