‘It’s all about appreciation’: Veterans helping veterans Published May 10, 2013 By Senior Airman Mike Tryon 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- One of the ways Mighty Ninety members give back to the retiree community is with their monthly visits to the local Veterans' Affairs clinic. Another way is with their annual Retiree Appreciation Day, which is a day Airmen here meet with, shares stories with and help those who've served before find information about what services are available to them. This year's Retiree Appreciation Day took place May 4 inside the base clinic and was hosted by the 90th Medical Group. Retirees were informed about the different programs and benefits available to them during this day. "On behalf of Col. Christopher Coffelt, 90th Missile Wing commander, welcome today," said Col. George Farfour, 90th MW vice commander, during the opening ceremony. "For what you have done, the service you have given, everybody is going to say 'thank you.' "It's very important, as active-duty personnel, that we continue to honor and respect the retired personnel and ensure they know how much we appreciate what they've done. By honoring what they've done, we also honor their sacrifices, as well as letting them know the services and opportunities they have here on the base to serve them," Farfour added. During the event, retirees could receive immunizations, renew identification cards and learn about services provided to them through the base by visiting more than 25 booths representing different organizations here and in the community. "It's all about appreciation," said retired Master Chief Mike Archer, Retired Affairs director for F. E. Warren. "To go back and reflect on those who have served before and how important they still are to the military and community." In a change of pace from previous years, Bldg. 1294 -- the base's customer service and finance building -- will be open, whereas in years past all events have taken place in the clinic, said 2nd Lt. Stefan Choquette, 90th Comptroller Squadron Financial Services officer. "Our Airmen will be available to answer questions both at the Medical Group and at the Comptroller Customer Service Counter," Choquette added. "In addition to the Airman support, computers and a fax machine will also be available for our retirees to access MyPay and submit documents to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service." Some of the other booths include information regarding both F. E. Warren sponsored retiree help as well as what some of the local organizations offer, such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts. "It's always worthwhile, especially for the retirees who don't come out that often, they can come out and see what's still going on," said retired Chief Master Sgt. Glenn Hughes. "This is also a good opportunity for people to know about what services are here and it helps me keep in touch with those I don't have a chance to see all the time."