Buckley host Military Retiree Appreciation Day Published June 25, 2012 By Senior Airman Paul Labbe 460th Space Wing Public Affairs BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The 460th Space Wing will host the 14th Annual Military Retiree Appreciation Day, June 30, to honor military retirees from all branches of service. Retiree Appreciation Day was first conducted at Lowery AFB, Colo. in 1998 and has been an annual event ever since. Dozens of support agencies, retiree and veterans groups will be on hand to provide information and answer questions regarding assistance with issues ranging from casualty assistance, to renewing an identification card according to the 460th S W press release "Many organizations across the base provide direct support for the event to include the Buckley Chiefs Group, Buckley Top 3, Commissary, Base Exchange and numerous base organizations," said Mr. James Stewart, 460th SW retiree activities director. Retiree Appreciation Day provides opportunities for retirees to meet with other retirees and engage in a social interaction with their fellow service members, friends and new acquaintances, said Stewart Many retirees travel quite a distance to attend and are able to accomplish their annual veteran's updates in a single visit. Presently there are 21,868 military retirees in the northern Colorado area of responsibility and Retiree Appreciation Day will provide a forum through which many retirees are able to get vital information from many sources at a single event. "Since the inception of the military in this nation our military and civilian leaders have consistently fostered the concept of honoring those who serve our nation in times of peril," Stewart said. "Veteran's service and the sacrifice do not end when a veteran retires but continues and molds the traditions of our military services. Veterans bring strength and stability to our communities by their example and encourage the next generation to serve and defend the principles of freedom." Retired service members and their families are invited to attend activities at the Leadership Development Center, Building 1032, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, contact the retiree activities office weekdays between 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at 720-847-6693, or e-mail james.stewart.68.ctr@us.af.mil.