MAFB shows appreciation for military retirees Published Sept. 9, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Thomas Dow Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The base showed its appreciation to local military retirees here by organizing a Military Retiree Appreciation Day here Sept 5. "It's important to honor retirees because they've served," said Col. Joel Westa, 5th Bomb Wing commander. "They've given to our country. They deserve the credit they've earned." The appreciation day began with a tour of a B-52H Stratofortress and followed with lunch at the Jimmy Doolittle Center and an information fair to highlight benefits, entitlements and services available to retirees. The fair included briefings from Veterans Affairs, TRICARE, Army and Air Force Exchange Services, and the base health and wellness center. Overall, there are 2,000 military retirees in the region, said 1st Lt. Aubrie Jones from the 5th Force Support Squadron and organizer of the event. "Military retirees will always remain part of the military family," Lieutenant Jones said. The day concluded with a social hour, giving the retirees and their spouses a chance to meet and reminisce. "This day was not just a great opportunity for members of Team Minot to say 'thank you' to all retired service members and their spouses for their dedication to the nation," said Lieutenant Jones. "It gives us a chance to show how we can give back to them in the future."