FORT LEE, Virginia – Military retirees and their spouses can expect a wealth of information, resources, services and special recognition at the annual Fort Lee Retiree Appreciation Day here Saturday, starting at 8:30 a.m. in the Soldier Support Center, building 3400, B Avenue.
“At the event, we want to appreciate and recognize our retirees so they are aware and up to par on their benefits and the resources available to them,” said Cassandra Rawls, Soldier for Life – Retirement Services chief who is helping to lead her 12th RAD. “It’s also a chance for community members to reach out to those who paved the way.”
The featured speaker will be Mark Overberg, director of Army Retirement Services. A retired lieutenant colonel, he served 22 years in the Army, departing in 2007. Overberg became the deputy chief, ARS, in 2010 and was promoted to director in 2016. Based in Arlington, Overberg is responsible for all Army retirement services policy and oversight of the program’s delivery to Soldiers, retired Soldiers, and surviving spouses of all three Army components, as well as strategic level program communications.
Presenters from Kenner Army Health Clinic and Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation will be there to share details on new initiatives, services and programs of importance to retirees.
Annual attendance at the RAD ranges between 250-400 individuals, according to Rawls. The conference-style event is dedicated to local area retirees but many come from other places like North Carolina, Kentucky and West Virginia. An estimated 13,000 retired service members receive support from Fort Lee’s retirement services office.
“We are always glad to see many repeat attendees,” Rawls said. “Some retirees and their family members come from Florida to partake in the Fort Lee Retiree Appreciation Day.”
During the event, Kenner Army Health Clinic representatives will offer blood pressure screenings, immunizations and other services, as well as complete health and wellness information on weight loss, diabetes, mental health issues and more.
Department of Veterans Affairs and TRICARE representatives will be on hand as well to provide the latest information on benefits and resources. There also will be identification card renewals; notary, limited tax and legal services; and other assistance programs.
Rawls continued, “As we have had for many years, there will be a whole array of information tables staffed by Family and MWR, American Red Cross, USO, VFW, American Legion, the PX, Commissary and others to share information and answer questions. There may be things the retirees are not up to date on, and this will be helpful to them.”
The information tables are expected to be set up by 8 a.m. and will be staffed until noon. A free continental breakfast and lunch will be available to military retirees and their guests. There also will be door prize tickets given out and random drawings throughout the morning.
“I really love this event,” Rawls noted, “I love watching the retirees re-connect with their old battle buddies. For many, this is their yearly gathering, and they will sit and have conversations and fellowship. It’s awesome.”
For additional information about Retiree Appreciation Day, call 804-734-6555.
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Fort Lee is the Army’s Home of Sustainment and supports the training, education and development of adaptive Army logistics professionals. Major organizations on the installation include the Defense Commissary Agency, Defense Contract Management Agency, Combined Arms Support Command, the Army Logistics University, U.S. Army Ordnance School, U.S. Army Quartermaster School and U.S. Army Transportation School. Fort Lee supports approximately 90,000 Soldiers, retirees, veterans, family members and civilian employees on- and off-post with a regional economic impact of about $2.4 billion per year.