MDG steps up to help families, veterans

Phil Murray, retired Navy captain and first-place winner of the car show, explains the details of his 1939 Studebaker pickup to Airman 1st Class David Evans, 56th Dental Squadron and a judge for the car show. Trophies were handed out to the top three winners during Retiree Appreciation Day. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Louis Vega Jr.)

MDG steps up to help families, veterans

Published Nov. 8, 2013
By Staff Sgt. Timothy Boyer
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Volunteers from the 56th Medical Group led the way Nov. 1 and Saturday organizing the Family Health Expo and Retiree Appreciation Day events at Club Five Six.

The health expo was designed with families in mind and included a classic automobile show, flu shots, blood pressure checks and other health screenings, while Retiree Appreciation Day was intended to serve retirees.

"Many of the same booths and information were part of Retiree Appreciation Day," said Capt. Sarah Cossette, 56th MDG health care integrator and one of the Health Expo organizers. "However, a lot of the information was tailored to retirees."

But there was more than just information at the event.

"Retiree Appreciation Day was designed to give our retirees the opportunity to network and find community and base-related services," said Tech. Sgt. Tawnie Miller, 56th Medical Support Squadron patient administration NCO in charge and a key volunteer in making the event a success.

While there were many activities to entertain at both events, the most important aspect was education.

"We had subject matter experts to answer health-related questions and provide pertinent preventative health and wellness information," Cossette said. "Empowering patients with education and self-management tools to improve quality of life was the main goal."

While the events were led by the 56th MDG, it took a team to make them a success.

"Security forces were out with their K-9 demonstrations and military weapons display and the civil engineers brought fire demonstrations and displays," Miller said of Retiree Appreciation Day.

The events focused on three of the four pillars of comprehensive Airman fitness and ensured all patients know how to get the care they require.

"The information was all presented in some way related to the physical, social or mental needs of our patient population," Cossette said. "These events were a great way for the Luke community to come together to support our beneficiaries."