New resource for retirees opens on Columbus AFB

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Chase Hedrick
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  The Columbus Air Force Base Retirees Affairs Office opened for business June 7 inside the 14th Mission Support Group Building.

The Director of Retirement Services Ammiana Kenrad said that the mission of the information sharing resource is to ensure that retirees of any branch and their families receive the adequate benefits and entitlements available to them.

Once an Army Personnel Technician who worked on retiree affairs programs, Mrs. Kenrad described the office as a one-stop-shop that works in conjunction with the Airman and Family Readiness Center. Together they provide support and information to the over 5,000 military retirees living in the local area on benefits such as Tricare, casualty assistance, the Air Force Aid Society, referrals to Veterans Affairs, legal assistance and more.

Even longstanding retirees are encouraged to call or stop by to see what new programs have opened up since they retired.

"I sat down with her for just 15 minutes and found out three new things I hadn't known about before," said retired Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jayne Tabb.

Though she is currently the only volunteer for the program, Mrs. Kenrad is not alone. The office is supported by allocated base funds and keeps in contact with its Active Duty Liaison, Col. George Ross III, who also serves as the 14th Flying Training Wing Vice Commander.

Mrs. Kenrad hopes to expand the office's programs with help of additional volunteers to do monthly informational seminars and to improve events such as retiree appreciation day.