May 2016 RAO COUNCIL NEWSLETTER 86 AWPA edits.docx
 

Background: A Retiree Activities Office is established at all major U.S. Air Force installations around the world. In the AF, all offices are staffed by volunteers. Our challenge has been and still continues to be finding and sustaining a staff of enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to avail themselves of their knowledge to serve the community.

Current Situation: The RAO here exists to support, unite and enhance all military retirees, regardless of service affiliation, Department of Defense civilians or surviving spouses in our retired community through a positive volunteerism. Additionally, all service members preparing to retire from active duty can ask and will receive assistance and guidance from the RAO. For those about to retire from active duty, we would definitely like to discuss retirement options especially for those desiring to stay here in Germany. Thus it is optional for you to pay a visit to the RAO as part of your out-processing actions or when you attend the Transition Assistance Program class. The RAO program here has the fullest support of the 86th Airlift Wing Commander and his staff.

Current Operations: We are here to serve you and provide the community with a platform where one can check on and obtain factual information, discuss a problem and find out about services available in the community. This past year, both Army and Air Force commanders agreed on the creation of a retiree council. The council is chaired by Senior Master Sgt. (retired) Lou de Anrade and has various committees established to assist in most all situations. If you present a problem to us, and if we do not have the answer, we will research it or pass it on the counciland then get back to you and/or refer the problem to the proper staff agency for action on clarification and resolution.

Our RAO Team: The RAO is staffed by the Director, Chief Master Sgt. (retired) Jim Barrante, Army, Sgt. Maj. (retired) Ute Harris, Army, Staff Sgt. (retired) Robert Belt, Norman Raynal (retired DoD civilian), and, Chief Master Sgt. (retired) Kurt Modest, our senior on-line counselor. Of course, additional reliable help is needed.