Photo By Michael Mascari | Master Sgt. Floore, 81st RD Retirement Services Branch NCOIC, answers questions...... read more read more
Master Sgt. Norris Fitzpatrick has seen a lot in his lifetime. Four decades of professional experience has taught him quite a bit. It has taught him the value of teamwork. One of his final missions was one of the most complex, this time he is taking a very important teammate with him: His wife. The mission: Equipping himself for retirement by attending a Pre-Retirement Brief.
Although he planned well for his next phase, there are some tools he did not have in his toolbox until the other day: Insurance and filing for retirement benefits and the final details of how to claim what he has earned.
“Coming from my experience—I’ve been in over 40 years—this is one of the most important briefs I’ve attended,” said Norris, a Soldier with the 4-108th Chemical Battalion in Huntsville, Ala. “This explains to you the entitlements you’ve earned by serving in the military. It covers every aspect of retirement from finance, personnel actions, spouse benefits…it provides you a world of information you will need to navigate retirement.”
For Fitzpatrick, he and his wife have a lot to plan for: two retirements. He will hang up his ACUs and his civilian uniform this year. A Montgomery, Ala., police officer in his civilian life, his family is ready for the next chapter.
“Retirement is a good thing, “said his wife Audrey. “He put in a lot of years in both jobs, so it’s time for him to enjoy what he has earned.”
Norris and Audrey knew they were both going to attend the 81st Readiness Division (RD) Pre-Retirement Briefing in Knoxville, Tenn., when they heard about it. The 81st conducts regular pre-retirement information briefs across, Puerto Rico, USVI and the nine-state Paw Print of the Division.
“My spouse is my other ear,” said Norris. “She can get the information I might miss and we can talk about it later on. We wanted to make sure she understands the benefits she will receive. We use a total team concept as a family. \
They believe spousal attendance is extremely important, especially because spouses rarely understand what the military retirement benefits are, and do not know how to apply for them.
“They should attend so they can learn firsthand how the system works, to be proactive, to support their Soldier, and support their families,” Audrey said.
Susan Crout’s husband recently retired. Col. James Crout retired from the 415th Chem BDE. They were well-prepared for retirement, but still found themselves with questions. The brief provided her answers to many of them, including dispelling some misinformation she’s received through the ‘grapevine.’
“I’ve learned a lot more about Tri-Care,” Susan said. “I had always heard that you are supposed to turn down Medicare Part B, and that Tri-Care was our primary option, so I just assumed you should, but I am glad that I received the correct information here.”
Maj. Chauncey Leagones, Retirement Services Program Officer, said he is encouraged at the increased attendance by Soldiers’ wives and husbands.
“When you join the Army, you’re a member of a team,” Leagones said. ”Your spouse is the most important part of that team, and as such, it’s vital your spouse is part of the process. Spouses aren’t just allowed to attend, they are encouraged.
As for the Soldiers themselves, Norris would like to see even more emphasis on and participation in the Retirement Services program.
“I would recommend every Soldier preparing for retirement to attend this. I think it should be mandatory for units and commanders to attend. It explains the information Soldiers can utilize. They’ve earned, let’s make sure they receive it.”
Reserve Soldiers interested in attending a Pre-Retirement Services brief should email: usarmy.usarc.81-rsc.list.dhr-rso@mail.mil
for more information.
| Date Taken: | 06.29.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 07.08.2019 15:42 |
| Story ID: | 330508 |
| Location: | KNOXVILLE, TN, US |
| Web Views: | 58 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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