Nellis, Creech and the NTTR hold Retiree Appreciation Day Published Sept. 28, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Whitney Jackson Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Retirees from the Las Vegas area attended the Nellis, Creech, and the Nevada Test and Training Range Retiree Appreciation Day Sept. 24, 2011, at the Thunderbird hangar on Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. U.S. Air Force Col. Steven Garland, 99th Air Base Wing commander, joined more than 1,000 retired service members and their families in honoring their past military accomplishments. "Retiree Appreciation Day provides an opportunity for members of the Department of Defense to say thank you to America's men and women who have retired from service in the armed forces and to honor the sacrifices of those Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines who paved the way for the success of our military," Garland said. During the event, retired service members and their families were given the opportunity to view various air and ground static displays placed throughout the hangar. Additionally, the 99th Security Forces Squadron held a military working dog demonstration. Members from the 99 Medical Group were also on hand to provide health screenings to the former service members. While there, retirees were able to update their medical records and receive their flu shot immunization. The medical group also had an information fair where both on and off base vendors provided information to retirees on health benefits and entitlements. "I hope the retirees realize how grateful we are for what they have done for us," U.S. Air Force Col. John DeGoes, 99 MDG commander. "I hope the more than 60 vendors we had available helped them get a better understanding of what their benefits are." Guest speaker for the event was Gary Maxwell, a retired U.S. Air Force chief master sergeant who served 30 years in the U.S. Air Force. The event also provided entertainment from the Paul Bowman Band, Leon Gilliam, formerly of The Platters and door prizes that were given out via a ticket drawing throughout the morning. Lunch was served on a first-come, first-serve basis following the guest speakers and prize drawings. "I hope they also got a fun-filled, stress-free day and hope they enjoyed the food, entertainment and all of the door prizes," Degoes said. For information on retiree activities or to volunteer, go to Building 20 on Nellis AFB or call Jean Putney at (702) 652-9978.
