Five ways to get the most out of your upcoming RAD event
By Lt. Col. Thomas Keating, U.S. Army (Ret.) August 2025
One of the most effective methods used by Army Retirement Services to keep Retired Soldiers informed is through a comprehensive schedule of Retiree Appreciation Days (RADs) held at various military installations and venues at both stateside and overseas locations. As we’ll discover, these popular military events serve a variety of purposes, however their primary goals are twofold: to show recognition and appreciation to retirees and their family members, and to provide a forum to share information on veteran benefits while also encouraging our Retired Soldiers to continue their service as a “Soldier for Life.”
Typically, 45 to 50 RADs are held throughout the year at locations representing a variety of geographical regions, Army Components, and military communities. The installation Retirement Services Officer (RSO) serves a pivotal role in assisting with the organization and coordination of the RAD event which typically includes garrison leadership, installation services, tenant activities as well as national and local partners advocating on behalf of Army and all military veterans. In addition, Army Retirement Services leaders, and the Chief of Staff Army Retirement Services Council (CSARSC) provide strategic guidance on how RADs can further engage Retired Soldiers to continue to support the readiness of our nation’s Army.
Attendance at an Army Retiree Appreciation Day involves both a commitment of time and energy on the part of the retiree; in this regard, the following discussion provides five ways that Retired Soldiers can get the most out of these events:
REVIEW: Now is the time to update retirement records, check the status of various benefit programs and review the administrative details of your current retirement circumstances. These actions may include renewing or updating ID cards, verifying DEERS data, reviewing updates on eligibility or open enrollment opportunities, and checking out new health or dental coverage options. In addition, you may want to check out information on casualty assistance and legal services programs. Finally, RAD attendees can often receive reviews on their personal health status to include blood pressure checks, prescription and wellness consultations, dental screenings as well as important updates on educational benefits and training opportunities.
RENEW: RADs provide a terrific opportunity to renew friendships and acquaintances with former co-workers, friends, and veteran service representatives. Remember, at a RAD you are family! Appreciation day participants are often invited to a welcome breakfast as an initial networking event or to an informal gathering at the Army Community Club where conversation and fond memories are the order of the day. Do not forget to use these occasions to learn about employment opportunities, potential volunteer roles and ways to continue your life of service. Finally, take this time to update contact and social media information as a way to sustain a network of friendships and mutual support.
REDISCOVER: Who does not like good value? Your RAD is a great way to rediscover the variety of benefits, products, and services available to our retired veterans. Opportunities to save at RADs are almost endless. Check out special deals for retirees at the installation’s Exchange and Commissary where most purchases are free from state sales tax and a portion of store dividends are redistributed to Army units to help fund morale building activities. These shopping opportunities might also include health and wellness products, gas purchases, car washes and an array of additional products and services, offered by civilian vendors, conveniently located on post.
Additionally, RAD participants are often able to attend health, wellness, nutrition, and information expos that showcase the services available to Retired Soldiers and their families. These information fairs may include specialists from on-post organizations for optometry, hearing, nutrition, and pharmacy services or representatives from Medicare and Tricare for Life (TFL) as well as commercial insurance vendors. Also, spokespersons from military service organizations providing support to disabled veterans and those representing veteran-friendly educational and support services organizations are frequently in attendance.
RECHARGE: The Army’s Retiree Appreciation Day not only provides a well-deserved thanks to all our veterans and their families, but it is also designed to be a fun and engaging experience for all family members. RAD events often include golf outings, bowling, and bingo tournaments, as well as fitness challenges as part of the festivities. Moreover, the installation’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) services branch often provides opportunities for biking, camping, canoeing and other outdoor activities.
REFLECT, THEN REACH OUT! Army RADs provide an exciting time to reflect upon your military career amongst friends, family, and a supportive installation community. As you think about past assignments and challenges that you experienced while serving, also consider your future role as a ‘Soldier for Life.’ Now is the time to explore continued service by reaching out as a mentor, a good listener, a recruiter, a storyteller, a friend, a Soldier for Life. What a proud legacy … pass it on!
There you have it! Five ways to get the most out of your upcoming RAD event. Remember, these occasions provide Retired Soldiers and their family members an opportunity to Review records, Renew friendships, Rediscover great values, Recharge batteries, and Reflect, then Reach Out to others. The Army Retiree Appreciation Day—a great way to do it all. See you at the next RAD!
