Joint Base Lewis-McChord will host the Annual Military Retiree Appreciation Day, or RAD, event from 7:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the JBLM American Lake Conference Center June 3.

The purpose of this event is for retirees in the Pacific Northwest region to acquire new acquaintances, receive assistance from federal and state agencies, and to learn more about old and new programs/resources in the community that benefit the military.

This appreciation day also serves as the ideal environment for retirees, their spouses and families to learn more about the dozens of Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) that are available to servicemembers after they transition.

Typically, more than 2,000 military beneficiaries attend the Annual Military Retiree Appreciation Day.

The JBLM Retirement Service Office coordinates the participation of various JBLM partner VSOs at the event.

Here are just a few of the services that will be available at the event according to the JBLM Retirement Services Office:

Madigan Healthcare System Health Fair opens at 6:30 a.m. for blood sugar and cholesterol testing (requires blood draw, 12-hour fasting before test), blood pressure checks (no caffeine or tobacco for three hours prior). Participants should bring vaccination records for review. The fair will also feature informational exhibits and information about Tri-Care medical and dental benefits, and other social support services.

ID Card Issuance and Replacement

Retirees and family members enrolled or eligible for enrollment in DEERS can update information and replace military ID cards at the event (bring DD214, Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree or Death Certificate and two forms of identification if needed to verify eligibility).

Legal Assistance Station

Information and no-fee preparation of wills; general, special, or medical powers of attorney, and answers to legal questions provided by I Corps and JBLM Staff Judge Advocate's Office.

Vehicle Registration

Retirees may register vehicles for use on base at the on-site registration table (bring valid proof of insurance card, state registration, state driver's license, and military ID card). Information about firearms registration will also be available at this station.

VA Benefits Review

Washington Dept. of Veterans Affairs will host a Compensation Review Station for veterans who wish to initiate or seek an increased disability rating, Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC), or determine eligibility for new or expanded benefits created by recent changes in federal law for retirees with service-connected disabilities (bring DD214 and information about any other VA benefits received).

Veterans Information Expo

Booths representing state and federal, and nonprofit agencies will be staffed by employees and other individuals knowledgeable about benefits and services their organization has available for military retirees.

Along with becoming more educated on the pertinent services that will increase their well-being, retirees will also have a day of relaxing with various raffle prizes to be given throughout the day and an opportunity to meet new friends during breakfast and an Italian-themed lunch.

Veterans Services Organizations like Casualty Assistance, JBLM's Army Community Services, Servicemember For Life - Transition Assistance Program (SFL-TAP, formerly JBLM ACAP), Survivor Outreach Services and Retirement Services (Army) and Retiree Activities (Air Force) representatives will be on-hand to answer any questions and to provide assistance to attendees.

Retirees seeking more information about the JBLM Retirement Services Office or this year's Retiree Appreciation Day event can contact the Retirement Services Office, by calling 253.966.5881, or 253.966.5884, or by email at lewisrso@conus.army.mil, or visit the event's website at www.lewis-mcchord.army.mil/dhr/rso/RAD.htm.