Annual Retiree Health Fair Highlights Wellness

FORT RUCKER, Ala. — Fort Rucker opened the hangar doors at Yano Hall to welcome Retired Soldiers for Life and their families to the annual Retiree Health Fair hosted by Lyster Army Health Clinic during Retiree Appreciation Day events on Friday, October 30. Over 270 retirees took advantage of the health and wellness activities, and booth displays.

"This annual health fair is a cornerstone event for us that both our staff and our retirees look forward to all year long. It gives us the chance to personally interact with those who paved the way before us," said Lt. Col. Ryan Allred, Commander of Lyster Army Health Clinic. "That is why hosting this Retiree Health Fair every year is so incredibly important to us. The bond of military service is lifelong, and we never stop supporting our family." Allred went on to add, “There is an incredible energy at Yano Hall during this event. It’s about more than just medical checks; it’s a vital touchpoint where we bring Lyster’s top resources and our local off-post partners together under one roof.”

Participants were able to visit educational booths to talk with medical professionals, get blood pressure checks, receive a hearing screening, flu shots, and learn about health and wellness programs to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The Commissary and Exchange also offered information on upcoming specials and holiday shopping. Participants had the opportunity to visit over 40 booths at the event, including exhibits from several off-post agencies and businesses that participated in the health fair to show their support of military retirees and highlight the services provided in the local community. Participants also had the opportunity to win door prizes and enjoy light refreshments provided by Fort Rucker Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR).

“Preventative health is the cornerstone of a long, active retirement,” stated Maj. Antoinette Dingle, Fort Rucker Department of Public Health Chief. “This fair is our premier event to deliver proactive wellness, from flu shots to vital health screenings, right to our retirees' doorstep. Our team loves this opportunity to step out of the clinic walls, engage face-to-face with our community, and give back to a generation that gave so much to our nation!” She went on to add over 150 fair goers took advantage of getting their flu vaccination at the health fair. “It is a privilege for our public health team to connect with our retirees, answer their questions, and help them navigate their health journey.”

Lyster Army Health Clinic staff were onsite to educate patrons on their services and programs, including physical therapy, nutrition, preventative medicine, and pharmacy to name a few of the booths participants could visit during the event. In addition to health screenings, various specialists were on hand to offer guidance on a range of topics, from nutrition and exercise to mental health resources. Informational booths provided materials on services available to retirees, including veteran benefits and local healthcare resources.

The fair also served as a platform for fostering community among retirees, allowing them to connect with each other and catch up with friends. Many attendees expressed gratitude for the support and resources available to them, emphasizing the importance of staying informed about health issues as they age.

Looking ahead, Lyster plans to continue participating in health fairs and other initiatives aimed at improving the health and wellness of retirees. Feedback from attendees will help shape future events, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of the community. Each year, participants are offered a survey to complete about the event. “This survey is a valuable tool in our arsenal to ensure we’re on target for what our local community wants to see at events like this. We always want to know what our community needs so we can deliver,” continued Dingle.

Events like the retiree health fair exemplify Lyster Army Health Clinic’s ongoing commitment to care for those who have served, ensuring they have access to the support and resources necessary for a healthy future. The health fair is an annual event and held on the last Friday in October in conjunction with the Fort Rucker Retiree Appreciation Day. For more information on services provided by Lyster Army Health Clinic, visit https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Flyster.tricare.mil%2F.

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