FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Aug. 31, 2018) — Fort Leonard Wood is scheduled to hold its 39th annual Retiree Appreciation Days Sept. 7 and 8 at various locations around the installation.
Noah Stevens Jr., Soldier for Life – Retirement Services officer, said all retired service members, their family members and annuitants are invited to attend the weekend’s events.
“These events are important because they continue to foster goodwill between the retired and active duty communities,” Stevens said. “Retirees are a vital part of our military family, and their experiences and expertise counts.”
Activities kick off with a bus tour of Fort Leonard Wood, slated to depart Nutter Field House at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 7. Followed by a retirement ceremony at 3 p.m. in Lincoln Hall Auditorium, located in the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence headquarters building.
Wrapping up the day is the annual Retiree Dinner from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Engineer Regimental Room of the John B. Mahaffey Museum, where Retiree of the Year retired 1st Sgt. Edward Wilson will be recognized.
Wilson, a native of Springfield, Missouri, joined the U.S. Navy in 1969 and was honorably discharged after six years of service. He then joined the U.S. Army and served from 1984 to 1998. This event is sponsored by the Fort Leonard Wood Retiree Council. Reservations are required.
Events continue on the installation with registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. Sept. 8 at Abrams Theater, followed by remarks from Col. Eric Towns, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Leonard Wood commander and guest speaker Mark Overberg, Army Retirement Services director, slated to begin at 8:30 a.m.
Beginning at 10 a.m., there will be a Health and Benefits Fair at Nutter Field House, where General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital personnel are scheduled to provide health and wellness screenings as well as answers to health-related questions. Various civilian and military agencies and post activities will also be on hand to provide updates as well as information on new programs.
Stevens encourages all area retirees to participate in the various programs.
“Retiree Appreciation Days keeps retired Soldiers and their families up to date on changes in their retirement rights, benefits and privileges,” he said.
