thedrifter
09-18-09, 07:56 AM
Retiree Appreciation Day aboard Camp Lejeune Saturday
Comments 2 | Recommend 0
September 17, 2009 6:27 PM
Their successes are the nation’s successes.
Camp Lejeune will recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by retirees of all branches of the service at its 13th Retiree Appreciation Day Saturday.
“It’s been a big success, and is just a good way to honor all our retirees, and recognize them for the contributions they make,” said Randy Reichler, retired activities coordinator who heads up the event each year. “Forty-two percent of all who retire from Camp Lejeune stay in Onslow County, which has made good-positive changes in the county, financial and otherwise.”
Held at Marston Pavilion, the event is open to all military retirees and their families, including widows of military retirees.
“They don’t even need to call for a reservation, they just need to show up,” said Reichler,
Social hour begins at 7:45 a.m. with a free continental breakfast on the veranda provided by the Fleet Reserve Association 208.
“This is the first year we will be offering everyone a free breakfast in addition to a free lunch,” Reichler said.
Guest speakers begin at 9 a.m. and include Camp Lejeune Executive Officer Bill Meier, a retired colonel, and Commanding Officer of Camp Lejeune Naval Hospital Capt. Gerard Cox.
The speakers will discuss major changes coming on base and in TRICARE coverage, construction at the Naval Hospital and more, Reichler said.
Following the guest speakers, a health and information fair will provide health screenings, information on support services and other services available to veterans.
“There will be optometry, dermatology … many of the people retirees have a hard time getting in to see,” Reichler said.
Mobile vans providing hearing tests, skin cancer screening and dental exams for cancer will be on site, and free blood pressure checks will be offered. Information will also be available on nutrition, diabetes, cholesterol, tobacco and other health topics.
Local veterans’ organizations will be on hand to sign up new members.
A free fish fry provided by Marine Federal Credit Union will begin at 11:30 a.m.
“We have retirees who attend from all over; they even come in from other states,” Reichler said, who is expecting a crowd of about 400. “We’ll have plenty of food if there’s more. We’ve had up to as many as 1,200 people attend.”
Meier said he thinks the event will be very informative.
“Camp Lejeune has very effective programs,” he said, “so we are expecting to have a very good turnout with how fast the area has grown with retirees.”
Contact Suzanne Ulbrich at 910-219-8454 or sulbrich@freedomenc.com.
Ellie
Comments 2 | Recommend 0
September 17, 2009 6:27 PM
Their successes are the nation’s successes.
Camp Lejeune will recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by retirees of all branches of the service at its 13th Retiree Appreciation Day Saturday.
“It’s been a big success, and is just a good way to honor all our retirees, and recognize them for the contributions they make,” said Randy Reichler, retired activities coordinator who heads up the event each year. “Forty-two percent of all who retire from Camp Lejeune stay in Onslow County, which has made good-positive changes in the county, financial and otherwise.”
Held at Marston Pavilion, the event is open to all military retirees and their families, including widows of military retirees.
“They don’t even need to call for a reservation, they just need to show up,” said Reichler,
Social hour begins at 7:45 a.m. with a free continental breakfast on the veranda provided by the Fleet Reserve Association 208.
“This is the first year we will be offering everyone a free breakfast in addition to a free lunch,” Reichler said.
Guest speakers begin at 9 a.m. and include Camp Lejeune Executive Officer Bill Meier, a retired colonel, and Commanding Officer of Camp Lejeune Naval Hospital Capt. Gerard Cox.
The speakers will discuss major changes coming on base and in TRICARE coverage, construction at the Naval Hospital and more, Reichler said.
Following the guest speakers, a health and information fair will provide health screenings, information on support services and other services available to veterans.
“There will be optometry, dermatology … many of the people retirees have a hard time getting in to see,” Reichler said.
Mobile vans providing hearing tests, skin cancer screening and dental exams for cancer will be on site, and free blood pressure checks will be offered. Information will also be available on nutrition, diabetes, cholesterol, tobacco and other health topics.
Local veterans’ organizations will be on hand to sign up new members.
A free fish fry provided by Marine Federal Credit Union will begin at 11:30 a.m.
“We have retirees who attend from all over; they even come in from other states,” Reichler said, who is expecting a crowd of about 400. “We’ll have plenty of food if there’s more. We’ve had up to as many as 1,200 people attend.”
Meier said he thinks the event will be very informative.
“Camp Lejeune has very effective programs,” he said, “so we are expecting to have a very good turnout with how fast the area has grown with retirees.”
Contact Suzanne Ulbrich at 910-219-8454 or sulbrich@freedomenc.com.
Ellie