European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - June 14, 1992, Darmstadt, Hesse Sund june 14. M \ St us my stripes a a Ino s. European vocation v s by Chuck Roberts staff writer ome american service members who retire in Europe might figure they have it rough. Then there Are the Romaris. Frank Romary and his wife Mary live in a quaint Village in France where the retired air Force master sergeant travels during the summer and skis the Winter months away. A i feel we re the Luckiest people alive a Frank Romary said while attending a meeting of military retirees last month at Ramstein a Germany. A we live a lifestyle of then again not All of the 1.3,326 military retirees in Europe share Romary a Outlook. Instead Many Point to special restrictions that make it difficult for them to attain that Good life. For example overseas retirees Are a not eligible for medicare when they turn 65. A barred from most government jobs if they Haven t found a Job within one year of retirement. A faxed heavily in some countries for shopping in commissaries and exchanges As much As 14 percent in Germany. A limited to 1 Pound when sending and receiving packages through the military postal system. A charged about $8,000 a year to Send their children to a Dodds school which is free for Active duty service members. Continued on Pae 4 / the Price Isnit always right for service members who answer the Call of overseas retirement
