Rolling out retiree red carpet: Team Malmstrom comes together for Montana veterans

  • Published
  • By Valerie Mullett
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Some came from as far away as Texas. Others drove in from the local community. But they all came to Malmstrom for one reason - to participate in the activities offered around base during Retiree Appreciation Weekend Friday and Saturday. 

"I had one woman tell me she'd been to bases all over the U.S. and no one comes close to Malmstrom's retiree events," said Capt. Marcos Baca, one of this year's event organizers and host for the formal retreat ceremony which kicked off the weekend April 28. 

A no-host social hour followed retreat where retirees were able to mingle with active-duty assigned here as well as catch up with old friends they normally see just once a year at this event. 

Saturday offered a medley of services for retirees to choose from - all geared specifically at meeting their needs and treating them special. The clinic was the "hot spot" from 7 to 11 a.m. Optometry personnel performed 20 glaucoma screening tests, the dental clinic provided a free check-up and digital X-rays for 24 patients, the laboratory personnel drew 48 blood samples, the pharmacy filled numerous prescriptions and blood-pressure checks too numerous to count were conducted throughout the morning. Additionally, retirees could take advantage of the physical therapy clinic, life skills services, gynecology and immunizations. 

"I think it is very important to recognize the sacrifices made by veterans and their families while they served their country," said Maj. Anita Sanow, chief of the clinic laboratory. "Having retiree weekend is a very small way to say thank you and let them know they really are appreciated." 

She added that with the increased costs of health care, any services the clinic can provide for the retirees helps them out. 

Following medical evaluations at the clinic, about 50 people attended a brunch at the Grizzly Bend Club where Rick Jones, the Legislative Director of the National Association of Uniformed Services spoke to those attending about key veterans issues, specifically, on the status of bills currently before the House and Senate. 

On-base afternoon options included demonstrations by the security forces and an informational briefing in the chapel annex entitled "Your Last PCS Move." 

"Most retirees know there is no substitution for preparation, planning and peace of mind," said Maj. LaMont Coleman, event chairman. "The briefings focused on what retirees needed to hear; they were geared to give them the tools for a last PCS."
Other retirees signed up to take tours of missile alert facilities and still others caught up on some shopping at the base exchange and commissary. 

The Elkhorn diner was available for those wanting breakfast or lunch and the military personnel flight's customer service center was also open for ID card renewals. 

The finale was a special dinner Saturday night featuring U.S. Senator Jon Tester, D-Mont., as the guest speaker, who addressed veterans issues and Malmstrom's impact on Montana, past, present and future. It also included a time to recognize retirees for services they had provided during the year. 

"It is an honor to continue serving our retirees," Major Coleman said. "A culmination of many wars, lost lives, tears and the joyful journey to defend our country and flag. They are living examples of the American spirit for young officers like myself."