Edwards AFB celebrates military retirees
Service members are frequently celebrated while they are actively wearing the uniform, but once that uniform is retired, the spotlight shifts.
For many veterans, the transition to civilian life brings a quiet challenge, making it vital to show them that their decades of sacrifice remain deeply valued and remembered.
"The Military we have today exists today because of the commitment, the sacrifice, the professionalism and the character of those who served before us," Col. Chris Carnduff, 412th Mission Support Group commander, said.
Edwards Air Force Base answered that call on Sept. 26 by bringing the community together to celebrate the 2026 Retiree Appreciation Day.
Janice Somers, a military retiree and California American Legion commander, speaks with junior military members during the 2026 Retiree Appreciation Day at Edwards Air Force Base, California, Sept. 26. (U.S. Air Force photo by Daniel Kelley)
The opening ceremony set a vibrant, grateful tone for the attendees, who represented every branch of the armed forces.
"I'm going to call you all the greatest of all time: GOAT,” Chief Master Sgt. Ireneo Alfaro, 412th Medical Group senior enlisted leader, said during the event opening ceremony. “You possess deep institutional wisdom, battle-tested instinct and seasoned judgement that no training manual can ever teach, and no classroom can ever replicate."
To keep that connection alive year-round, the base relies on its Retiree Activities Office. Operated entirely by retiree volunteers, the office serves as a vital, one-stop resource hub. It connects active-duty units with the veteran community while providing reliable information on benefits, entitlements, base support and local resources.
This spirit of mutual support was on full display during the appreciation day as more than 17 teams hosted information booths to serve the visiting retirees. On-base resources like the pharmacy, dental clinic, legal office and mortuary affairs joined forces with community partners. These partners included TRICARE, Accel Medical Group, Brainstim Center, Experior Financial Group, specialized health insurance agents, Department of Veterans Affairs, Veteran Peer Access Network, Coffee 4 Vets, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Mental Evaluation Team, Veterans Information Center, Warrior in Need and Blue Star Mothers.
Juan Blanco, military retiree and Coffee4VETS president, speaks to attendees during the 2026 Retiree Appreciation Day at Edwards Air Force Base, California, Sept. 26. (U.S. Air Force photo by Daniel Kelley)
Beyond information-gathering, the day was a true celebration of community. Attendees enjoyed a live cultural performance by the Halau Hula O Kanoelani dancers, shared a ceremonial cake-cutting and won prizes donated by sponsors.
The event also shined a light on those who work behind the scenes to support the veteran community. Lynn Sciolto, spouse of a recently retired Airman, received a surprise recognition honoring her three consecutive years of dedication to organizing the base's Retiree Appreciation Days.
"Of all the events I planned here and committees I was on, the Retiree Appreciation Day was my favorite,” Sciolto said reflecting on her time supporting the base. “The laughs, the jokes, the memories are all ones I will cherish forever."
412th Test Wing officer and enlisted leaders connect with military retirees serving in Veterans Service Organizations before the start of the 2026 Retiree Appreciation Day formal ceremony at Edwards Air Force Base, California, Sept. 26. (U.S. Air Force photo by Daniel Kelley)
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