Team BLAZE comes together to appreciate local retirees

Maj. Fara Buss and Staff Sgt. Kareema Palmer offer health advice to retired Master Sgt. John Mitchell on Sept. 24 at the Columbus Club. According to Amy Kenard, Columbus Retiree Services, some retirees came from as far away as Georgia to attend the event. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Chase Hedrick)

Team BLAZE comes together to appreciate local retirees

Published Sept. 29, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Chase Hedrick
14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Airmen came together to thank retirees from the surrounding community for their years of service on Sept. 24 with a retiree appreciation day.

The event, held each fall at Columbus AFB, showcases and offers many of the services provided to the more than 15,000 local retired veterans and civil service members.

"Retiree appreciation day is a day to celebrate the service of retirees and their families," said Amy Kenard, Columbus Retiree Services.

In the morning representatives from agencies across the base gathered at the Columbus Club to talk with retirees about new and existing programs offered to them, as well as offer advice and information. Take home pamphlets and sheets of information offered everything from veterans affairs to tips on how to stretch were available. Tours of the base were also offered during the morning to show attending retirees Columbus AFB and its mission.

The 14th Medical Group Commander, Col. Billye Hutchison, spoke during the luncheon to retirees. Hutchison commands many services that retirees use such as the pharmacy.