Retiree Appreciation Day: Honoring those who served

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kristof Rixmann
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Col. John Zapata, 86th Mission Support Group commander, and Col. William Galbraith, 21st Theatre Sustainment Command deputy commander, hosted a Retiree Appreciation Day event at the Ramstein Officer’s Club Oct. 18, 2017.

The ceremony invited all members of the Kaiserslautern Military Community to honor the service members who served in the military in the past and to provide a forum of resources for retirees living in the area.

The Joint Color Guard led the start of the formal event, followed by a speech from guest speaker, Col. Timothy Hudson, Landstuhl Medical Regional Center commander, and was concluded by Zapata and Galbraith pinning more than 60 Vietnam veterans in the room.

Retirees participated in a raffle and received service from all four of the Army Dental Clinics in the Kaiserslautern Military.

“I think Retiree Appreciation Day is important not only to the retirees but to their families as well,” said Zapata. “I just like everyone getting together. I like getting to spend time with these folks that have retired just to share stories and exchange experiences. The other thing is the events we have set up for retirees seem to grow in magnitude with each year. I’m really pleased to see this increase in the service provided to our retirees.”

Retirees, such as retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Leon Sidoruk confirmed the importance of this event.

“I was very impressed, indeed,” said Sidoruk. “The friendly atmosphere, the great reception and everyone being so kind to us was nice to see. Sometimes retirees can feel forgotten but this made us feel really appreciated.”

The Joint Color Guard ceremony and both national anthems, sang by a United States Air Forces in Europe band performer, were well received by members of the audience.

“Hearing the German national anthem and our national anthem was beautiful and, you know, when you see our colors you feel the great sense of pride,” said Sidoruk.

Sidoruk looks forward to next year’s Retiree Appreciation Day and expressed gratitude for the continued support the Kaiserslautern Military Community shows for its retirees.

“I feel at home,” said Sidoruk. “For 45 years of my life I’ve been a part of the U.S. Air Force. This base is my home and these people are my family.”