JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --
Joint Base MDL members recently hosted the third annual Joint Retiree Appreciation Day at the Timmerman Center here April 29.
More than 1,200 retirees and family members attended this year’s event to take part in informational briefings from vendors and organizations that work to represent retired military members and their families.
“The vendors and organizations we have here give our guests a better look at the services and benefits available to them,” said Capt. Shane Curtis, JRAD project coordinator and 87th Dental Squadron general dentist.
Along with informational briefings, the JRAD is designed to provide retirees an opportunity to see the installation and interact with the members currently serving.
“This gives the retirees a chance to intermingle and exchange their experiences with active members,” said retired U.S. Army Col. Ted Gallagher, JRAD project organizer and Army Support Activity-Dix Retiree Council member. “The retirees have gone before our members today, so those experiences are going to be different, and maybe they can look back on some of those memories with them.”
In addition to the vendors and speakers, JRAD attendees celebrated another milestone on the joint base.
“This year, we have a cannon salute and information about the Camp Dix Centennial,” said Gallagher. “Almost 80 percent of [Army veterans] have some sort of connection to the Dix-side of the base.”
The JRAD’s ultimate goal isn’t just to ensure the retiree community stays informed on current events on base, but that they also understand that MDL officials are here to support them throughout the year.
“We have this unique opportunity,” said Curtis. “We’re not just the only tri-service installation, but we also have all five branches here to welcome our retirees.”