This briefing is MANDATORY for retiring military personnel and spouses are strongly encouraged to attend. RSVP is not required. Representatives will be in attendance from Retirement Services, Transition Assistance Program, TRICARE, Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Finance and other agencies.
Briefing Dates and Location:
19 August 2026 - Location is Lone Star Conference Center
12 November 2026 - Location is Lone Star Conference Center
Briefing Time:
0900-1200
In accordance with Title 10, USC Public Law 920425 all Soldiers are REQUIRED to be briefed. RSVP is not required. The Survivor Benefit Plan allows a retiree to ensure, after death, a continuous lifetime annuity for their dependents. The annuity which is based on a percentage of retired pay is called SBP and is paid to an eligible beneficiary. It pays your eligible survivors an inflation-adjusted monthly income.
Location: Copeland Soldier Service Center, Room B114
Time: 0930 – 1030
Briefing Dates:
14 and 28 July 2026
11 and 25 August 2026
8 and 22 September 2026
13 and 27 October 2026
10 and 24 November 2026
8 December 2026
Participants must have an approved retirement in order to participate in the Fort Hood Retirement Ceremony. Participants must also complete and return the Military Retiree Biographical Data Sheet or Civilian Retiree Biographical Data Sheet to the RSO NLT the 25th of the month prior to the month of the Retirement Ceremony. A link to these forms is provided below. In addition, a copy of the latest approved Serenade List is provided.
Retirement Ceremonies are held monthly at the Lone Star Conference Center in accordance with the schedule below. The start time is 1100 hours, and the length of the event will vary depending on the number of honorees.
31 July 2026 (No more slots available)
28 August 2026
25 September 2026
30 October 2026
20 November 2026
29 January 2027
26 February 2027
19 March 2027
30 April 2027
21 May 2027
25 June 2027
30 July 2027
27 August 2027
24 September 2027
29 October 2027
19 November 2027
Retirement Celebration Forms
Military Retiree Biographical Data Sheet
Civilian Retiree Biographical Data Sheet
Serenade List
Army Echoes informs Retired Soldiers, surviving spouses, and their Families about changes to their benefits and entitlements, developments within the Army, and how they can continue to support the Army. Visit the link below for the most recent newsletter.