MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. – Nearly 100 soldiers and family members of the 63rd Regional Support Command met here at the Armed Force Reserve Center to learn about benefits they will receive upon retirement.
The retirement briefing, which was organized by William Jones, 63rd Regional Support Command Well-Being Division chief, and Lt. Col. Kathleen Couillard, Army Reserve retirement service officer, Army Reserve G-1, featured many venders ranging from Veterans Administration to the Virtual Transition Assistance Program.
“New soldiers coming into the Army should think about their long- term goals, like retirement,” said Staff Sgt. Josie King, 4/104th Civil Affairs-Military Information Special Operations, Mountain View, Calif.
King paused for a moment to take pictures with other soldiers who were within 90 days of retiring.
“Soldiers need to keep up with their retirement points and do as many correspondence courses as possible,” King added.
Army Reserve retirement pay is calculated based on the total number of qualifying points earned, the highest rank achieved and the numbers of good years of service. Soldiers earn a good year by achieving a minimum of 50 points per anniversary year. Furthermore, soldiers must have completed a minimum of 20 qualifying years to be eligible for retirement.
“This pre-retirement seminar will be held at different states throughout the 63rd RSC command this year,” said Lt. Col. Kathleen Couillard.
“The biggest reason for this emphasis is because soldiers indicated they were not receiving this information upon retiring from the Army Reserves,” Couillard added.
A favorite among the vendors was John Cornett of United Services Automobile Association. Cornett told soldiers about the many benefits available to them, ranging from expert brokerage services to savings in everyday bills such as auto insurance. Cornett also brought with him tickets to the San Francisco 49ers, versus the New York Giants game, which were donated by United Services Automobile Association.
“This briefing was very informative,” stated Chief Warrant Officer Donald Yee, Command Chief Warrant Officer U.S. Army Reserve Legal Command.
Yee smiled after he took a moment to reflect what he learned.
“Who exactly can benefit in the Uniformed Service Survivor Benefit Plan and Tri-Care coverage areas for prime, whom is eligible and when it kicks in were among things I was unclear about,” Yee added.
Pre-retirement seminar briefings are mandated for active Guard Reserves before they retire and the active components of the Army. Soldiers can apply for retirement pay at age 59 by going to the Human Resource Command website, or calling 1-888-ARMYHRC.