Moody welcomes retirees during appreciation week

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Spencer Gallien
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Moody will host a Retiree Appreciation Week Oct. 28-Nov. 3 to thank retired servicemembers for their service.

The week of appreciation, which has occurred annually since 1998, is set aside to recognize those who have served, said Senior Master Sgt. Dianna Vallely, active duty co-organizer of the week-long event.

"We have a great line-up of events planned for retirees," said Sergeant Vallely. "We have tried to provide every service possible for our distinguished visitors."

The week will kickoff with a Sunday breakfast at 10 a.m. at the Moody Field Club, said Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) Jimmy Ingram, 23rd Mission Support Squadron retiree activities office director. Other events will include bingo tournaments, golfing, sidewalk sales and discounts at the Base Exchange and Commissary.

"This week is an opportunity for Airmen to let veterans know we appreciate them and they still play an integral role in the military," said Chief Ingram. "It's really gratifying to give back to these men and women who gave so much to the Air Force. Their hard-work hasn't gone unnoticed."

A golf tournament including awards and a meal is also scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Nov. 2, at the Quiet Pines Golf Course.

A Retiree Appreciation Day will conclude the week and is scheduled to begin at 7:30 a.m. Nov. 3 at Freedom II Fitness Center. The day will feature information briefings, static displays of current Moody aircraft and a health and information fair. Area experts will also be available to answer questions about pharmacy issues, Tricare, legal assistance, social security, tax information and local veteran associations.

A picnic is also scheduled for noon Nov. 3 at the Sports Pavilion and will include free food and games.

"More than 8,600 retirees were informed of Moody's Retiree Appreciation Week," said Capt. Pedro Jimenez, primary active duty organizer of the event. "Past years had as many as 600 retirees attend, and we only hope to increase that number.

"We're really excited for this year's celebration," he added. "Our goal is to make this event a bigger success than previous years, and I feel we have a great week lined up for retirees."

For more information, call the 23rd MSS retiree activities office at 257-3209.