Wright-Patterson’s Retiree Activities Office reopens, provides wide range of services

Serves as focal point for retirees from all branches
ajc.com

The Retiree Activities Office, which had been shuttered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base during the COVID-19 pandemic, reopened March 20 with limited hours.

The RAO is a focal point for retirees from all branches, providing access to and contact with services and representatives sought by the retired community. The most common include:

· Wright-Patterson AFB’s ID Card Section: 937-257-2547, option 0

· Survivor Benefits Program leads: 937-257-6405

· Greene County Veterans Services: 937-562-6020

“The RAO is critical to ensuring our local retirees are provided with timely and accurate information,” said Col. Charles Barkhurst, 88th Air Base Wing vice commander. “Having our teammates in the RAO back in the office will be an excellent resource for retirees, as well as continue to build on our already outstanding relationship with the local community.”

The office provides a range of services to about 56,000 military retirees, survivors and family members who live within a 70-mile radius of Wright-Patt, according to David McCoy, an RAO volunteer and retired senior master sergeant.

“These services include advising retirees, their dependents and survivors on resources that are available to them,” McCoy said.

According to McCoy, the staff works regularly with WPAFB’s Casualty Affairs Office, Defense Finance Accounting Service, TRICARE, Dayton Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Legal Office, Customer Support Center-ID cards and Ohio Department of Veterans Services.

The Retiree Activities Office is located in Bldg. 2, Room 203, Area A. Volunteers work Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon; Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon; and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Volunteers are needed for the office, McCoy added, and they do not need to be retired.

For more information on the RAO, email rao-wp@hotmail.com or call 937-257-3221.

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