MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE BARSTOW, Calif. -- Retired military members represent one of this country's most appreciated group of citizens. Those who have served this country honorably, deserve to be taken care of and recognized.
Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow recognized retired military members during the Military Retiree Open House Oct. 4, which was the first of what is expected to become an annual event.
The purpose of the event was to reach out to retirees, to make them aware of the base and its mission, to explain the services available and to reconnect ties with the retirees, according to the letter of instruction for the event.
The High Desert community is home to several thousand retired military personnel, most of which were invited. About 175 retirees attended the open house.
They were treated to lunch at the Oasis Club, during which Col. Steven J. Thompson, base commanding officer, delivered opening remarks. Presentations on Veterans Affairs benefits, Staff Judge Advocate services and TriCare, followed the opening remarks.
After lunch, the retirees toured the base to become familiar with what is offered. Marines stationed aboard MCLB gave the retirees the history of the base and pointed out areas of interest. Some of the retirees were heard saying they really enjoyed talking to the young Marines and a tour of the base.
Following the tour, the retirees were taken to the base gym for an information fair where numerous booths about available services were set up. Booths available provided basic medical screening, updated information on veteran and retiree benefits, legal assistance, chaplains office and home safety information, along with other information booths from services offered at MCLB. This also provided an opportunity for Marines to interact with the retirees.
Following the Information Fair, the retirees returned to the Oasis Club for Burn Your Own Steak Night. This gave the retirees the chance to cook their own steak and continue visiting with the Marines and other retirees.
Sea stories and experiences were shared while the steaks were grilling. During this time, the mounted Color Guard made a special appearance during evening colors.
The idea of this event came from Thompson. He wanted to reach out to the retirees and present the benefits available to them. The idea was then brought forward and made a reality for Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow.
"They got a much better feeling of being appreciated," said Gary Fulham, director of the Marine Corps Community Services Departmant.
With the closure of George Air Force Base in 1992, MCLB became the closest military installation for the majority of retired military personnel living in the high desert.
The entire base contributed to making the idea of this event a reality. Overall, the event was extremely successful with a great response from those who attended, according to Fulham.