Volunteers offer help to retirees

  • Published
  • By Penny Huston
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Kirtland Air Force Base, NM --  The Retiree Activities Office offers retirees of all military services a one-stop information shop.

It is an integral part of the Air Force and is designed to interface between retirees and the active-duty force. The program originated in 1972, under the Nixon administration, with the establishment of the first Air Force Retiree Council. It has expanded until almost every military base or post has some form of RAO.

"We are under the direct command of the 377th Air Base Wing commander," said Michael J. Colbert, RAO director. "We provide initial screening and referral services for our customers."

At base level, the RAO is staffed by military retirees, their spouses and surviving spouses from all branches of the military. This group of knowledgeable volunteers helps on average two to three customers a day.

Some retirees just want to reconnect, while others may need information on retiree programs and services at Kirtland AFB. The staff keeps up to date on changes to retiree benefits and issues affecting the retiree community.

The volunteers' unique "been there, done that" experience has proven invaluable on many occasions.

It is especially helpful since many retirees now RV throughout the country and may need local information on what services Kirtland AFB offers and where they can find them. Questions may relate to obtaining an identification card, making a medical appointment, filling a prescription, or what benefits are available when their spouse dies.
The RAO maintains a list of available services with contact numbers, pamphlets and fact sheets.

"Retiree Appreciation Day is the highlight of our year," said Mr. Colbert." "We expect well over 300 people will attend. This year, Retiree Appreciation Day will be Oct. 16 at the Mountain View Club."

Although the entire program has not been finalized, members of the medical group, Defense Biometric Identification System and pass and ID will be there to answer questions and provide services.
It is a good opportunity for retirees and spouses to keep abreast of new services and items of interest.

One retiree who has found a home at the RAO is Graham Stewart, retired Naval Reserve commander. Cmdr. Stewart began volunteering at Kirtland in 1991 and has been "an invaluable asset to the retiree community since then," said Mr. Colbert.

"He (Cmdr. Stewart) is the go-to person for our Retirees Appreciation Day," said Mr. Colbert. "He has been involved in this event since he started working at the RAO in 1991. I don't know what we'll do when he decides to step down. It will be hard for anyone to fill his shoes."

When asked why he has volunteered at the RAO for so many years Cmdr. Stewart replied, "Retirees need a home. They need to know there is someone out there who can help them find the answers to their questions and know where to go to get the help they need."

The RAO is always accepting volunteers from the retiree community. For more information on the upcoming Retiree Appreciation Day, call 846-1536.

RAO office hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The office is in the Consolidated Support Building, Room 146.