Camp Shelby celebrates annual Retiree Day

CAMP SHELBY, MS. - The Mississippi National Guard celebrated its annual Retiree Day. Dozens of Mississippi retirees from across the state attended the program Thursday morning.

Retired service members of the Mississippi Army and Air National Guard are honored for outstanding service to their state and country.

Camp Shelby Commander Colonel Gregory Michel thanked retirees for their contributions.

“It is awesome to see a lot of these folks. Whenever I joined as a private, a number of these enlisted men and officers mentored me in my career" said Col. Michel.

He added, "So to see them coming here and supporting this is very rewarding.” Retirees looked at the newly renovated Mississippi Armed Forces Museum.

Retiree Norman Trigg said, "It is great to come here each year to see the improvements that have been made.”

Augustus Collins a former Adjutant General for Mississippi National Guard said it feels good to come back as a retiree instead of speaker.

“It is a lot more relaxed because I did not have a speaking part today, I just had to come and just enjoy myself" said Collins.

Whether its been a year or decades since retirees stepped on based, their love for their country never changes.

“A lot of these veterans if you talk to them, a lot of them will tell you that they miss serving" said Colonel Michel.

Camp Shelby will celebrate its 100th Anniversary with a Centennial Salute in July.