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Retirees should be prepared for the inevitable

  • Published
  • By Bill Cundiff
  • Retiree activities office director
A few weeks ago, I attended the funeral services of a good friend of mine, retired Senior Master Sgt. Frank M. Blas. He and I served in Vietnam and here at Andersen.

Imagine the scene I witnessed - Sergeant Blas' family and friends waited solemnly for his arrival to the Guam Veteran's Cemetery in Piti. Once there, Team Andersen's honor guard began its mission to lead him to his final resting place. 

With swift military movement, they honor guard members marched alongside him. Their hours of practice paid off as they precisely folded what the U.S. flag that servicemembers, active and retired, protect on a daily basis. In an unforgettable moment, the 21-gun salute was performed in unison. "Taps" began Sergeant Blas' final sendoff. The perfectly folded flag was then presented to his wife.

I was sure I did not stand alone as I wondered if what I just witnessed would happen to me. My thoughts were confirmed as I mingled with other retirees after the funeral services. We discussed the inevitable and agreed lack of preparation would put our survivors in a difficult situation.

To prepare for the inevitable and to ensure our survivors are not placed in a difficult situation, here are a few resources to review: 

  • AF Pamphlet 34-260, Mortuary Services Benefits for Retired Air Force Members
  • AF Pamphlet 34-261, Mortuary Services Benefits for Members Who Die While on Active Duty
  • Department of Defense Directive Number 1300.22, Mortuary Affairs Policy
These resources are available at the retiree activities office at the Airman and Family Readiness Center in Building 21000, Lower Bay 13. 

The RAO provides services for retired servicemembers and families of all military service branches. The RAO is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Call the RAO at 366-4707 or 366-8136.