Service remains core value with retiree activities office for 40 eyars

Published Feb. 24, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Heather Heiney
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Founded in the early '70s as the Retired Enlisted Association of the Gulf Coast, the Keesler Retiree Activities Office has been serving the Gulf Coast military retiree community for nearly 40 years.

Currently there are more than 9,200 retirees in the local area and more than 30,000 in the catchment area which includes portions of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.

"We also serve 'snowbird' retirees in the winter and vacationers any time of the year," said retired Master Sgt. Ivan McAllister. "The retirees are important to the local population and economy by their contribution of experience and money."

To make the retiree activities office available every duty day, 36 volunteers donate more than 6,000 hours of their time annually.

"Our volunteers enjoy getting out of the house, the opportunity to stay current with changes that affect retirees and veterans, associating with fellow retirees and the satisfaction of helping others," Mr. McAllister said.

The RAO is in Room 102, Sablich Center and is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and training Fridays. The veterans' affairs section is open 8 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday.

The RAO offers information and assistance about retiree benefits, casualty assistance, Tricare, entitlements and programs as well as on-base functions and facilities available to retirees.

The office has had the opportunity to furnish a representative to the Air Force Retiree Council since 2003.The representative provides a voice for all bases in Mississippi, Louisiana and Tennessee, including the Guard and Reserve.

"The benefits, entitlements and services offered by the U.S. government and the support available at Keesler changes continuously, and the RAO assists the retiree population in staying up to date," Mr. McAllister said.

Also, every October the RAO coordinates with the 81st Training Wing to conduct an annual Retiree Appreciation Day. Last year's event included a free fish fry at the Dragon's Lair, special sales at the base exchange and commissary, free flu shots at the 81st Medical Group Hospital and a variety of informational booths and giveaways.

"We are fortunate to have outstanding support from the Keesler wing commander and staff agencies, resulting in one of the best retiree programs in the Air Force," Mr. McAllister pointed out.

For more information and links to different RAO services, call 376-8111 or visit http://www.keesler.af.mil/units/retireeactivitiesoffice.asp.

Service remains core value with retiree activities office for 40 years