JBLM hosts hometown heroes: An exclusive day of appreciation

By Rebekka Jaworsky-Johnson, JBLM Assistant RSO        August 2026

Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), in Washington state hosted its annual Retiree Appreciation Day (RAD), June 26. The base’s Retirement Services Office (RSO) and installation leadership coordinated the event with an impressive turnout of military leaders, community partners, and local officials, who showed up to support and honor more than 700 military retirees and their families who attended this year’s RAD.

The day was filled with community and comprehensive support. A cornerstone of the event was the integrated health fair, where the Madigan Army Medical Center team provided critical on-site services, including vision, hearing, and dental screenings, as well as vital health consultations and convenient appointment scheduling.

Beyond healthcare, the event served as a true one-stop shop with 40 different partners to include providing on- the-spot ID card services, and resolving 100 individual RSO case actions, while the Armed Forces Bank cleverly presented fraud-prevention tips through a fun and engaging bingo game. Engagement was high as attendees completed a vendor passport to earn a commemorative challenge coin, celebrating their participation with a token of pride.

This event powerfully reaffirmed the Army's sacred commitment to our Soldiers for Life, highlighting the strength of our military family through direct, compassionate, and lifelong support.