KAFB Veteran & Retiree Life in Photos

KAFB recognize its veterans for Veteran's Day.

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U.S. Air Force veteran Melinda Quick poses for a portrait in recognition of Veterans Day at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., Oct. 27, 2021. Quick served for 10 years as an Aerospace Ground Equipment Mechanic where she maintained equipment such as gas turbine engines, hydraulic test stands and much more. “I value my experience’s the most,” said Quick. “I got to travel the world, mostly to tropical locations, including a deployment! I also have to mention that I truly value the lifelong friendships I have made.” Quick now works as a Paralegal Specialist at the Kirtland Legal Office where she drafts wills, Power of Attorney’s, and provides notary services for Active Duty members, retirees and dependents. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Karissa Dick)

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U.S. Army veteran Brannon Lamar poses for a portrait in recognition of Veterans Day at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., Oct. 27, 2021. Lamar served for seven years in the Army as a Broadcast Journalist in Central America, Rwanda and in the Persian Gulf War. Lamar’s main responsibilities as consisted of recording, documenting, producing video and audio products. “I value the adventure and camaraderie I experienced during my service,” said Lamar. He now works as a civilian Public Affairs Specialist in the Kirtland Public Affairs office. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Karissa Dick)

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U.S. Air Force veteran Robert Stamper poses for a portrait in recognition of Veterans Day at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., Nov. 4, 2021. Stamper served in the Air Force for 30 years and specialized in satellite and microwave communications where he set up communication networks in fixed and deployed locations. “The bond and friendships that you build in the Air Force will last a lifetime,” said Stamper. “Being able to see them every day and interact with them is something you definitely miss.” Most recently, Stamper retired in July as the Command Chief of KAFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Karissa Dick)

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U.S. Navy and Air Force veteran David Dunlap poses for a portrait in recognition of Veterans Day at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., Nov. 2, 2021. Dunlap served in the Navy for four years, the Air National Guard for 33 years. “I was uniquely blessed to have served the majority of my career in the rescue community,” said Dunlap. “The chance to save so many lives, both civilian and military, while utilizing the skills that the military taught me was a gift that I will always cherish. The team work and camaraderie with so many fellow service members over the years will always stay with me.” As a civilian, Dunlap now works part-time in the KAFB Retiree Activities Office. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Karissa Dick)

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U.S Air Force veteran Rebecca Auringer poses for a portrait in recognition of Veterans Day at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., Oct. 28, 2021. Auringer served in the Air Force for 21 years in Judge Advocate General, personnel, and the Inspector General office. “I value the people I met,” said Auringer. “There is one Facebook group from my time in Germany where we all keep in touch with one another. I wish Facebook had been around towards the beginning of my career before I lost touch with some really great people I served with.” As a civilian, Auringer still works in the KAFB Inspector General office processing IG complaints. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Karissa Dick)

graphic with icons of professional careers

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A graphic explaining New Mexico House Bill-30 Expedited Licensure for Military Families and the services provided by the Airman & Family Readiness Flight. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Senior Airman Kiana Pearson)

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U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Dieon J. Lugo, 377th Force Support Squadron customer service technician, front, and Airman 1st Class Ian C. Alejandro, 377th Force Support Squadron force management technician, back, participated in a Team Kirtland event at Eubank Gate on Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, Nov. 11, 2020. More than 40 Team Kirtland members volunteered in shifts at gate entrances to show their support for Veterans Day and the Don’t Dive Up Movement. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ireland Summers)

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U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Ian C. Alejandro, 377th Force Support Squadron force management technician, holds up a sign of support at Eubank Gate on Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, Nov. 11, 2020. In support of Veterans Day and the Don’t Give Up Movement, Team Kirtland members worked in shifts at the gate entrances to motivate and spread encouragement. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ireland Summers)

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U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Luke J. Hopgood, 377th Force Support Squadron career development journeyman, left, and Airman 1st Class David L. Mitchell, 377th Force Support Squadron customer service technician, right, hold up signs of support at Eubank Gate on Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, Nov. 11, 2020. Team Kirtland members worked in shifts to hold up signs at gate entrances on Veteran’s Day for the Don’t Give Up Movement. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ireland Summers)

Leadership hands out poppies and flags on Veterans Day.

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U.S. Air Force Col. David S. Miller, 377th Air Base Wing commander, left, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Robert W. Stamper, 377th ABW command chief, right, hand out poppies and flags at Eubank Gate on Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, Nov. 11, 2020. Team Kirtland members came together to hand out more than 200 poppies and American flags at entrance gates to show their support. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ireland Summers)

Useful Links

DFAS/MyPay
https://mypay.dfas.mil/#/
888-DFAS411

Veterans Administration
https://www.va.gov/
800-827-1000

Medicare
https://www.medicare.gov/
800-MEDICARE

Social Security Administration
https://www.ssa.gov/
800-772-1213

Tricare
https://www.tricare.mil/
Tricare West-844-866-9378

Retiree Resources from USAF Retiree Services
https://www.retirees.af.mil/Resources/

Death Notification for a Military Retiree
https://www.dfas.mil/retiredmilitary/survivors/Retiree-death/
800-321-1080

Other Agencies to contact for a Death Notification
https://www.dfas.mil/RetiredMilitary/survivors/Retiree-Death/agencies/

Retiree Newsletters

Air Force, Afterburner

Army, Army Echoes

Navy, Shift Colors

Coast Guard, The Long Blue Line

Marine Corps, Semper Fidelis
(see Semper Fidelis Newsletter section)

Important Current Info

ID cards for dependents & retirees

DoD has extended the temporary policy guidance for Uniformed Service ID cards that expired between January 1, 2020 and July 31, 2021 only through:

October 31, 2021 for dependents of active-duty service members, and for Reserve and National Guard service members and their dependents; and
January 31, 2022, for retirees and their dependents, and all other populations

Cardholder benefits are extended for base access, commissary, base exchange, and medical care during the prescribed timeframe. To schedule an appointment any time, call 846-2017 or 846-2354, or email the org box at 377FSS.FSPS.Workflow@us.af.mil.

New Mexico Department of Veterans Services

The New Mexico Department of Veterans Services provides many services to New Mexico veterans. This includes the department’s Field Services Division’s Veteran Service Officers (VSOs), who are advocates for New Mexico’s veterans and eligible family members, assisting them with filing VA claims and obtaining federal and state benefits. VSOs also help connect veterans to vital community resources, such as transitional housing and medical and behavioral health care. Information and assistance on federal and state benefits, local veterans’ programs, and referral services is available at any of the Department’s field office locations.

More information is available at http://www.nmdvs.org/, including how to find and contact your local VSO.

Retiree Activities Office (RAO)

Retiree Activities Office:
505-846-1536 / 505-846-3831
DSN 246-1536
Consolidated Support Facility:
Building 20245, Suite 146
Mailing Address:
377 ABW/CVR
1451 4^th Street SE
Kirtland AFB, NM 87117

Still Serving

Welcome to the Kirtland Air Force Base Retiree Activities Office (RAO)!

This information is intended for use by military retirees of all services, their family members and/or survivors.

The RAO is an advisory function manned by volunteers and is a focal point for providing information and guidance to our customers. Our mission is to provide a continuous update of information helpful to retirees who reside in our assigned area of responsibility.

We serve as a liaison between the retiree and active duty communities to keep you updated on matters that relate to your status as a military retiree, to provide information and services necessary or appropriate and to represent retirees at the base level.

All activities are conducted in accordance with AFI 36-3106, Retiree Activities Program.