By Rodney Jackson, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Public Affairs
FORT HOOD, Texas – Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center hosted the 51st Annual Retiree Health Fair and Fort Hood Retiree Appreciation Day opening ceremony Sept. 19, bringing together military retirees, eligible beneficiaries and community partners for a day focused on health, resources and continued connection to the military community.
The event also recognized Honorary Retiree Sgt. 1st Class Steven Moore, who received the Retiree of the Year award for his continued contributions to the military community.
The health fair featured health and dental screenings, immunizations, wellness education, pharmacy and TRICARE information, nutrition counseling, mental health resources and services from military and community organizations.
Lt. Gen. Kevin D. Admiral, III Armored Corps and Fort Hood commanding general, served as the keynote speaker and recognized retirees for decades of service and their continued influence in their communities.
“Each of you have devoted years, often decades, of your life to defending our nation,” Admiral said. “You served in war, at home and abroad, always answering the call to serve something greater than yourselves.”
Admiral also encouraged retirees to remain engaged with their communities and help inspire the next generation to consider military service.
“Our retirees remain ambassadors of the military profession, and we need you,” Admiral said. “We need your help. We need your ability to communicate with your friends, with the families, with communities that you live in and serve in.”
The event reflected the Army’s continued commitment to supporting retirees and their families while recognizing their lasting connection to the military.
Retired Sgt. 1st Class Gerald Green, an engineer, has attended the health fair for 41 consecutive years. He said the event provides an opportunity to connect with resources and fellow retirees.
“I just like being here for the care we receive,” Green said.
For CRDAMC staff, supporting retirees was also a way to give back to a generation of service members who helped shape the military community.
Octavia Winding, a registered nurse in community health and the event’s lead coordinator, said the event was especially meaningful because of her family’s connection to military retirees.
“This event is special for me because I have a family full of retirees, so I know that this is something they appreciate,” Winding said. “Me taking the lead this year makes me feel that I’m giving back to them and all of our many other veterans.”
Staff Sgt. Jeremy Stephens, a combat medic and noncommissioned officer in charge of CRDAMC’s flu campaign, helped coordinate influenza vaccinations for retirees during the event.
Dental personnel also provided screenings, hygiene products and recommendations for maintaining oral health.
For first-time attendees such as Frances Chavez, spouse of retired Maj. Alexander Chavez, the health fair offered an opportunity to learn about the breadth of services available to veterans and retirees.
“I knew there were programs for veterans, but I didn’t know there were this many,” Chavez said.
During his remarks, Admiral thanked retirees for their continued service to their communities and their enduring connection to the military.
“You will always be a part of the military family, and we are honored to continue serving you,” Admiral said.
-30-
