90th MDG hosts appreciation event: honors veterans, provides valuable information

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brandon Valle
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  The 90th Medical Group hosted a Retiree Appreciation Day event April 19 in the 90th MDG Medical Treatment Facility.

"The intent of Retiree Appreciation Day was to honor all of the military retirees in the area for their service to our country," said 1st Lt. Paul Thrasher, 90th Force Support Squadron.
More than 300 veterans from the Cheyenne community, northern Colorado and western Nebraska spent the day with base Airmen who provided information about the services the base has to offer retirees.

"Retirees were provided details on medical services available at the clinic, including the drive to enroll more retirees into the clinic as their primary care facility and information was provided on pharmacy benefits" Thrasher said.

A variety of base organizations collaborated to make the event a success. Airmen manned informational booths to explain services the base has to offer retirees, including ID card renewal, FSS services - such as the Survivors Benefit Program, the fitness centers and the golf course - and various medical services.

During the opening speeches, Col. Hans Ritschard, 90th MDG commander, spoke to the retirees and outlined a few of the changes the Medical Treatment Facility is making that benefit veterans.

"I told retirees about TRICARE online, which allows them to easily book appointments from home, without having to call the appointment line," Ritschard said. "I explained MiCare, the secure messaging system that allows communication directly with their healthcare team. In addition, they were told about the new Nurse Triage Line, which will provide 24/7 telephone advice to our enrolled beneficiaries."

After all was said and done, retirees in the area were better informed on what the 90th MDG Medical Treatment Facility, as well as other base services, had to offer them, Thrasher said.