JB MDL appreciates retired service members

Published May 3, 2016
By Tech. Sgt. Austin Knox
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst hosted the 2nd Annual Joint Retiree Appreciation Day at the Timmermann Center on April 30.

Several hundred retired service members attended the event to gain information on current retiree rights, benefits, privileges and to foster good will among the active duty community.

"We do this annual event for the specific purpose of making sure that our retiree population understands their rights, privileges, benefits and all those great things you worked so hard for, that you've earned and that you deserve," said U.S. Air Force Col. Frederick B. Thaden, Joint Base and 87th Air Base Wing commander, during his welcoming address.

The day proceeded with various speakers, including New Jersey Congressman Donald Norcross as the keynote speaker. After noon, information tables were available for the retirees to visit.

This year's theme was health care. A Health Fair section was incorporated with the information tables, and a Health Care for Military Retirees panel presentation complimented the morning speakers.

"Overall, the event was a success," said retired U.S Army Col. Ted Gallagher, Joint Retiree Appreciation Day committee chairman. "We plan to get better every year, especially for next year's 100th anniversary of Fort Dix."