Malmstrom celebrates retiree appreciation weekend

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dillon Johnston
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, kicked off its retiree appreciation weekend events May 15, with a retreat ceremony which also was also held in honor of National Police Week.

The retreat, which included members of the 341st Missile Wing, 341st Security Forces Group, as well as retirees themselves, paid tribute to current and former service members.  Col. Tom Wilcox, 341st MW commander, spoke before the retreat and offered advice to the Airmen in attendance, telling them to cherish their families and to never forget what previous generations have done for the nation.

Weekend events were held throughout the base. Retirees were offered the opportunity to utilize the military personnel customer service area, commissary, medical clinic, dining facility, Base Exchange and museum. At each of these areas, services were freed up to the retirees, allowing them to get checkups, do some shopping and get discounted food in one fell swoop.

The capstone for the afternoon's events was a briefing detailing the programs available to retirees. Hosted in the chapel, the briefing explained the base mission, casualty affairs, legal, veteran's affairs, social security and a quick overview of what is new at Malmstrom. Each part of the briefing was represented by a member of the appropriate agencies, so the retirees could get a subject matter expert to explain their benefits to them.

Later that evening, retirees from multiple generations stretching back to Word War II gathered at the Grizzly Bend to mingle with active duty Airmen during an appreciation dinner. Lt. Col. Sean McNamara, 341st Medical Support Squadron commander, acted as the guest speaker for the event, which garnered a crowd of more than 130 active duty, retiree and civilian Team Malmstrom members.

Each year, retirees are honored using this weekend as a way to give back to them, after the many years of service they gave to the nation. Continuing this tradition yet another year ensures that current Airmen never forget who had to pave the road for them to be where they are now