Fort Sill Retiree Appreciation Days brings services, fellowship under one roof

FORT SILL, Okla. — For many military retirees, returning to Fort Sill for Retiree Appreciation Days is about more than checking on benefits, getting a f… FORT SILL, Okla. — For many military retirees, returning to Fort Sill for Retiree Appreciation Days is about more than checking on benefits, getting a flu shot or updating an identification card. It is a reunion, one that some plan months in advance. Retirees travel from across Oklahoma, Arkansas and several other states for the annual gathering, reconnecting with people they served alongside and sharing what they have learned with those more recently retired. “It’s almost like a reunion in a lot of ways,” said retired Army Lt.

Col. Allen Shell, former officer co-chair of the Fort Sill Retiree Council. “You’ll get folks from multiple different states come in, and they link up together and share stories, share information.” Shell said longtime retirees often use the opportunity to help newer retirees find organizations, services and fellow veterans who can help them navigate life after military service. Fort Sill held its 48th Annual Retiree Appreciation Days Sept. 17-18 under the theme “Soldier for Life: A Lifetime Commitment to Service.” The two-day event brought together military retirees, future retirees, surviving spouses and families for services, information, fellowship and recognition while reinforcing the Army’s connection with Soldiers