Retiree Appreciation Day to update on TriCare and legislation Published Aug. 13, 2010 By Catherine McNally Hilltop Times staff HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- On Aug. 27, the Retiree Activities Office will be hosting the 35th annual Retiree Appreciation Day at the direction of the installation commander. The event, which will begin at 8:30 a.m. with registration and end at 3 p.m., will take place in the Club Hill ballroom and offer resources and information for retirees of all military branches. The event will feature a presentation by the new 75th Air Base Wing Vice Commander Col. Kathryn Kolbe. "It's an opportunity for the retired community to meet the new vice commander and for her to get an idea of what the retired community looks like and what they need," said Dan Petrizzo, Retiree Activities Office director. Guest speaker Rick Jones, a legislative analyst for the National Association for Uniformed Services (NAUS), will also talk to attendees about whether TriCare will be affected by new health care legislation, along with other military retired benefits questions. Jones has served more than 20 years as a legislative aide for several senators and members of the House of Representatives. NAUS acts as the uniformed service members' voice in government. Petrizzo says that speakers like Jones are important because they provide an opportunity for people to learn about issues that affect them directly from the experts. Jones will also be able to address any rumors regarding current and upcoming changes to TriCare and Medicare coverage. The event will also feature several exhibits and presentations by resources and facilities here on base, including the base clinic, TriCare for Life and TriCare Retiree Dental, the commissary and Hill Aerospace Museum. Also present will be groups that represent military members and retirees' interests, such as the Air Force Association, the Marine Corps League and the Order of the Purple Heart. Hands-on exhibits will include a blood pressure screening, massage clinic and the Defense Finance and Accounting Service representatives -- who will be present with laptops to fix or update attendees accounts right there on the spot. "(The Retiree Appreciation Day) reinforces that retirees are still part of the bigger military family and are not forgotten," Petrizzo said. The Retiree Activities Office acts as a facilitator for retirees of all military branches and their families to locate resources in the community and on base. The office is located in Building 430 and is open almost every day, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information on Retiree Appreciation Day or other Retiree Activities Office services, please call (801) 777-5735 or visit www.hill.af.mil. Volunteer with the RAO The Retiree Activities Office is looking for volunteers to staff its office during the hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Petrizzo is also looking for individuals who have the motivation to take on larger projects within the retired community. If you're interested in volunteering or would like more information, contact the Retiree Activities Office at (801) 777-5735.