RAO supports military retirees, families Published Sept. 28, 2009 By Staff Sgt. John Gordinier 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The retiree activities office is starting operations again, filling the role of interface between the active-duty force and the retiree community. "The RAO provides information and referral services as necessary," said retired Senior Master Sgt. Robert Sullivan, 20th Fighter Wing RAO director. "The RAO maintains current information related to programs and benefits of all military retirees and their spouses in the Shaw area. The RAO also provides programming of interest to the retired community such as retired spouse briefings and Retiree Appeciation Day." The RAO plans to start operations on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Room 1029 in the Mission Support Center building, he said. The area was chosen as it was located in close proximity of most of the services that Shaw's retired community utilizes on a regular basis. "Once we get more volunteers and assess the number of people visiting the RAO, we will most likely go to a five-day-a-week schedule," Mr. Sullivan said. The RAO closed some time ago due to a lack of volunteers and staff, but Sullivan said the 20th FW leadership recognized the need for the RAO. "Team Shaw has a history of recognition of the importance of our retirees and their families," he said. Mr. Sullivan, with more than 40 years of federal service, understands the importance of retiree community and volunteered for the RAO position. "I understood the importance of having an office dedicated to the welfare of military retirees, their spouses and widows," Mr. Sullivan explained. "I understand how important it is for retirees to feel they are part of the Shaw team and of course, to have a central 'clearinghouse' for information and referral on military programs and services. "Having served (in the military) and . . . retiring as a senior master sergeant, I felt it was my duty to give back to the Air Force retired community," he concluded. For more information about the RAO, contact Robert Sullivan at 895-1098, robert.sullivan@shaw.af.mil.