TOP STORY >> Base commander attends retiree breakfast one last time

By Airman 1st Class Kevin Sommer Giron 

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Col. Charles Brown, 19th Airlift Wing commander, gave his farewell remarks as the guest speaker at the monthly retiree breakfast June 16 in Hangar 1080 on Little Rock Air Force Base. 

“I’m here to say thank you,” Brown began. “The priorities we’ve laid out as a team start with people – from my Airman and their families, to everyone who’s served. You deserve the best for what you provide and that’s support so we can sustain our next priority which is readiness.”

The monthly retiree breakfast helps to foster close relationships with service members and to disseminate information from units to the retired community. 

“Even though we’re retired, we still feel like we’re a part of the military family,” said (Ret.) Chief Master Sgt. Donald Smith, 19th AW Retiree Activities Office assistant retiree activities director. “Once you’ve served for 20- to 30-years, you want to retain the relationships you’ve made with your fellow military members.” 

During the breakfast buffet, speakers from the 19th Medical Group, and outside organizations spoke as well to the audience about service updates and offers. 

Arkansas has a population of more than 58,000 retired service members who provide support to the Combat Airlift mission and the amenities on base, such as the Commissary and Base Exchange. 

“We’ve had excellent support from the 19th AW leadership,” Smith said. “Col. Brown and Col. Bennett have been huge supporters — they realize the importance of what retirees brings to the base.”