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Serving those who serve: Team Andersen hosts sixth annual Retiree Appreciation Day celebration

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Shane Dunaway
  • 36th Public Affairs
More than 250 retirees and their families attended Team Andersen's sixth annual Retiree Appreciation Day celebration held at the Palm Tree Golf Course here Sept. 27.

According to Bill Cundiff, retiree activities officer and retired chief master sergeant, this was the largest turnout ever for the event.

Brigadier Gen. Phil Ruhlman, 36th Wing commander, briefed the retirees to provide them insight on the wing's current mission and answered questions regarding the quality of life of the retiree community.

Seventeen base agencies and organizations set up booths to inform retirees of their entitlements and give away prizes, including perfume sets and free games of bowling and golf.

"It's very important to take care of our retirees because the retirees, their families and the widowers have sacrificed so our country can be strong and safe," Mr. Cundiff said. "We honor them for their sacrifice, their service and their commitment to all of us."

Though they are no longer obligated to serve, many retirees continue to volunteer their time wherever they feel they can help. Tony Guzman, president of the U.S. Army Retiree Association of Guam and retired chief warrant officer, fits into this category of retirees driven to continue giving.

"This event is an example of the camaraderie, shared experiences, accomplishments, loyalty and dedication that we who were once active duty share in each year," Mr. Guzman said. "By continuing to serve, it shows how well we're being treated as a community and that we find our efforts to be very rewarding."

Mr. Cundiff commends all retirees who feel they can remain key contributors.

"They have taken their experiences learned in the armed forces and turned them into transferable skills," he said. "They continue to serve in our communities and our federal government in different capacities so they continue to defend our nation and make our nation strong."