MAFB shows appreciation for retirees

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Magen M. Reeves
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Malmstrom hosted several events across the base to celebrate retiree appreciation weekend May 20-22.

"Retiree appreciation weekend is a way for us to focus primarily on the people who have served before us, along with the traditions and honors," said 2nd Lt. Mark Howell, 341st Force Support Squadron and project officer for the weekend's events. "We want to show respect to the retirees who dedicated their service and their time."

The weekend's events began with a flag folding ceremony held at the base auditorium Friday.

On Saturday, some of the base agencies offered events for the retirees, including the Heritage Museum and the 341st Missile Wing.

"It's a good thing to have so many different options," said Howell. "People can pick and choose what they want to take advantage of."

The 341st Medical Group opened on Saturday to offer retirees numerous services and access to medical care.

"We passed out pamphlets and information about the different departments throughout the medical group," said 2nd Lt. Marques Hiers, 341st Medical Support Squadron flight commander. "The pharmacy also was open to provide refill pickup and the (laboratory) offered lipid and glucose screenings."

Hiers said the optometry office offered eye exams, glaucoma screening and eyeglass adjustments. He also said women's health handed out educational pamphlets and administered exams.

"We are showing appreciation for what retirees do after they retire from the military, that it is important," said Hiers. "For retiree appreciation weekend we aren't asking them for anything. We are just thanking them for their past service and for what they do currently. It's a chance to mingle and experience the retirees' company."

Other events offered on Saturday included an information fair with various agencies from the wing.

According to a retiree at the information fair, he and his wife have attended events at Malmstrom for the past four years. He said they continue to participate so they can have a chance to ask questions and stay involved with new changes.

A special retiree dinner was also held at the Grizzly Bend.

"We've been coming to the dinner for the past nine years," said Gloria Miller, retiree spouse. "It's nice to check up on how things are going and see old friends we used to serve with. I even brought my family with me all the way from Ohio to enjoy the dinner."

Offering events for retiree appreciation weekend can hold a personal importance for some Airmen.

"Retirees and veterans have helped me so much throughout my career," said Howell. "Almost all civilian employees on base are prior military and they are very knowledgeable."

On Sunday, the base chapel hosted Catholic and Protestant worship services for the appreciation weekend.

"After they retiree, retirees may not feel as important, but they always are," said Howell. "We are trying to carry the torch that they lit for us after their service ended. We want to thank them for all they have done for us."