Idea of Military Retirees Affairs Office a hit; next meeting planned for Jan. 30 Published Jan. 23, 2007 GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, ind -- The idea of having a Military Retirees Affairs Office at Grissom ARB has been well received by the local community according to base officials. The first meeting to discuss the program was held on Jan. 17 with another meeting already planned for Jan. 30. "There are hundreds of military retirees in the local area and we want to establish a program to outreach to them," said Lt. Col. Gary Lockard, chief of public affairs. "There is a need for an office where military retirees can go, or call, for help and advice." The key to the program is individuals who would be willing to serve as volunteers to work in the office explained Lockard. Grissom has not had a military retiree liaison office since the early 1990s when the base was an active duty facility. Last week's meeting included individuals from Peru and Logansport and a number of suggestions were discussed. Brig. Gen. Dean Despinoy, 434th Air Refueling Wing commander, met with the group to hear their concerns on the best way to make the program a success. "Our long term goal is to have a military retiree liaison office that not only answers questions, but has proactive programs, such as a monthly newsletter, to outreach to the retiree community," said Colonel Lockard. The next meeting on Jan. 30 is open to the public. Individuals interested in attending should contact the 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs at (765) 688-3348.
