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LEGISLATIVE REPORT10 HowWill Feds/Retirees Fare in FY 2009 Budget?

12 2008 Congressional Recess Schedule

14 White House Spending ShowdownWithCongress Resolved

16 Congress Delays Medicare Physician Fee Cut

18 Guide to NARFE’s Legislative Action Center

20 Civics 101: Eyes on the Prize

38 Questions &Answers

44 Faces of NARFE: Susan Hyde, Mid-Coast Chapter 2169,Rockland, Maine

48 Out &About

50 NARFE News

54 Letters

59 For the Record: COLAChart,TSP Investments, Milestones

62 At Last! Past Times & Present Pursuits

Cover design by Jim RichardsPhoto of LesAndelys,France,byKimberlyAamot,director,GuestServices,Uniworld

DEPARTMENTS

COLUMNS8 Message From the

National President

34 Managing Money

36 LiveWell

46 From the Secretaryand the Treasurer

47 Report From theRegions

visit us online atwww.narfe.org

COVER STORY24 Cruising Europe’s Rivers. On board a riverboat

or barge, travelers see a different side of thecontinent.The joy of a river cruise vacation isthe ability to visit the little inland towns of aregion that you might otherwise never see orexperience.

For Active and Retired Federal Employees

RETIREMENT LIFE FEBRUARY 2008, Volume 84,Number 2

SPECIALSECTIONS

30 2008 NARFENational Convention

55 National ExecutiveBoard Minutes

57 NARFE ScholarshipApplication

EditorMargaret M. Carter

Assistant EditorDonna J. St. John

Contributing DesignersCharlene Gridley

Jim Richards

Editorial Board:Margaret L. BaptisteNathaniel L. Brown

Richard C. Ostergren

Editorial OfficeNARFE, Attn: NARFE magazine

606 North Washington St.Alexandria, VA 22314-1914

Phone: 703-838-7760Fax: 703-838-7781E-mail: [email protected]

Advertising SalesWarren Berger

Media People Inc.122 East 42nd Street, Suite 725

New York, NY 10168212-779-7172, ext. 223

E-mail: [email protected]

National HeadquartersNARFE Phones Open

8 a.m.—4:45 p.m. (ET) Monday—FridayTelephone: 703-838-7760

Fax: 703-838-7785E-mail: [email protected]

The Association, since July 1970, has beenclassified by the IRS as a tax exempt labor or-ganization [not a union]; however, dues andgifts or contributions to the Association arenot deductible as charitable contributions forincome tax purposes.

Web site: www.narfe.org

NARFE on Tape

Monthly issues of NARFE magazine are avail-able on cassette in selected areas of thecountry through the National Library Servicefor the Blind and Physically Handicapped.To find out about availability in your area,call toll-free 1-800-424-8567 and ask for theReference Section.

REGIONALVICEPRESIDENTS

NATIONALOFFICERSMARGARETL. BAPTISTE, President

[email protected]

NATHANIELL. BROWN, [email protected]

RICHARDC. OSTERGREN, [email protected]

NARFE (ISSN 0034-6179) is published monthly by the National Active and Retired Federal EmployeesAssociation (NARFE), 606 N. Washington St., Alexandria,VA 22314. Periodicals postage paid atAlexandria, VA, and additional mailing offices. Members: Annual dues includes subscription.Non-member subscription rate $33. Postmaster: Send address change to: NARFE Attn:Member Records, NARFE, 606 N.Washington St., Alexandria,VA 22314.To ensure promptdelivery,members should also forward changes of address without delay. Because of thevolume involved,NARFE cannot acknowledge nor be responsible for unsolicited pictures

and manuscripts, although every reasonable precaution is taken.All submissions become the property of NARFE.Contents of this magazine are copyrighted © 2008.Advertisements in the magazine are not endorsements ofproducts and/or services by NARFE,unless officially stated in the ad.We shall accept advertising on the same basisas other reputable publications: that is,we shall not knowingly permit a dishonest advertisement to appear inNARFE,but at the same time we will not undertake to guarantee the reliability of our advertisers.

REGION I Augie Stratoti(Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, NewHampshire, New York, Rhode Island andVermont)16 Birch Hill DriveNashua, NH 03063-2537Tel: 603-889-1073Fax: 603-882-8144E-mail: [email protected]

REGION II CharlesW. Saylor(Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland,New Jersey and Pennsylvania)205 E. Joppa Road, Apt. 1509Towson, MD 21286-3225Tel: 410-938-8783E-mail: [email protected]

REGION III Robert S. Harrell(Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi,Puerto Rico, South Carolina and VirginIslands)25112 Kingston DriveAthens, AL 35613-7382Tel, Fax: 256-232-2013E-mail: [email protected]

REGION IV Tom Johnson(Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio andWisconsin)10429 Oak Branch TrailStrongsville, OH 44149-1278Tel: 440-878-1833Fax: 440-268-9540E-mail: [email protected]

REGIONV RichardG. Thissen(Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri,Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota)P. O. Box 485Lake Ozark, MO 65049-0485Tel: 573-365-5679Fax: 573-964-5074E-mail: [email protected]

REGIONVI JerryD. Hatfield(Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma,Republic of Panama and Texas)231 Inwood RoadTexarkana, TX 75501-9082Tel, Fax: 903-832-1120E-mail: [email protected]

REGIONVII Russ Boor(Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah andWyoming)5843 Agave LaneLas Cruces, NM 88012-7002Tel: 505-382-7478Fax: 505-382-2145E-mail: [email protected]

REGIONVIII ForneyA. Lundy(California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevadaand Republic of Philippines)769 Ambrose DriveSalinas, CA 93901-1061Tel: 831-758-4888Fax: 831-758-6308E-mail: [email protected]

REGION IX LannyG. Ross(Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon andWashington)7450 Illahee Road NEBremerton, WA 98311-9431Tel: 360-692-9741Fax: 360-662-0384E-mail: [email protected]

REGIONX JosephA. Beaudoin(Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee,Virginia and West Virginia)527 Old Fort RoadWinchester, VA 22601-2913Tel: 540-665-9715Fax: 540-722-2290E-mail: [email protected]

4 FEBRUARY 2008 | NARFE

The Fifth C?

Is it possible that the mind of a scientist can produce more beauty and romance than the earth?

The laboratories at DiamondAurawere created with one mission in mind:Create brilliant cut jewelry that allowseveryone to experience more clarity, morescintillation and larger carat weightsthan they have ever experienced. So,we’ve taken 2.5 carats of our lab-createdDiamondAuras and set them in the most classic setting—the result is ourmost stunning, fiery, faceted design yet!In purely scientific measurement terms,the refractory index of the DiamondAurais very high, and the color dispersion isactually superior to mined diamonds.

Perfection from the laboratory.We named our brilliant cut stonesDiamondAura, because, “they dazzle just like natural diamonds but without

the outrageous cost.” We will not boreyou with the incredible details of the scientific process, but will only say that it involves the use of rare minerals heatedto an incredibly high temperature of over5000˚F. This can only be accomplishedinside some very modern and expensivelaboratory equipment. After several additional steps, scientists finally createda clear faultless marvel that looks even better than the vast majority of mineddiamonds. According to the book Jewelry and Gems–the Buying Guide, thetechnique used in DiamondAura offers,“The best diamond simulation to date,and even some jewelers have mistakenthese stones for mined diamonds.”

The 4 C’s. Our DiamondAura 3-StoneClassique Ring retains every jeweler’sspecification: color, clarity, cut, and caratweight. The transparent color and clarityof DiamondAura emulate the most

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Rock solid guarantee. This .925sterling silver ring is prong-set with a 1.5 carat DiamondAura round brilliantin the center, showcased between twoDiamondAura round brilliants of .48carats each. Adding to your 4 C’s, wewill include the DiamondAura stud earrings for FREE! Try the DiamondAura3-Stone Classique Ring for 30 days. If for any reason you are not satisfied withyour purchase, simply return it to us fora full refund of the purchase price andkeep the stud earrings as our gift.

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For help with any Association issue,

CALL NARFE AT 703- 838-7760

When writing to NARFE Headquarters,use the following address:

NARFE (specify officer, department or staff member)606 NorthWashington St.,Alexandria, VA 22314-1914

If you have e-mail access, use the following listto direct your inquiries or comments.

BUDGETANDFINANCE:

[email protected]

COMMUNICATIONS:NARFE magazine’s editorial andprint production operations

[email protected]

FEDERATION AND CHAPTER SERVICES:Officer ros-ters (F-7 & F-7A), chapter openings/closings, bylaw revi-sions, anniversary & distinguished service certificates

[email protected]

HUMANRESOURCES:[email protected]

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY:

[email protected]

LEGISLATION: Legislative efforts, state taxation of annu-ities and Social Security issues

[email protected]: Fulfillment of F-18 orders for printed supplies

[email protected]

MEMBER RECORDS: Change of address, membershipstatus, dues, and death notification

[email protected]

NARFE PROGRAMS:Calendar & Greeting Card Program,Disaster Fund, Scholarship Program, Pre-Retirement Sem-inar Program

[email protected]

NATIONAL PRESIDENT:NARFE-Alzheimer’s [email protected]

NARFE PERKS:NARFE-sponsored services; see NARFEPerks pages in this issue

[email protected]:

[email protected]

PUBLIC RELATIONS:Media inquiries, general public re-lations information and assistance

[email protected]

RECRUITMENT & RETENTION: Pre-retirement seminarmaterial and information, table top displays, and generalrecruiting and retention assistance

[email protected]

RETIREMENT BENEFITS: Annuities, Medicare and fed-eral health and life insurance benefits, federal taxes, thriftsavings and court ordered benefits; service officers

[email protected]

To obtain NARFE’s Legislative Hotline by phone, call:

(TOLL-FREE) 1-877-217-8234

HERE’S HOWTO CONTACT US:CHANGE OF ADDRESS: If you change youraddress, please notify Member Records toll-free at1-800-456-8410, send an e-mail message [email protected], or mail the notification toNARFE Headquarters, ATTN: Member Records.Q&A: To obtain an answer to a retirement benefitsquestion, call 703-838-7760 and ask for theRetirement Benefits Service Department, send an e-mail to [email protected], or mail your questionto NARFE Headquarters, ATTN: Retirement Benefits.

Out & About: Submit photo and caption informa-tion by mail to NARFE Headquarters, ATTN: Outand About, or by e-mail to [email protected] Milestones: Submit names (both firstnames), wedding anniversary (50th only) and chap-ter name/number/state by mail to NARFEHeadquarters, ATTN: Anniversaries, or by e-mail [email protected] to the Editor: Letters may be edited forgrammar, clarity and length. Because of the volumereceived, they will not be acknowledged. All lettersmust be signed. Mail to NARFE Headquarters,

NARFEWelcomesYour Input and Questions

To receive the Legislative Hotline as well as importantfederation information by e-mail, please ensure thatyour e-mail address is accurate on your NARFE mem-bership record. To add, change or remove your e-mailaddress use the Update link on the NARFE Web site, orcall or e-mail Member Records.

HowToContactUs

A century ago in 1906, San Franciscowas devastated by a massive earthquake.On that date the mint ceased foreverproduction the historic Lady Liberty $5 “Half Eagle” gold piece. It was theend of an era for the coin that had beenmade of 90% pure gold with the famous“S” mintmark since the California GoldRush. Yet for even those coins that survived the calamity of the terrible1906 earthquake, an even worse fate lay ahead...

Reserved from Massive Meltdown in 1934In 1934, U.S. gold coins were officiallyrecalled by the Federal Governmentand melted down into 100-ounce and400-ounce gold ingots. An estimated95% of all the San Francisco Liberty$5 gold coins were lost for forever.

Surviving “S” Mint Liberty gold coins,few and far between, are increasingly valued by today’s collectors. Now, the FFC has authorized the limited releaseof 100-year-old, “S” Mint $5 gold“Half Eagles” saved from the SanFrancisco earthquake and subsequentofficial U.S. Treasury meltdown. These coins are dated 1866 to 1906and struck in .900 fine (90% pure)gold. They are collector quality, with a numismatic grade of Extremely Fine.During this limited release, theseauthentic 100 year old gold coins maybe acquired for as little as $299 each(compare with current advertisementsfrom retail coin dealers of up to $345 each).

The History of The West In Your HandsThe history of the American West liveson in these glittering gold coins. TheSan Francisco Mint was built from the California Gold Rush and mintedgold delivered from the miners. SanFrancisco and the western states grewout of the gold and silver strikes andthe immigrants who came from allacross the land to build a new future.The images of Miss Liberty and theAmerican Eagle on each U.S. $5 goldcoin symbolize our nation’s freedom,strength and faith. These precious andenduring coins are becoming more precious and sought-after with each generation and will become a valuablelegacy for you and your loved ones.

Order Before They Are GoneThe supply of 100-year old SanFrancisco “S” Mint $5 Half-Eagle XF gold coins is limited. Due to hugechanges in the value of gold (a 60%increase in the last two years alone) noone can predict the future value of thiscoin. Therefore, listed prices cannot beguaranteed and and subject to changewithout notice. Your immediate actionis requested—Call the toll-free number24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Now and then, a member asks whyNARFE doesn’t join forces with othergroups with similar goals and objec-tives. My response to that question isalways the same—we do and have for

some time.Our professional legislative staff members are regular

conveners or participants in a series of coali-tions. NARFE was the founding organization oftwo of our major coalitions. The first is the Fundto Assure an Independent Retirement (FAIR),which we first organized more than 25 yearsago. Today, FAIR is made up of more than 30national federal and postal organizations unitedto protect against any congressional attacks onfederal retirement and health benefits, and tostrengthen the benefits we enjoy today.

In 1991, NARFE called together groupsknown to have members affected by the Gov-ernment Pension Offset (GPO) and the WindfallElimination Provision (WEP)—two offsets thatdelete or diminish the Social Security benefits ofso many federal, state and local government re-tirees. That initial group grew into the Coalitionto Assure Retirement Equity (CARE), whichtoday is comprised of some 50 national, stateand local organizations solely for the purpose ofaddressing the Social Security offsets.

NARFE staffers also play major roles onmany committees of the Leadership Council ofAging Organizations (LCAO), and we have a long-standinginformal alliance with the 35 members of The MilitaryCoalition on emerging issues of interest to both the civilianand military communities. Another smaller partnership isthe Coalition for Effective Change (CEC), an alliance of fed-eral managers, executives and professionals. In each andall of these coalition efforts, NARFE is a major force inuniting others and offering our cooperation in working forthe common good. (A list of NARFE coalition partners canbe found on the legislative page of our Web site,www.narfe.org.)

All of your national officers and many of our senior staffalso are involved with various agencies and groups thatserve active and retired federal employees. National Treas-urer Dick Ostergren is NARFE’s representative on the advi-

sory board of the Thrift Savings Plan. National Treasurer Os-tergren, National Secretary Nat Brown and I serve on theboard of the NARFE Premier Federal Credit Union. I also amon the board of the Federal Employee Education & Assis-tance Fund (FEEA), and I am a member of the Presidents’Council at The Council for Excellence in Government.

FEEA administers our Scholarship Program and our Dis-aster Fund, which recently helped NARFEmembers cope with losses stemming from wild-fires in California when an area of that state wasdeclared a national disaster area. TheNARFE/FEEA Disaster Fund also provided con-siderable assistance to people who suffered dev-astating losses in the aftermath of Hurricane Ka-trina. We recently received a letter from amember who had to relocate to Texas after Hur-ricane Katrina destroyed his home in Missis-sippi. He enclosed a check with his letter as adonation to help others.

If you have a child or grandchild who will begoing to college in September 2008, the appli-cation for this year’s NARFE/FEEA ScholarshipProgram will be found on page 57. Encouragethem to look at this application and see what isneeded to apply, and talk to them about thesubject of this year’s essay. While a $1,000 schol-arship may not seem like a great deal inmeeting today’s high cost of education, weknow that every little bit helps.

Many of you will remember the Public Em-ployees Roundtable, which sponsored Public Service Recog-nition Week. This has been amalgamated into The Councilfor Excellence in Government. On May 5-11, exhibits cele-brating Public Service Recognition Week will be displayedon the National Mall in Washington, DC, as well as in com-munities across the nation. We are proud of the work activefederal employees do today for our nation. And we also areproud of the work we or our loved ones did as federal em-ployees. At NARFE, we celebrate it every day.

NARFE’s Partners

AMessage From theNational President

NARFEwasthe foundingorganizationof two ofour majorcoalitions.

Margaret L. [email protected]

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President Bush is scheduled to submit his final fiscal

year (FY) 2009 budget to Congress February 4. Its fu-

ture remains uncertain. What is certain is a political

year ahead—an election year that will determine a new

president and control of the 111th Congress (2009-2010). Will it be a

year for compromise or a year for posturing?

� In 2008,approximately 1.6million Medicare enrollees areexpected to be hit with higherPart B premiums than theirpeers during the first year ofmeans-tested premiums inthe nation’s health plan forolder and disabledAmericans.This represents about 3.7percent of the more than 44million Medicare enrollees.

� Nice work if you can get it!TheHouse of Representatives isscheduled to be in session atotal of 28 days during the firstquarter of this election year.Federal holidays,politicalparty retreats and DistrictWork Periods fill the rest ofthe calendar during the firstthree months of the year.It’s agood bet that most membersof Congress will spend mostof that time on the campaigntrails leading to November.

LEGISLATIVE HOTLINEToll-free! (24 Hours):1-877-217-8234Legislative Action Center:www.narfe.org

With both a Democratic-controlledCongress and Republican-controlledWhite House trolling for votes, chancesare slim for broad new policy or drasticbudget changes affecting large andvocal constituencies, like older Ameri-cans in general and federal civilian andmilitary retirees in particular.

However, it is hardly a time to beasleep at the switch. A $9 trillion na-tional debt, growing entitlement costs,the $157 billion annual federal deficitand a bidding war over fiscal conser-vatism by both parties hold genuinerisk. Civil service retirees and activeemployees have learned the lesson thehard way. NARFE will keep a watchfuleye on this process, starting in Feb-ruary when the president’s budget isreleased.

RECYCLING FY 08 BUDGETIn the budget he submitted last

year, President Bush proposed to mod-ernize the federal retirement claimsprocess system—an initiative NARFEsupported—but his plan also would

have expanded Health Savings Ac-counts (HSAs) in the Federal Em-ployees Health Benefits Program(FEHBP) and reduced the share thegovernment pays toward the FEHBPpremiums of certain future federal re-tirees—a proposal NARFE opposed.

The administration did not suggestany changes or reductions in federalannuity cost-of-living adjustments inlast year’s budget.

NARFE has called on appropriatorsto fund the retirement claims modern-ization program since 2005 when theOffice of Personnel Management(OPM) first proposed the initiative. ForFY 2007, Congress appropriated $13million for the project. While the ap-propriations bill that funds OPM for FY2008 (Financial Services and GeneralGovernment Appropriations) had notbecome law at press time, the Senateand House versions of the bill pro-posed between $26 and $27 million forretirement modernization. Based oncomplaints from its members, NARFEurged OPM in 2005 to shorten the av-

LEGISLATIVE REPORT

HowWill Feds/Retirees FareIn FY 09 Budget? NARFE Will

KeepWatchfulEyeonProcess

Legislative Report


erage time taken to authorize annuity payments. OPM Di-rector Linda M. Springer agreed that the antiquated pro-cessing system required a technological overhaul aimed atreducing the time to calculate and approve annuityamounts.

In response to NARFE’s opposition, Congress ignored theadministration’s FY 2008 proposal to expand HSAs and theadministration’s plan to reduce the government/employershare of FEHBP premiums for new retirees with less than 10years of federal service.

NARFE opposes HSAs because they could result inhigher premiums for comprehensive plans as relativelyhealthy enrollees with higher incomes could be siphonedoff into HSAs, leaving behind enrollees with lower in-comes and greater medical needs. In addition, NARFE ar-gued that requiring shorter-term workers to pay more fortheir health insurance seems shortsighted, particularly ata time when the government is attempting to recruit thevery mid-career professionals who might be penalized bytheir proposal.

Given the administration’s past practice, last year’s (FY2008) federal civil service proposals are likely to reappear inthe president’s budget this year (FY 2009).

WHAT’S NEXT?Congress may approve, reject or change any parts of the

president’s budget as lawmakers put together a budget forthe fiscal year ahead. The Constitution vests power over thepurse strings with the legislative branch.

During the spring, the congressional budget processtimetable calls on Congress to respond to the president’sbudget with its own annual budget resolution. The budgetresolution is the annual “blueprint” that Congress uses todirect its decisions about spending and taxes. It sets limitsor caps on the amount that can be spent on the day-to-day

operation of government, called “discretionary spending”and handled by the House and Senate Appropriations Com-mittees. In addition, the budget resolution can instruct au-thorizing committees to cut spending in entitlement pro-grams, like federal retirement, and may even suggest spe-cific policies to achieve such reductions. While budgetresolutions do not have the force of law and the presidentdoes not sign them, congressional action is influenced, if notbound, by the resolution. The federal budget is enactedthrough the approval of appropriations and budget recon-ciliation legislation that will be considered this spring,summer and fall.

The budget resolution has not contained any reductionsto federal civil service retirement or health benefits since theHouse Budget Committee proposed that the earned com-pensation be cut by $2.3 billion in FY 2005 and by an un-precedented $38.3 billion in FY 2004. With the assistance of“fed-friendly” lawmakers, particularly Rep. Tom Davis, R-VA,NARFE was able to block those reductions.

A BRIEF RESPITEEven if election-year political pressure protects federal re-

tirement benefits this year, the situation could be entirelydifferent in 2009 after a new president and Congress areelected. With talk among usually responsible lawmakers ofthe need for “entitlement reform,” NARFE fears the threat toour financial health will only grow.

The potential for cuts is all too real, particularly as Wash-ington responds to the tremendous pressure that 77 millionretiring baby boomers will place on the budget. NARFEmust be prepared–with an organized grass-roots networkand a robust membership—to fight the inevitable budgetbattles when they occur.

By DanAdcock,Assistant Legislative Director,andAlan Lopatin,Legislative Counsel

Congressional Recess Schedule for 2008

NARFE members are encouraged to schedule personal meetings with their members of Congress during scheduled“recesses.” During recesses,or DistrictWork Periods,most representatives and senators seeking re-election con-

duct public meetings,hold meet-and-greet sessions and open their district and state offices in order to meet constituents.HouseandSenateWorkPeriods for2008are listedbelowtoassist federationandchapter legislative leaders inplanningvisitsto representatives’ and senators’ offices in this election year.Feb.16-24 Presidents DayWork Period (both

House and Senate)March 15-30 St.Patrick/EasterWork Period (both)May 24-June 1 Memorial DayWork Period (both)

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The curtain closed on the months-long budgetbattle between the White House and Congresswhen the House passed the fiscal year (FY)2008 omnibus spending bill on December 19,

2007. President Bush was expected to sign the measure intolaw. An anticipated government shutdown was averted as aresult of the compromise.

All 12appropriationsbills—which fund theday-to-dayop-erations of government—are supposed to be approved byCongressandsigned into lawby thepresidentbefore the startof each new fiscal year on October 1. When the deadline wasmissed last year, Congress was forced to pass a series of tem-porary spendingbills, knownas “ContinuingResolutions,” tokeep the government running until a compromise could bereached. Of the 12 appropriations bills, only the FY 2008 De-fense spending legislation (H.R. 3222) had been approved byCongress and signed into law by the president in November.H.R. 2764, the massive spending bill approved in December,included the remaining 11 appropriations bills.

At the core of the disagreement was President Bush’s op-position tocongressionalplans to spend$23billionmore thanthe $933 billion he requested in his FY 2008 budget. In No-vember, Congressional Democrats offered to split the differ-encebetween fundingamounts soughtby thepresident andCongress. But the president said the proposed reductionswere insufficient and that he would veto the bill. WithoutenoughRepublicans to support anoverrideof the threatenedveto, Democratic leaders decided to move an omnibus ap-propriations bill closer to the president’s spending targets.

Federal civil service retirement and health benefits arenot subject to the appropriations process. However, laws au-thorizing such earned compensation, or other mandatoryprograms, can be changed by budget reconciliation legis-lation. In 2007, the federal student loan program was theonly mandatory program altered by such legislation.

FEDERAL EMPLOYEE PROVISIONSThe omnibus spending bill (H.R. 2764) would raise fed-

eral civilian general schedule pay by an average of 3.5 per-cent for 2008. The increase is 0.5 percent more than Presi-dent Bush authorized on November 28, 2007.

Unlike federal retirement annuity cost-of-living adjust-

ments,whichareautomaticallydeterminedby theConsumerPrice Index, the amount of federal salary hikes is fought outeach year as part of the appropriations process. While thepresident authorized a 3 percent salary increase for federalcivilianworkers, his FY2008budget recommendeda3.5per-cent boost for the uniformed services. NARFE and other fed-eral organizations, as well as military associations and keylawmakers, like House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-MD,and Senate Appropriations Committee Ranking MemberThad Cochran, R-MS, urged continued “pay parity” betweenmilitary personnel and federal civilian employees.

Civilian Department of Defense (DOD) workers who be-long to a labor union will also receive an average 3.5 percentwage hike, but the annual raise paid to their non-union col-leagues will be subject to the National Security PersonnelSystem’s (NSPS) performance based-pay scheme (known as“pay-for-performance”).

The Pentagon told its non-union workers in Septemberthat they would receive half of the salary increase providedto other federal employees and that the remaining halfwould be transferred to “pay pools” and be distributed asraises and bonuses to workers with superior job evaluations.The Defense Authorization bill (H.R. 1585) approved by theCongress in December guarantees that non-union DODemployees would receive 60 percent of the generalschedule raise and 40 percent would go to the pay pool.

Inaddition,H.R. 1585would repealDOD’s authority to setup the labor relations portions of its NSPS and eliminateworker collective bargaining and appeal process rights.

In a related move, the omnibus appropriations bill did notprovide any new funding for the Department of HomelandSecurity’s “MaxHR”—a personnel system similar to the NSPS.

Beyond personnel reforms, H.R. 2764 mandated fairercompetitions when the federal government considerswhether to “contract-out” or “outsource” agovernment func-tion toaprivate contractor. For instance, the legislationwouldgive federalworkers the samerights toappeal contractingde-cisions that government contractors have used. The legisla-tionwouldalso require that thecalculationused todeterminethe retirement annuities of federal law enforcement officersbe extended to Customs and Border Protection officers.

By DanAdcock,Assistant Legislative Director

Legislative Report


White House Spending ShowdownWith Congress Resolved

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Legislative Report


Congress Delays ScheduledMedicare Physician Fee Cut

Please send check, money order or creditcard information to:

Attn: Budget & FinanceNARFE

606 N. Washington St.Alexandria, VA 22314-1914

Card Type: � Mastercard � VISA� Discover � AMEX

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Expiration Date

Name on Card (Print)

Signature Date

I support NARFE•PAC, the Retiree’s Fund for the FutureI support NARFE•PAC, the Retiree’s Fund for the Future

Enclosed is my NARFE-PAC contribution: $Enclosed is my NARFE-PAC contribution: $

Federal law requires political committees to report the name, mail-ing address, occupation and name of employer for each individualwhose contributions aggregate in excess of $200 in a calendar year.

Please circle: Mr. Mrs. Miss Ms.

Name

Address

City, State, ZIP

NARFE Membership #

� For my contribution of $20 or more, please send a NARFE-PAC pin.

Only members of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association may contribute to NARFE-PAC. NARFE will neitherfavor nor disadvantage anyone based on the amount of a contribution, or the failure to make a voluntary contribution to this non-parti-san political action fund. NARFE-PAC contributions are not deductible for federal income tax purposes.

In the final hours of the first session of the 110th Con-gress (2007-2008), legislators battled over principlesand funding for Medicare, the nation’s health care in-surance program for individuals over 65 and the dis-

abled. Ultimately, they passed a bill that would delay for sixmonths a scheduled 10 percent reduction in payment fordoctors who treat Medicare patients. The president was ex-pected to sign the measure into law.

By law, doctors who treat Medicare patients were to ab-sorb the payment reduction for their services effective Jan-uary 1, 2008. However, the measure passed by Congress,S. 2499, increases Medicare physician fees by 0.5 percentthrough June 30, 2008. The temporary six-month delay willrequire lawmakers to tackle this issue almost immediatelyin the second session.

The issue facing Congress has not been finding agree-ment to halt the planned physician cut but rather deter-mining what the exact reimbursement amount should befor doctors in 2008 and where the money should comefrom. The House Democratic leadership’s plans to fundhealth care priorities by raising tobacco taxes and cuttingreimbursement rates to private Medicare plans met withstiff opposition from the White House and much resistancein the Senate.

NARFE’s Legislative Program for the 110th Congress out-

lines the Association’s Medicare positions under a section ti-tled “Guaranteeing Medicare for Current and Future Gen-erations.” It states: “NARFE supports protecting Medicare’sguarantee of basic health security for older Americans at af-fordable and predictable prices; and preserving the currentMedicare fee-for-service program, including the ability toselect the physician of your choice.” NARFE supports con-gressional action to keep doctors in the program, and receiptof adequate reimbursement is the key ingredient to en-suring physician participation in the Medicare program.

NARFE opposes the current Medicare reimbursementsystem, which awards higher reimbursement rates to pri-vate Medicare plans than to fee-for-service plans. NARFEviews this as a threat to the traditional Medicare program,and it is one of the reasons NARFE withheld its supportfrom the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) of 2003. TheOctober 2007 issue of NARFE magazine (p. 16) included anarticle on the private Medicare reimbursement issue.

Physicians are one of the most well-funded lobbyinggroups in Washington—evidenced by the fact that Congresshas always stopped the planned Medicare physician reim-bursement cut. However, Congress typically addresses thisissue at the very last moment, annually subjecting Medicarebeneficiaries and providers to a fraught-filled process.

By Jill Crissman,Legislative Representative


Legislative Report

A Guide to NARFE’s

HOW DO I FIND THE LEGISLATIVE ACTIONCENTER?

First,go toNARFE’sWeb site atwww.narfe.org.Click on the“LegislativeAction Center” link under the“Legislative News” box (scroll down thehome page).Once linked to the LegislativeAction Center page, the fourmain sections (Elected Officials, Issues & Legislation,Elections & Candi-dates, and Media Guide) will appear. A box to input your ZIP code is pro-vided as a shortcut to accessing your legislators.

Suggestion:Save the LegislativeAction Center’sWeb address in yourcomputer’s browser for quick access for future research.The direct link is:http://capwiz.com/narfe/home.

The Legislative Action Center also is available under the “Legislation” section of NARFE’s Web site.Once at www.narfe.org, click on“Departments” at the top left, then click on“Legislation” and sign in as amember.

The Legislative Action Center on NARFE’s Web site (www.narfe.org) is an online resource designed to help mem-bers in their advocacyefforts. The “Elected Officials” portionprovides informationon thenation’s electedofficialsandacts as a congressionaldirectory.Access this informationby searchingbyZIPcodeorbyclickingonyour stateon the U.S. map provided. Contact information is provided for both the Washington, DC, office and for multiple

district offices. In addition, suggestede-mailmessages areprovidedonNARFE-priority legislation--currently for “premiumcon-version” and the Social Security offsets. Under the “Issues & Legislation” section, NARFE members can research NARFE-sup-

HOW DO I FIND MY LEGISLATORS?ARE THEY COSPONSORING NARFE-SUPPORTED LEGISLATION?WHERE ARE THEIR OFFICES LOCATED?

Once at the LegislativeAction Center site,click on“Elected Officials.”Type in your ZIP code,then click on the“Go” button (or use the map pro-vided and click on your state).Then scroll down to see thephotos of thepres-ident, your two senators and your representative. As an example,to look atyour representative’s record,click on his or her individual photo.Full contactinformation is provided.

Legislative officers take note:Office contact information is provided forscheduling district office visits (click on the words“More District Offices”to see a listing of all offices). In addition,be sure to click on the“Staff Mem-bers” button (under the photo) for a listing of key office staff members byname.This includes staff members,by name,who handle government affairsand Social Security issues.

Click on“Click here” under“Cosponsorship Status” to find out whichNARFE-supported bills your legislator is cosponsoring.The bills are listed ina chart,with bill numbers and names provided,and whether or not the sen-ator or representative is cosponsoring the bill.

NARFE | FEBRUARY 2008 19

Legislative Action Center

HOW DO I FIND OUT WHAT H.R. 1110 IS?HOW CAN I GET A COSPONSOR TOTAL FORTHIS BILL TO PRESENT AT A CHAPTERMEETING?

Select the“Issues & Legislation” option.Then click on“Current Legisla-tion.” NARFE-supported bills for the 110th Congress are listed here.Simplyclick on the bill number you are interested in–in this case,H.R.1110.You willsee the bill’s sponsor,total number of cosponsors and a summary of the bill’sprovisions.If youwantmore information,clickon“Detailed,” then scroll downto“Sponsor/Cosponsor(s).” Or if you don’t click on“Detailed,” you can scrolldown further to find “Cosponsorship Search,” and you will see “ShowCosponsor Info.” Simply click on this button for the entire breakdown.Theinformation can be provided by national party or by cosponsor/non-cosponsor/both.To check your state delegation record,use the box providedto find your state and then click on“Show Cosponsor Info.”This is especiallyuseful for legislative officers interested in reporting the status of their statedelegation.

HOW DO I SEND MY REPRESENTATIVE AMESSAGE?

There are several ways.One is from a legislator’s individual record.Simplyclick on“Send Message” on the right side of the Cosponsor Chart,which willlink you to a prewritten,targeted message that can be edited.You must fill inthe boxes provided for delivery purposes (full name,e-mail and full address).Members of Congress require that you be a constituent to send them a mes-sage.

As previously described,you can also send a message from the main Leg-islativeAction Center site’s home page by entering your ZIP code in the boxprovided,and then clicking on“Go.” You will see all available NARFE-sug-gested messages under“WriteYour Elected Officials.” Simply click the oneyouwant to send,such as“Address theGPOandWEP:SupportH.R.82.”The

prewritten text (editable) will then appear for your legislator.Note that if your legislator is already cosponsoringthe bill,he or she will receive a“thank you” note as a message.

ported bills and check to see who is--and who is not--cosponsoring them. Federation and chapter legislative officers shouldcheck this site prior to NARFE meetings to keep their legislative information current. This site also contains an “Elections &Candidates” section,which includesa listingof congressional andstate races, aswell asvoter registration, pollingandabsentee-ballot information. The “Media Guide” section allows you to search national and state databases of print and online publica-tions, as well as TV markets. Please contact the Legislative Department for help in using the Legislative Action Center.

By Jill Crissman,Legislative Representative

Legislative Report


Each year, NARFE magazine devotes considerablespace to listings of current and lapsed cosponsorsfor NARFE priority legislation. It also uses spaceto report cosponsors of legislation NARFE op-

poses. This is well and good. One of the most effective waysfor individual NARFE members to defend their earned ben-efits is to help persuade members of Congress to cosponsorand work for enactment of NARFE legislative priorities.NARFE legislative priorities are the reform or repeal of boththe onerous Social Security Government Pension Offset(GPO) and the so-called Windfall Elimination Provision(WEP), as well as “premium conversion”—paying health carepremiums on a pretax basis. Companion bills on these pri-orities have a growing cast of bipartisan cosponsors. H.R. 82and S. 206, bills to repeal the GPO and WEP, have 336 and34, respectively. H.R. 1110 and S. 773, to provide premiumconversion, have 298 and 57, respectively. (See more de-tailed information at www.capwiz.com/narfe/issues/bills.)

FLOOR VOTES TRUMP COSPONSORSHIPThough NARFE has not allotted nearly as much space to

House and Senate floor votes, votes cast on the House andSenate floor tell us much more about legislators than merecosponsorship. Cosponsorship is reversible–a cosponsor canask tobe removed fromthecosponsorsof abill. In sharpcon-trast, floor votes are final. In fact, cosponsorship can be quitedisingenuous. Members can and do vote against passage ofbills they have cosponsored. Another fact worth repeating isthat a growing number of members in both chambers haveexcellent records as cosponsorsbut lackluster voting records.This disconnect becomes most apparent when comparing alegislator’s recent cosponsorship and lifetime voting record.Cosponsorship tells us mostly about how engaged NARFEmembers are incommunicatingwith their congressionaldel-egation. Floor voting reveals a legislator’s true priorities.Forced tochoose justoneyardstick tomeasureyourowndel-egation (one representativeand twosenators), use floorvotes.

VOTES, FRONT AND CENTERBecause votes are so important, the vote analysis was

placed in the center of the October 2006 NARFE magazineand listed not only votes cast in 2005-2006 but also laid outfor easy review two key House votes (on Health Savings Ac-

counts), which were cast too late for the October 2004 votearticle. Since its inception in the 97th Congress (1981-1982),NARFE’s election-year voting analysis has included a cumu-lativepercentage ratingoneachcurrentmemberofCongress.

VOTE ANALYSIS AVAILABLE ON WEBNARFE’s Web site provides a portable document format

(PDF) file of the 2006 “How They Voted.” Go to Legislationunder Departments on the home page, sign in and then goto Vote Analysis 2006 under “Legislative Publications” (leftside of page). In the coming months, NARFE magazine plansto devote more space to floor votes.

VOTES TRUMP NARFE-PAC DOLLARSThe principal election force NARFE has is voting

strength. NARFE members, and the many-times-largergroup we speak for, are a powerful political force. NARFE’schapter and federation structures amplify our individualvoices. Chapter meetings or special multichapter candidateforums can provide a perfect audience for congressionalcandidates, especially candidates challenging incumbentsor running in open seats. Even more important, federationsare urged to invite statewide candidates (for senate and gov-ernor) to their conventions to address NARFE federal andstate issues. NARFE-PAC, a very valuable tool, is a distantsecond to our power as voters. NARFE-PAC complementsNARFE vote power; it does not substitute for it.

EYES ON THE PRIZEJust as floor voting trumps cosponsorship, NARFE—in-

deed, federal retiree—political power derives from our votingstrength, augmented by NARFE-PAC. To be the most potentforce possible, we must keep our eyes on the prize.

By Christopher Farrell,Legislative Representative

Eyes on the PrizeT H E I N F O R M E D C I T I Z E NC I V I C S 1 0 1 :

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Despite the rising euro, Europe is the “it” spot for American travelers these days. Cruising is especiallyhot. In fact, there aremore cruise ships deployed in Europe in 2008 than ever before. But while themass-market lines will disgorge thousands of passengers each day into busy ports in the Mediterranean andBaltics, travelers choosing amore pastoral vacation can find it on the rivers and canals that wend throughgorgeous countryside, town to town, country to country. New routes, new boats and theme voyages have

ulips in Amsterdam. Castles in Germany. The spires of Prague and Budapest, opera

in Vienna, the chateaux and vineyards of France. For centuries, Europeanwaterways have

served as transportation and cargo routes. Now, with the burgeoning popularity of river

cruising, these same rivers and canals have become destinations in their own right,

bringing visitors to inland cities and towns that oncewould have required car rentals, trains

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CRUISINGEurope’s Rivers

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Photos: p. 24, Kimberly Aamot, Uniworld; p. 25, from left, Jana Jones, Peter Deilmann Cruises, Jana Jones; p. 26, Peter Deilmann Cruises 25

rejuvenated the companies that offerthese cruises, whether one boards inPassau, Paris or Prague.Just as in ocean cruising, each river

cruise line offers something tomake itdistinct. Some of the boats are likecharming, small inns,with a guest loadof eight. Others offer amenities thatnearly rival their ocean-going counter-parts, with spas, Internet centers andmore than 200 guests. Someoffer con-venient six- or seven-night cruises, andsome offer more extensive 17- to 45-day trips. While most are not suited tofamily travel, some lines have cruiseweeks that are designed for bothadults and children, and some canalbarges can be chartered for familytrips. Many of the lines are marketedsolely to an English-speaking clientele,while some are multinational. Most ofthe U.S.-based companies offer pack-ages that include round-trip air andpre- or post-cruise hotel stays.For the most part, a river cruise is a

quiet journey. The boats (and they arecalled boats, not ships) don’t have all ofthe amenities found on the massiveocean-going ships that constitute aregular cruise. While a few have In-ternet, and some have satellite televi-sion, many have neither. They rarelyhavemore than three decks, includingthe sundeck (that’s because they haveto be able to fit under bridges). Theriver itself and the cities, towns and vil-lages along its route become the des-tination, entertainment and fitnesscenter. Look at it this way: While youmight someday go to Berlin or Prague,would you also visit Wittenberg,Magdeburg, Meissen or Melnick?

Would you be able to see SaxonSwitzerland from the vantage point ofthe Elbe or the Camargue wildlife pre-serve in Provence as you meanderalong the Canal du Rhône à Sète?That’s the joy of a European river

cruise vacation—the ability to visit thelittle inland towns of a region that youmight otherwise never see or experi-ence.While thousandsofoceancruisersare fighting their way through thecrowds of Barcelona or Helsinki, clog-ging the streets of Florence and San-torini, youmight be enjoying a stein oflager ina tiny townalong theRhine, fol-lowing vanGogh’s footsteps in Arles orclimbing the castle steps in Prague.“What impressed us most were the

people wemet,” says NARFE RegionalVice President Russ Boor. He and hiswife, Nadine, sailed fromSt. Petersburgto Moscow last fall on Grand Circle’s216-guest Tikhi Don. “It was a won-derful experience.Wenot only learnedabout thehistory of the region,we alsogot to spend time with locals in smalltowns along the way, and we stoppedfrequently. We felt at home. The tripexceeded our expectations, and wecan’t wait to do another one.”

WHAT TO EXPECTFirst of all, seasickness is not an

issue on a river cruise. The boatsmoveslowly and there is rarely, if ever, anyroll or sway, so no need to fear livingon Dramamine for a week or so.On every line and every boat, you

can expect topnotch service anddining. Allmeals (sometimes up to fiveeachday), snacks, coffee and tea are in-cluded. A few lines, notably Tauck

World Discovery and the newlylaunched Jewel Imperial Blue (set todebut inApril) offer amore deluxe andinclusive package. French CountryWaterways and EuropeanWaterways(Go Barging) canal barges are fully in-clusive,withwine, liquor and shore ac-tivities as part of the fare you’ve paid.Cabins are fairly small, averaging

about 140 square feet, but all includeen-suite bathroomswith shower. Someriverboats have actual balcony cabins,although they are rare. More readilyavailable are the Frenchbalconies—bal-cony doors that open to a railing,giving you a full view and fresh air.All of the river cruise lines andboats

have a strict “no smoking” policy in theinterior of the vessels; smoking is al-lowed on the open decks only.Dress is almost always casual during

the day and “resort casual” for dinner.Shorts are finewhileyou’re lazing in thesunon theupperdeck, and jeanswill doforwandering throughcobblestonevil-lage streets.Anicepantsoutfit or chinoswork well for evening meals. Only ontheCaptain’sGalanight (usually the lastnightof a cruise) is it necessary to reallydressup, and thatdoesn’tmeanbeadedgowns and tuxedos. A cocktail dress orpantsuit for ladies is fine, and a tie andjacket formenwill do quite nicely.Shore excursions are covered in

somepackages (TauckWorldDiscovery,Jewel River Cruises and the canal

Left to right:Passengers on board L’Impressionniste, a“hotel barge” from European Waterways,enjoy the sunset on the Rhone River.The MV Mozart, a Peter Deilmann Cruisesriverboat, docks in Passau, Germany.Prague Castle as seen from across theVlatava River.

The MV Mozartapproaches Budapest,Hungary.

barges); but forthe most part,they are dis-cretionaryandat additionalcost. This

works out well for independent typeswho choose to wander on foot or takelocal transportation. For those timeswhen a shore excursion is desirable, al-most all of them are conducted in Eng-lish.OnPeterDeilmannriverboats, theyare in both English and German, oftenseparated into two different groups.Cruises usually take place between

the end of March and the end of No-vember. Some extend into Decemberto capture the magic of the ChristmasMarkets along the Danube, Rhine and

Mosel rivers. Tulip trips through Hol-land take place in early spring.

HOW TO CHOOSEChoosing the cruise line, the boat

and the itinerary can be daunting.First, figure out which element willdrive your decision:• Are you determined to set sailunder a Paris sunset?

• Have you always wanted to waltzalong the Danube?

• How important is pricing?• Are theremedical considerations?• Is it critical that you have Internetservice?

• Do you prefer a cozy, small groupmeandering through little-knowncanals?

These issues and more come intoplay while planning and organizing ariver cruise, and some lines and boatsare better than others for the choiceyouwill ultimatelymake.When it comes to medical issues,

Peter Deilmann river cruises arestandouts: They include a physicianon every boat. Some boats have ele-vators, but the canal bargeL’Hirondelle in Go Barging’s fleet,which travels through upper Bur-gundy, has been refitted with wheel-chair-friendly accommodation, in-cluding chair lifts, wide doorways andaccessible showers. The van thattakes guests on shore excursions isconfigured for wheelchair use as well.All of the lines will accommodate di-


� AMADEUSWATERWAYS. Amadeuscaters to an Eng-lish-speaking clientele.Its fleet of eight boats includes threenewstate-of-the-art boats inEurope.In-roomamenities in-clude English-language television andmovies, Internet ac-cess and satellite telephones (call home for just one europerminute).Eachof thenewboats also has a fitness centerand sauna.Sample routes include“MagnificentEurope,”16days fromAmsterdam toBudapest;and“TulipTime,” ninedays fromAmsterdamthroughBelgiumandback.800-626-0126 / www.amadeuswaterways.com

� AVALONWATERWAYS (GlobusTravel).Marketed toNorth Americans, Avalon has one of the youngest andsleekest fleets in Europe.Each of their six boats averages158-178passengersandhasamenities foundonmuch largerocean-going ships,including fitness centers and saunas.Spe-cial theme cruises include regionalwines andmusic.877-797-8791 / www.avalonwaterways.com

� EUROPEANWATERWAYS (Go Barging).Based in theUnitedKingdom,this companyoperates a fleet of 17 canalbarges,with routes including theThames,Scotland,RiverShannon in Ireland,France,Germany and Italy.The vesselsconsist of converted cargo barges and custom-designedbarge boats,with a maximum capacity of 13 guests.Thetrips are usually six nights,although longer journeys are on

offer at various times of the year.The barges can be char-tered for groupsor families,and themevoyages canbe cre-ated. Food,wine,liquor and shore excursions are includedin the fare.Several specials during the year are posted onthe companyWeb site.800-394-8630 / www.gobarging.com

� FRENCH COUNTRYWATERWAYS.The five luxurybarges of the Massachusetts-based line sail six-night jour-neys through thepastoral canals ofChampagne,theUpperLoireValley,Burgundy andAlsace-Lorraine,with a max-imum capacity of 18 guests. Accommodations are simplebut elegant,with private baths and fresh flowers.Barge-board amenities include bicycles for guests’ use,regionalwines with dinner and daily excursions.The crew speaksboth English and French.800-222-1236 / www.fcwl.com

�GRANDCIRCLE TRAVEL.This stalwart tour companyowns and operates 14 river boats in Europe,Russia andEgypt. Most of the boats were built between 1999 and2002, and carry an average of 120 guests.Marketed to aU.S.client base, trips can be arranged to include air andhotel. All voyages are escorted,and all announcements areinEnglish.TheWeb site offers specials throughout the year.800-959-0405 / www.gct.com

RiverCruiseCompanies


� PETERDEILMANNCRUISES.This German companyoperates eight riverboats in Europe,catering to amultina-tional guest base. Announcements and shore excursionsare in both German and English. One of the boats,MVMozart,has 98 cabins at 203 square feet and two suites at406 square feet,making them among the largest on therivers.Theother boats have between30 and70 cozy state-rooms. Routes are“fixed” for the season,withmost boatssailing seven-night itineraries (back-to-backs are permis-sible). Deilmann is presentingmusic,garden and wellnesstheme cruises on someof its river sailings during the 2008season,which runs frommid-March tomid-November.800-348-8287 / www.deilmann-cruises.com

� TAUCKWORLD DISCOVERY. Venerable 82-year-oldTauck has a permanent exclusive lease on two riverboats inEurope,therecentlyrenovatedSwissDiamond,thesleekSwissEmerald and Swiss Sapphire,which is brand new for 2008.Of-fering fivepopular itinerarieswith landoptionsateitherend(trips range fromsevento23nights),Tauckmarkets toapri-marily NorthAmerican clientele.The boats are limited to118 guests each.Roomamenities include bathrobes,televi-sion,mini-bar,hairdryer,safeandradio.SwissSapphirealsohasawellnesscenterandtwohottubs.Thetrips includeall shoreexcursions,winewith dinner and some shore-sidemeals.800-788-7885 / www.tauck.com

�UNIWORLDGRANDRIVER CRUISES.Once the pre-ferred choice for the over-50 set,LosAngeles-based Uni-world has embraced the family.With nine boats plying therivers of Europe,routes include Spain,Portugal,Switzer-land and Eastern Europe (along with the more typicalFrance,Holland,Belgium andGermany).Family-orientedjourneys include seven-night“Castles along theRhine”and“Paris andNormandy” cruises,which offer special family-friendly shore excursions.Children fromeight to 18 travelat 50 percent of the normal fare.800-360-9550 / www.uniworld.com

�VIKING RIVER CRUISES.With a European fleet of 10boats,Viking River Cruises is probably the best-known op-erator of river-going vessels.Most of the boats average 150guests in outside cabins (the smallest,Viking Schumann,ac-commodates 124;and the largest,Viking Sun,has space for198).Routes include theElbe;Holland andBelgium;Rhine,Main and Danube;and France,with Paris and Normandy,Burgundy and Provence,and a 14-night Le Havre toAvi-gnon. Staterooms have televisions with English-languageprogramming,windows that open (onmost boats),privatebaths and individual air conditioning. All river cruises in-clude shore excursions,although there are some that areoptional for an additional fee.877-668-4546 / www.vikingrivers.com

etary needs with plenty of advancenotice; none will accommodate aservice animal.Itineraries run the gamut from the

aforementioned tulips in Holland to atrans-Europe cruise to the Black Sea.Most typical itineraries explore France,Germany, Austria and Eastern Europe.Prague and Budapest are two highlyprized destinations. Uniworld andAmadeus Waterways have cruisesalong theDouroRiver in Portugal, withstops in the port wine-producing re-gions. Go Barging’s canal barges, whichaccommodate a maximum of 13 pas-sengers, offer itineraries in Italy(Venetian Lagoon), Scotland, Ireland,England, France,HollandandGermany.As for pricing, a river cruise is an

experiential bargain—but, alas, not a fi-nancial one. They’re expensive; but ifyou look for specials, you can oftenfind them. Cruising at the beginningor end of a season will give you thebest prices. Finding a travel agent whospecializes in these trips is a big ben-efit. You also can sign up for mailingsfrom the lines or visit their Web sites,which is really the best way to get inon a good deal. Expect to pay, on av-erage, between $3,000 and $5,000 perperson for a week’s cruise. Specialsmight include bundling air into thepackage, or air and hotel. Also, withthe euro so high, you can look at yourtrip as a bargain since it includesmeals and transportation, all prepaidin U.S. dollars. If you don’t go crazy

with shopping, you can have a rea-sonably priced (relatively speaking)European vacation.Finally, almost all of the lines offer

theme cruises. If you’re passionateabout golf, food and wine, gardens,opera, chambermusic orwellness, youcan find a river voyage that turns thatpassion into an integral part of thecruise.One thing is almost a given: After

you’ve done it once, you’ll want to do itagain.

Jana Jones is a travel writer special-izing in cruises and accommodation.She is a frequent contributor toCruiseCritic.com and is the editor ofthe lodging Web site Sleeping-

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n orientation is planned for delegates attending theNARFENational Convention Sept. 7-12 in Louisville, KY. It is notjust for those attending a National Convention for the firsttime. It is also for all delegates who are interested in ob-taining information about the Louisville Convention.Orien-tation is scheduled for opening day,Sunday,September 7,

at 2 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Galt House Hotel & Suites, theconvention hotel. It may be helpful to write down any questions youhave prior to attending the orientation session.

When you register for the convention,youwill receive a conventionbag that includes a badge and schedule of events, plus some litera-ture about local activities. All voting members will need a photo ID.They will be informed of howmany votes they are authorized to castand the balloting location.Bring your convention bag and Bylaws andGeneral Resolutions book (which youwill receive prior to the conven-tion) to the orientation session, since the latter contains much aboutLouisville. Let’s focus on three items:

1.Badge.Wear your badge at all times.The sergeants-at-armswillcheck for badges at the business sessions to ensure that only author-ized delegates participate in convention meetings.

2. Schedule of Events.The schedule of events shows time, sub-ject and location,and these eventswill start on time.The opening cer-emonies will be held in the Grand Ballroom on Sunday at 5 p.m., andsubsequent business sessions will occur there fromMonday throughThursday. Look for where your region is assigned, and be in your seatat least five minutes before the starting time shown.Alternate dele-

gates and guests will be seated in a different section.3.Bylaws and General Resolutions Book. The book,mailed to

your home prior to the convention, includes resolutions forwarded byfederations and chapters for action. These resolutions will be actedupon at the convention, first by specific committees and then by voteof the delegates—including you. Bring this book with you to the con-vention. You may agree or disagree with these resolutions or the ar-guments set forth, but become informed through discussion at yourchapter meetings. If you do not understand an issue, then seek an-swers first fromyour chapter, then from the federation or your regionalvice president. These resolutions will be examined by committeeswhose reports likelywill generate debate.TheNARFE parliamentarianwill explain howdiscussion is administered that ensures allmemberscan introduce and speak on pertinent subjects.

On Monday, the touch-screen voting equipment is available forpractice. Then, on Tuesday afternoon, you will meet with regionalmembers in your caucus. Candidates for national office will be al-lowed several minutes to describe their qualifications for the officethey seek. Caucuses also will elect their regional vice presidents.

Explore the exhibition area to gain the full flavor of the Louisvilleconvention.You’ll find localmerchandise,plus information about can-didates for office, future convention cities,andNARFE affinity partners.As the convention ends,please complete the evaluation formprovidedand tell us how the sessions met your expectations and needs as adelegate.Whatever your experience, participate fully at Louisville forwe are “Going the Distance for Your Future.”

CCOONNVVEENNTTIIOONN OORRIIEENNTTAATTIIOONN

CONVENTIONNEWS

By Nathaniel L Brown, National SecretaryA

Photo

s courtes

y of

the

Louis

ville

Conventio

n &

Visito

rs Bu

reau

Pays you up to $5,000.00 in cash benefits

ANNOUNCING YOUR SPECIAL NARFE MEMBER BENEFIT

I

NARFENARFE

guaranteed-issue

This plan pays you cash benefits if you’readmitted to the hospital for as little as one day.

Up to $4,000.00 a year in cash

Up to an additional $1,000.00 in cash

you can use the money however you want

Affordable ratesNARFE

Protection that can’t be cancelled because of your health,

Guaranteed acceptance for you and your spouse,

ADVISORY: NARFE

GUARANTEED ACCEPTANCE.

FOR FASTER SERVICE, CALL TOLL-FREE

1-800-233-5764Request Number 32713-1-1-1

ATTENTION: NARFE Members Age 65+


AIRPORT SHUTTLE: Transportation to the convention hotel from LouisvilleInternational Airport:

• Sandollar ShuttleCost: $15 one way502-366-2628

• Louisville Yellow Cab Co.Cost: $20 one way502-637-6511

Galt House Hotel & Suites140 N. Fourth St.

Louisville, KY 40202

Hotel rate: $75 single/double + $10.50 tax

Reservation number: 1-800-843-4258

Parking rate: $12 per day, in and out; valet $18

Cut-off date for reservations: August 3, 2008

Check-in: 3 p.m.

Check-out: 12 noon

HOTEL RESERVATIONSHotel reservations must be made directly with the convention hotelby calling the telephone number below. Please be mindful of thereservation cut-off date.

NARFE 2008 NATIONAL CONVENTION

2008 National Convention

Program Book Advertising Contacts• Lela Williams 270-351-6637

[email protected]

• Betty Hundley270-765-7107

[email protected]

AD DEADLINE: MAY 17

Chapters & Federations:

STOP!BEFORE MAKING YOUR

HOTEL RESERVATIONS, PLEASE BEAWARE OF THESE

CONVENTION DATES!

The Convention Banquet, the final event of the National Convention, will takeplace on the evening of Thursday, September 11. Therefore, convention-goerswho plan on attending the banquet must make hotel reservations for the nightof September 11. In the past, many convention-goers have made reservationsonly through Thursday and realized at the last minute that they must remain inthe hotel Thursday night in order to attend the banquet.

NARFE considers this such a problem that it has changed the official dates ofthe 2008 National Convention from September 7-11 to September 7-12 toalert delegates that they must plan accordingly. There will not be any officialconvention activities on September 12.


September 7–12, 2008

September 7–12, 2008

NARFE ID #:

Name:

Address:

Name for badge:

Chapter #:

Location:

Notify in case of emergency:

Name:

Phone Number:

PLEASE CHECK:�� (Guest) Member �� Delegate*�� (Guest) Non-member �� Delegate-at-Large*

�� Alternate**Must be confirmed by chapter on form C/08-2

Mail Pre-Registration Form to:NARFE, Treasurer’s Office606 N. Washington St.

Alexandria, VA 22314-1914

� A nonrefundable fee of $50 (payable to NARFE) must accom-pany this form.

� On-site registration fee will be $60 in Louisville.� Each attendee must complete a separate registration form.� Form must be postmarked by August 15, 2008.

�� Charge to my credit card

Card type: �� MasterCard �� Visa �� Discover �� AMEX

Card#

Expiration Date_______ / _______(mm) / (yy)

Name on card (Print)

Signature Date

� Tables will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.Tables seat 10 people.

� RESERVATIONS LIMITED TO 2,000 PEOPLE.� Groups wishing to sit together should submit only one requestspecifying number of seats desired. Please attach name list.

� A receipt will be mailed to you by August 15 acknowledgingpayment and showing your table assignment.

� All banquet tickets will be held for your pickup at the conven-tion registration area, Galt House Hotel & Suites.

� REFUNDS AVAILABLE ONLY IF RESERVATIONS ARE CAN-CELLED 72 HOURS PRIOR TO THE BANQUET.

Form C/08-4

NARFE 2008 NATIONAL CONVENTION30TH NATIONAL CONVENTIONPRE-REGISTRATION FORM

30TH NATIONAL CONVENTIONBANQUET RESERVATION FORM

Form C/08-16

NARFE ID #:

Name:

Address:

Chapter #:

Non-Member Guest:

Please reserve _____ tickets at $50 each, total $_____.

Make check payable to NARFE and send to:NARFE, Treasurer’s Office606 N. Washington St.

Alexandria, VA 22314-1914

�� Charge to my credit card

Card type: �� MasterCard �� Visa �� Discover �� AMEX

Card#

Expiration Date_______ / _______(mm) / (yy)

Name on card (Print)

Signature Date

September 11, 2008


It’s Never Too Late to Planust seven years ago, an Amer-ican’sgreatest fearwasdying, ac-cording to a recent study byBoston-based research firmCerulli Associates. Today,

an American’s greatest fear isliving too long–in other words,outliving his or her money. In1935, theaverage life expectancywas61.4years; in2025, it ispro-jected to be 78.4. These areonly averages; many peoplewill live much longer. Withthe prices of basic necessi-ties, such as food and en-ergy, on a trajectory likeApollo to the moon, it is nowonder so many worryabout surviving theerosiveeffectsof in-flation over a 30-year retirement.

That said, it would seem reasonableto assume that retirees are taking thenecessary steps when it comes to plan-ning their retirement. Unfortunately,that may not be the case. In the Fi-delity Investments Retirement Transi-tion Study, 1,500 recent retirees andworkers within one year of retirementwere polled to determine their level ofpreparation. The studyuncovered that:

• 68 percent had not done a budgetof anticipated income and expenses inretirement;

• 74 percent had not set an asset-al-location strategy for managing retire-ment income;

• 72 percent had not decided whichassets to tap first for income once theyretire; and

• Only 10 percent claimed to havedone all three.

The good news: It is never too lateto start planning.

YOUR BENCHMARKLast month’s column dealt with ig-

noring the short-term noise andchatter in an attempt to discredit thebelief that we must beat something or

someone. Instead, our personal goalsare the measurements of success.Financial planning will help you

identify realistic and attainable goals.Reaching those goals will require yourinvestments to achieve a minimum re-turn for you. This number becomesyour long-term required rate of re-turn—your personal benchmark thatdrives your investment policy andasset allocation.

First, you need to create a detailedincome and expense statement to de-termine your rate of return. This finan-cial statement will provide you with away to measure your income sourcesagainst your expenses and identify anyshortfall that must be made up with in-vestment income.

Segregate your expenses into one ofthree categories: survival, fun anddreams. Survival expenses are the costsassociated with your life’s necessities,such as heat, electricity, and rent ormortgage. Your daily caramel mac-chiato from Starbucks is a fun expense,as are sports, hobbies, vacations andanything else you spend money on for

entertainment. Dream expenses mightbe a vacation home, paying for yourgrandchildren’s college and leaving alegacy. Categorizing survival expensesis fairly cut and dry, but determiningwhether a certain expense falls underfun or dreams is more subjective andwill vary for everyone.

Next, jot down all of yourincome sources on a monthlybasis.Thesemight include,butare not limited to, your annu-ities and Social Security in-come. These figures will helpto determine how muchmoney you need to pull fromyour investments eachyear, sodon’t include dividend, in-terestor anyother incomeyoumaybe receiving fromyour in-

vestments at this time.To illustrate this exercise, consider

the following example:Monthly Income Goals

Survival income goal $5,000Fun income goal $1,000Total $6,000

Monthly Income SourcesAnnuities $3,000Social Security $1,700Total $4,700Income needed from investments$1,300/month x 12= $15,600/year

INFLATION AND TAXESAssume that excluding $25,000 in

an emergency cash reserves fund and$10,000 in a checking account, theperson in this example has $500,000 ininvestment capital from which he orshe can take income. This means thathe or she must earn 3.1 percent on in-vestments to produce the required in-come. Piece of cake, right? Not exactly.Remember that ugly little word “infla-

By Mark A.Keen,CFP®

ManagingMoney

JWITH THE PRICES of basicnecessities on a trajectorylike Apollo to the moon, it isno wonder many worry aboutthe erosive effects of inflationover a 30-year retirement.

tion”? You not only need to earn whatyou plan on taking out each year, butyou also need to keep up with inflationif you would like to maintain the samepurchasing power. And then there aretaxes, whether current or deferred. As-suming 3-percent inflation and an av-erage tax rate of 25 percent, your re-quired rate of return is 7.1 percent. Atlast, you have come to the only returnthat should matter: your personalbenchmark.

Armed with this information, youcan begin developing your investmentpolicy and deciding whether you arecomfortable with the level of risk youmust take to achieve your personalbenchmark. If the answer is no, youhave some tough decisions to make.Possible options include reducing yourdesired income or working part time tosupplement your income.

For most of us, this is a fixed piewhere we must make trade offs andcompromises to get the most satisfyingpiece. J. Paul Getty summed it up whenhe said, “First decide what you want,and then decide what you’re willing togive up getting it.”

Next month’s column will showhow the required rate of returntranslates into your investmentpolicy and asset allocation. It willalso help you lay out a blueprint formanaging your money to produce alife-long income.

Mark A. Keen, CFP, is managing direc-tor of Bennett Financial Advisors inFairfax,VA, and an investment advisorrepresentative and registered repre-sentative of The Strategic FinancialAlliance, Inc. (SFA). Securities andadvisory services are offered throughSFA. E-mail: [email protected]. Heis a member of the National CapitolArea Chapter of the FinancialPlanning Association.


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36

At some point, just abouteveryone has had atleast one episode ofbackpain that interferes

with daily activities. Back pain maycome from thespine, muscles,nerves or otherstructures in theback, or it may ra-diate from otherareas or organs ofthebody.Backpaincan appear quicklyafter an injury, or itcan develop slowlydue to aging and

lackof exercise.Acutebackpain ismostcommon, comesonquicklyand lastsnolonger than six weeks. Chronic pain isless common, comes on quickly orslowly, and lasts longer than threemonths.

The back consists of bones, musclesandother tissues that formtheposteriorof the body’s trunk and contain thespine. The spine is composed of a stackof bones (vertebrae) that support upperbody weight and surround and protectthe spinal cord with its delicate nervescarrying signals to control body move-mentandsensation. Intervertebraldisksare roundpiecesof cushioning tissue lo-cated between each vertebra.

Back pain is a symptom of anothermedical condition, not a diagnosis it-self. The following medical problemscan cause back pain:

• Mechanical—disk breakdown,muscle tension and spasms, rupturedor herniated disks;

• Injuries—torn ligaments that sup-port the back (sprains) or vertebral

fractures;• Conditions and diseases—scol-

iosis (curvature of the spine), spondy-lolisthesis (vertebra slips out of place),arthritis, spinal stenosis (narrowing ofthe spinal canal through which the

spinal cord runs), fibromyalgia, en-dometriosis, kidney stones and infec-tions; and

• Infections and tumors—infectionsin the vertebrae (osteomyelitis) or disks(discitis), tumors or cancer.

Risk factors for back pain include:• Age over 30;• Low fitness level;• Overweight;• Heredity;• African-American race;• Conditions or diseases that cause

back pain;• Smoking;• Poor posture, heavy lifting,

pushing, pulling; and• Emotional stress or depression.You can take a number of steps to

prevent back pain. These include:• Exercising to strengthen back

muscles and improve balance (yoga,tai chi);

• Maintaining a healthful weightand getting enough calcium and vi-tamin D;

• Practicing good posture andavoiding heavy lifting; and

• Keeping your back straight andbending your knees when lifting.

If there is no loss of bowel orbladder control, weakness, weight loss,fever or other reason to suspect a se-rious cause for back pain, then the fol-lowing self-care tips may provide relief:

• Stop normal physical activity forthe first few days, but note that bedrest is not recommended;

• Apply ice to the painful area forthe first 48-72 hours, then apply heat(avoid sleeping on a heating pad,which could cause burns);

• Take nonprescription pain re-lievers like ibuprofen, ketoprofen,naproxen sodium or acetaminophen;

By Marilyn S.Radke,M.D.

LiveWell

ToLearnMoreFormore information,write to theNational Institute ofArthritis andMusculoskeletal and Skin Diseases(NIAMS),InformationClearinghouse,National Institutes of Health, 1AMSCircle,Bethesda,MD20892-3675;orcall877-226-4267 (TTY 301-565-2966) orvisit the Web site atwww.niams.nih.gov.

Coping With Back Pain

THE SPINE is composedof a stack of bones thatsupport upper body

weight and surround andprotect the spinal cord.

Diagram courtesy of NIAMS


• While sleeping, lie on one sidewith a pillow between the knees or lieon your back with a pillow under theknees.

If you have back pain accompaniedby loss of bowel or bladder control, call911. Otherwise, see your doctor if yourpain has not noticeably improved after72 hours of self-care or if you havenumbness or tingling; pain after a fallor an injury; or pain plus trouble uri-nating, weakness, numbness in thelegs, fever or unintended weight loss.

To diagnose the cause of your backpain, yourdoctor should takeamedicalhistory and conduct a physical exam.Yourdoctoralsomayorder tests suchasX-rays, magnetic resonance imaging(MRI), computed tomography (CT) scanor blood tests to check for infection orinflammation. These tests would in-clude a complete blood count (CBC) orerythrocyte sedimentation rate (sedrate). Your primary care doctor mayrefer you to an orthopedist (bone spe-cialist) or neurologist (nerve specialist).

Although the precise cause of backpain may not be found, it may still betreated successfully. Treatment de-pends on the type of pain you have.Many people benefit from physicaltherapy methods to reduce pain, in-cluding gentle exercises to speed re-covery and prevent pain in the future.A complete exercise program includesaerobic activity (like walking, swim-ming or riding a stationary bicycle),stretching and strength training. Hos-pitalization or surgery may be consid-ered if nerve damage is present.

Most back pain will get betterwithout treatment. But if you suspect aserious cause for back pain, see yourdoctor for evaluation and treatment, ifneeded.

Marilyn S. Radke, M.D., is boardcertified in preventive medicine and

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BASIC PAYQUESTION: I am looking for infor-mationonbasic pay computations forCivil Service Retirement System(CSRS) and Federal Employees Re-tirement System (FERS) annuities. Ihave been told that annuity computa-tions do not include the cost-of-livingallowance (COLA), which is paid toemployees inHawaii.On theOffice ofPersonnel Management (OPM)Website,I found information on“Nonfor-eignAreaCost-of-LivingAllowances”for white-collar civilian federal em-ployees inAlaska,Hawaii andother lo-cations, paid under Section 5941 ofTitle 5,UnitedStatesCode,andExec-utive Order 10000 (as amended),which authorizes payment of COLAsin nonforeign areas. The CSRS and

FERS Handbook for Personnel and Pay-roll Offices,Section 30A1.1-2,definesbasic pay and inclusions and exclu-sions. TheCOLAfornonforeignareasis not listed as an exclusion.Is theCOLApaid to civilian federal

employees in Hawaii included or ex-cluded in an annuity computation forCSRSandFERS? If it is excluded,whatis used as basic pay? Is there a publica-tion addressing this issue on theOPMWeb site or elsewhere?Response: Nonforeign post-differentialpay of GS and GM employees is not in-cluded in basic pay for the computationof federal retirementbenefits. Thediffer-ential an employee receives for federalservice inHawaii isnot included inhisorher basic pay when theemployee’s annuityis computed. TheCSRS and FERSHandbook pro-vides theabove in-formation, as younoted.

TSPANNUITIESQUESTION: I am having adifficult time locating information onthe immediate annuity option of theThrift Savings Plan (TSP) program.Iplan to retire in two years and havestarted toweighmyoptions.Response: The contract for TSP annu-itieswas renegotiated, and the previousprinted tables are no longer accurate.The brochure is still available withoutthe tables. In the future, the annuity in-formation will be included in the gen-eral brochure. However, the computercalculators are accurate. Theway to ob-tain information on annuities is to usethe Web site www.tsp.gov. Click on“Calculators” on the right side of thepage. Click on “Annuity Calculators.”Then click on “TSP Annuities” for gen-eral information. Use the annuity cal-

culator for your projections, since it iscurrently accurate.

SICK LEAVE CREDITQUESTION: I will be retiring earlynext year under the Civil Service Re-tirement System (CSRS).I anticipatehaving 2,639.5 hours of sick leavebanked.I would like to know how thisis converted into years,months anddays.When sick leave days are addedto the number of days for my actualservice time, how many days consti-tute an additionalmonth? I will retirewith 33 years,10months and five daysof actual service time.Mybest guess isan additional one year,threemonthsand twodays of credit,for a total of 35years,onemonth and seven days,andthosesevendaysaredisregarded.Ismycomputation correct?

Response: If you have 2,639hours of unused sick leave,this would convert to oneyear, three months andsix days of retirementcredit. This will beadded to your actualservice time for a

total of 35 years, one month and 11days. Service for retirement would be35 years and one month. The 11 dayswould be dropped.

DISABILITY RETIREMENTQUESTION:Ihaveenoughtimetore-tire optionally under theCivil ServiceRetirement System (CSRS),but I alsohave certificates showing total dis-ability (postal mail handler).Whichtypeof retirement should I take?If I retire on disability,would I have

to pay the total cost of health insur-ance?Response: A retireewould be able to re-tain Federal EmployeesHealth BenefitsProgram (FEHBP) coverage if he or shehad the coverage for five years imme-

NOTE: The following Questions &Answers were compiled by Retire-ment Benefits Service Departmentstaff. These are real questionsreceived by the Department andreal answers, based on themembers’ personal circumstances.The answers are not universal andmay include information that isrelevant to the correspondent’sparticular situation.NARFE does notprovide legal advice or assistance,does not provide financial planningadvice or assistance, and does notprovide tax advice or assistance. Forlegal, financial planning or taxadvice/assistance,NARFE recom-mends members contact anattorney, financial planner or certi-fied public accountant/tax adviser. QA&

Questions &Answers

ACTIVEEMPLOYEES

diately prior to retirement, whether theemployee retired based on an imme-diate voluntary retirement or based ona disability. The government share andcost would be the same.Voluntary retirementsnormally take

less time to process because the retireewould not have to submit informationon the disability to be reviewed by theOffice of Personnel Management andwait for approval. If under age 60, theemployeemay be subject to amedicalevaluation if on disability retirement,and income is limited to 80 percent ofthecurrent equivalentof theamountofpay at retirement.The amount of the annuity would

apparently be the same if the em-ployee is entitled to an immediate vol-untary retirement. Considering theabove, itmay be better to retire volun-

tarily on an immediate annuity ratherthan filing for disability retirement.

WEPREDUCTIONQUESTION:I am drawing Social Se-curity checks due to my age andhaving qualified prior to entering civilservice. I am under the Civil ServiceRetirement System (CSRS) and amstill working at my government job.When I retire,I understandmy SocialSecuritybenefitwill bereducedduetothe Windfall Elimination Provision(WEP).What would happen if I ob-tained another civil service job at alater date?Wouldmy Social Securitychecksgobackupas the situationwasbefore the first retirement?And with the second retirement,

wouldmy Social Security benefits godown again?

Response: Generally, when you retireunderCSRS and are re-employed in thefederal service, yourCSRSbenefits con-tinue. This would mean that you werestill retired, and the reduction for theWEP would remain, even after re-em-ployment.

MILITARY PAYDATEQUESTION:I joined themilitary andwassworn inAugust20,1965.But Iwasdirected to stay at homewithout payuntil October 15, 1965, when I re-ported forduty.WhenIpaid theOfficeof PersonnelManagement (OPM) formymilitary time,theDepartment ofDefense (DOD) used theOctober 15date as the starting date for the pay-back since I had not been paid before


RETIREES


then, even though I asked DOD tostatewhat Iowebackto thedate Iwassworn in—August 20, 1965. My DD-214 says my Pay Entry Base Date(PEBD) is August 20,1965.Throughoutmy civil servicecareer,

I had aPEBDofAugust 20.When I re-tired, OPM told me that, while myPEBD for leave purposes isAugust 20,October 15 ismy base date for retire-ment longevity. I believe thatAugust20 ismy legitimate PEBD for pay andlongevity since I was on active duty(without pay) fromAugust 20 toOc-tober 15.Doyou think I have anybasisto challengeOPM’s determination?Response:Military service for federal re-tirement computation purposes is de-fined as “honorable active service.” Aswe understand the term, active servicegenerallymeans that you are under thefull control of themilitary, are subject tomilitary discipline andhave reported toamilitary installation.It appears that youwouldmeet the

above definition only after October 15,1965,whenyoucameunder full controlof themilitary andwere subject tomili-tary discipline by reporting for duty, notfrom thedate youwere sworn in.

SURVIVOR BENEFITQUESTION:In a past issue ofNARFEmagazine,a response to a question in-dicated that retirement payments aremadeonthefirstofeachmonthforthepreviousmonth and any annuity pay-mentmadeafter thedeathofanannu-itantwouldhavetobereturned.Apro-rated share of that later paymentwouldbeduetotheannuitant’sbenefi-ciary.I contacted theOffice of Personnel

Management (OPM) regarding a pos-sible pro-rated beneficiary paymentfollowing my mother’s death. I ex-plained that she had been receiving aspousal annuity and had died No-

vember 20,2003.She received a ben-efit check November 28, 2003. Thatentirebenefit checkwas subsequentlywithdrawn by the Treasury Depart-ment onDecember 10,2003.I specifi-cally inquired about a benefit relatedto the 20 days in November duringwhich she was alive.OPM’s responsewas,“Survivor benefits terminate thefirst of the month prior to the sur-vivor’s passing.There are no furtherbenefitspayable (Title5,UnitedStatesCode,Section 8341).”Your previous response seems to

be contrary toOPM’s response.Response: Federal survivor benefits aretreated differently under the retirementlaws from federal retirement benefits.Survivor annuity benefits cease on thelast day of themonth before themonthinwhich the survivor’s death occurs. Asa result, part of themonthly payment tothe date of death is not payable in thecaseof thedeathof the survivingwidow.

SPOUSE SS BENEFITSQUESTION: My wife has neverworked for the federal government.Wehavebeenmarried for sevenyears.Shewill attainSocialSecurityage in14months.Will my government serviceaffectherownSocialSecuritybenefits?Response: Your wife would be entitledto the full amount of her earned SocialSecurity and any federal survivor bene-fits you elected for her.

INSURANCE DOUBLE OPTIONQUESTION: I am a federal retireeusing the Federal Employees HealthBenefits Program (FEHBP), Kaiserfamily plan. Currently, I work for aschool district in California,which of-fersKaiser single,doubleand family,all

of which increase in price.Why is thedouble option not available to federalretirees?Response: Our understanding is that,with a group contract, the concept is tocover as many people as possible withas little differentiation as possible. TheFEHBP is based on this concept. Thenumber of children, physical condition,age and similar differences are not con-sidered, except for the self-only andself-and-family enrollments.Federal retirees are allowed to keep

their FEHBP enrollment after retire-ment. If there were a self-plus-one en-rollment, it would include mainly re-tirees with some younger couples andsingle employeeswith one child. Sincethe older retirees would predominate,and the FEHBP rates are set based onexperience, the experience with theself-plus-one group may show largemedical expenses, with resultinghigher rates. This would then meanthat the self-plus-onewould be amoreexpensive option.The new federal vision and dental

program does have a self-plus-one op-tion. However, there is generally a$1,200 limitonwhat theplanwill pay inacalendaryear. Largemedical expensesdo not have to be factored in since thepayout is limited for these plans.

MEDICARE PART B PREMIUMSQUESTION: How do you go abouthavingMedicarePartBpremiumpay-ments takendirectly fromtheannuitypayment (withheld like taxes)?Response: The initial action towithholdMedicare Part B premiums from federalretirement must be taken by the SocialSecurity Office. This apparently in-volves input of the information on a

Questions &Answers

SURVIVOR ANNUITY BENEFITS cease on the lastday of the month before the month in which thesurvivor’s death occurs.


computer. The withholding can bemade if the individual is not eligible forSocial Security. If youwould be eligibleexcept for the Government PensionOffset, youmayhave to sign awaiver ofthe Social Security benefit.Social Security enters the informa-

tion for processing by the Centers forMedicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).Youmay want to visit the Social Secu-rityOffice and request thewithholdingfrom your federal retirement. Ifsomeone at the Social Security Officesays he or she can’t do it, provide thefollowing internal reference: The infor-mation is in the Social Security Pro-gram Operations Manual Systems, atref. HI 00805.245.If there are questions, the Social Se-

curity representative may want to callMs. Preller at CMS at 410-786-1470.Once the information is received byCMS, it is forwarded to the Office ofPersonnelManagement for processing.

TSPROLLOVERQUESTION:In theMay 2007 issue ofNARFEmagazine,therewasaquestionabout leaving a deceased spouse’sThrift Savings Plan (TSP) funds in theTSP account after his death.Your an-swer was that the surviving spousecould not leave the deceased spouse’sfunds in theTSP,but she would be al-lowed to roll them over into a tradi-tional IRA. I assume this was a casewhere only one of the spouses was afederal employee.Your answer raisedanother question forme andmywife.We are both federal employees, andeachofushasourownTSPaccount.Inour case, could the surviving spouseroll thedeceasedspouse’sTSP into thesurviving spouse’sTSP?Response: Our TSP contact states that,if the deceased TSP participant is mar-ried to another TSP participant, the sur-viving spouse can roll over the TSP

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DISABILITYANNUITYQUESTION:I retired under the CivilService Retirement System (CSRS)on 100-percent disability at age 40,with 20 years of service.I retired as aGS-4 during July 1992. What per-centage ofmy active duty pay should Ihave received? For how long should Ihave received that percentage? Untilage 55?What should the percentagebe after age 55?While I was an active federal em-

ployee, I recall that several individualsI knew retired on full disability. I be-lieve they received 100 percent oftheir active duty pay until they were55 years of age.If memory servesmeright,thenwhywouldmydisabilitypayonly be 40 percent until age 55?Response: There is a guaranteed min-imum amount of CSRS disability an-nuity. This is the lower of 40 percent ofthehigh-threeaveragepayor theserviceprojected toage60, computedunder theregular formula. You would have re-ceived the40-percent formulawithyourage and service at the time of your re-tirement. This is then compared to theactual earnedCSRSannuity.The40-per-cent computation is theequivalentof21years and11monthsof service. If the re-tiree has more than 21 years and 11months of actual service, his or her an-nuitymay be a greater amount. For ex-ample, 30 years of actual federal serviceprovides aCSRS benefit of 57 percent ofthe high-three average pay.However, the maximum benefit

would be 80 percent of the high-three average pay. There is never achange at age 55 in CSRS disabilitybenefits. The newer Federal Em-ployees Retirement System (FERS) hasdifferent rules, and the disability ben-efits do change at 62.

RE-EMPLOYEDANNUITANTQUESTION: My daughter retiredfrom the federal government in 2003with 30 years of service.Shemarriedthe same year. Her husband con-vinced her to cancel her Federal Em-ployees Health Benefits Program(FEHBP)coverageashehadexcellentinsurance. Now she is getting a di-vorce and no longer has insurance. Ifshewent back towork for the federalgovernmentpart time,could shehaveher health insurance reinstated?Response: If a retiree becomes a part-time career employeeworking 16 to 32hours a week or 32 to 64 hours bi-weekly, he or she is entitled to FEHBPcoverage, with a partial governmentcontribution in proportion to thenumber of hours he or she is sched-uled to work in a pay period. Theamount of the government contribu-tion is determined by dividing thenumber of hours he or she is sched-uled to work during the pay period bythe number of hours worked by a full-time employee, normally 80. That per-centage is then applied to the govern-ment contribution.

LONG-TERMCAREQUESTION: How much would thepremiumbe for long-termcare insur-ance formeandmywife? I amretiredon a civil service annuity. I need toknow if a portion of the premiums forlong-term care insurance is tax-de-ductible. Also,I have heard that,if youare self-employed,100 percent of thelong-term care insurance premiums

are tax-deductible.Is that true?Response:Thepremiums for theFederalLong Term Care Insurance Program(FLTCIP) depend both on your age andthe level of coverage that you choose.You may want to see the Web sitewww.ltcfeds.com.Onthe right sideof thescreen, there is an itemcalled “CalculateFLTCIP Premiums.” Click on this item,and you will be able to calculate yourpremium based on the amount of cov-erageyoumaywant. Youalso cancall 1-800-582-3337 for advice.Youwould need to checkwith your

tax adviser on the tax implications oflong-term care insurance premiums.NARFE Insurance Services also of-

fers long-term care insurance. You cancontact that office at 1-800-233-5764.

DEFERREDANNUITYQUESTION:Iwasa federal employeeat theNaval AirEngineeringCenter inthe Philadelphia Navy Yard during1960-1965. Since I am now retired,living abroad and receiving Social Se-curity due tomy non-federal govern-ment employment in the UnitedStates,should I alsobereceivingbene-fits due tomy federal employment?Response: An employee who separatesfrom federal service is entitled to a de-ferredannuityat age62 if civil service re-tirementdeductionswere takenandnotrefunded, if the employee had at leastfive years of federal service andworkedone out of the last two years prior to hisor her separation. If you believe youmeet the above requirements, youshould write to the U.S. Office of Per-


Questions &Answers

NARFE SERVICEOFFICERS are available to answer questions and toassist in helping with a variety of benefit matters.Check your chapter newsletterfor the name and phone number of your service officer.Call NARFE toll-free at

1-800-456-8410for the nearest service officer.NARFE Service Centers are also available in someareas.Use the Service Center listings on ourWeb site,www.narfe.org.

sonnelManagement, RetirementOper-ations Center, P.O. Box 45, Boyers, PA16017-0045. Request an application fora deferred annuity. Provide your name,date of birth, Social Security number,dates of federal service and the federalagencywhere youwere employed.

GPOANDWEPQUESTION: It is my understandingthat an individual can only have his orher Social Security reduced by eitherthe Windfall Elimination Provision(WEP)orGovernmentPensionOffset(GPO)but not both because a personcan only receive one Social Securitycheck based on either his or her ownearnings or that of a spouse.The indi-vidual couldreceive the largeramountbut not both checks.I amsingle,havenevermarriedand

havenochildren.I retired fromtheDe-partment of VeteransAffairs in 1996under the Civil Service RetirementSystem (CSRS) at age 55-1/2 andstarted to receive my annuity then. Iapplied for full Social Security retire-ment just prior to reaching the nowrequired age of 65-1/2 and started re-ceiving benefits,which were reducedby theWEP,as of June2006.Since thattime, I have had two Social Securityrepresentatives tellmethat Iwill needtoreport the increases inmyCSRSan-nuity as soon as possible each year tothe Social SecurityAdministration sothatmySocial Security amount couldbeadjusteddownwardwithouthavinga large overpayment accumulate.The second time this happened, I

went to theSocialSecurityOfficewithacopyofane-mail I hadreceived fromNARFE tellingme that it is either theWEPorGPO,but not both.I also hada flier fromSocial Security saying thesame thing.The representative con-sultedwithcolleaguesandreturnedtotell me that he had misunderstood,

and Iwas correct.Response: The GPO can decrease oreliminate Social Security benefits fromaspouse.Two-thirdsof thecivil service re-tirement gross amount is offset againstthe survivor or spousal Social Securitybenefits. As the civil service retirementincreases, the GPO increases. TheWEPis applied when you first receive SocialSecurity benefits and does not change.

SURVIVOR BENEFITSQUESTION: I would like to inquireabout the benefits that are payable tothe survivor of an employee coveredunder the Civil Service RetirementSystem (CSRS).Response: The survivor benefit for aspouse of a federal retiree is the amountelectedat the timeof retirementorwithintwo years of marriage after retirement.

Themaximum amount is 55 percent ofthe retiree’s unreduced annuity. Child’sbenefits also are available to age 18, orage 22 if a full-time student, or to dis-abled children. Youmaywant to see theWeb site www.opm.gov/asd. Scrolldown toCSRS and FERS Handbook forPersonnel and Payroll Offices. See chap-ters (CO) 70, 71 and 72. �


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Meet Susan Hyde,R.N., and the sub-ject of this month’s“Faces of NARFE”

profile. We think she’s a rare indi-vidual—a federal employee, a sur-vivor annuitant, and an activemember of NARFE Mid-CoastChapter 2169, Rockland, ME.

Born and raised in Rhode Island,Susan graduated from St. Mary’sAcademy-Bay View, in Riverside, RI,and St. Joseph’s Hospital School ofNursing in Providence.

She developed an affinity fortaking windjammer cruises alongthe coast of Maine aboard theschooner Victory Chimes, built in1900 and a National Historic Land-mark. Her love for these trips andtheMaine coast promptedhermoveto the coastal community of Rock-land.

Susan began her federal career in1972 at the Veterans Administration(nowDepartment of VeteransAffairs[VA]) facility in Togus, ME, just out-side of Augusta. Togus is the oldestveterans’ facility in theUnited States,opening in 1866 as a home for dis-abled volunteer soldiers. For the past36 years, Susan has commuted 40miles each way from Rockland toTogus and back.

Certified in the specialty area of“psychiatric and mental healthnursing,” Susan currently works onan acute-care inpatient ward on themidnight to 8 a.m. shift. In February1974, she married John P. Leonard.John had been a combat medic inthe U. S. Army and was working at

Togus when Susan joined the staff.(She chose to retain her own nameafter marriage.) John retired in De-

cember 1995.In 1996, he received a letter from

NARFE inviting him to join the As-sociation, and he did so in January1997. A fewmonths later, John diedunexpectedly of a heart attack,making Susan a survivor annuitantin addition to being an active fed-eral employee.

A year later, Susan became aNARFE member. Since she worksthe night shift, she’s been able to at-tend the chapter’s noon meetings.And over the years, she has becomemore actively involved. Shehas beenchapter secretary since 2002 andwasnamedNARFE-PACcoordinator

for the Maine Federation in 2004, aposition she still holds. She has at-tended Federation Executive Boardmeetings and the last two state fed-eration conventions (she’s on theplanning committee for the 2008convention), and inMarch 2007 shetook annual leave to attend the 10thBiennial Legislative Conference inBethesda, MD.

Susan also is verymuch involvedwith her VA career. A member ofthe Nurses Organization of Vet-erans Affairs (NOVA), she is a unionsteward for AFGE (American Feder-ation of Government Employees)Local 2610, and assists injured em-ployees with Workers’ Compensa-tion claims and appeals. She is listedin the Disaster Emergency MedicalPersonnel System (DEMPS) data-base as a qualified VA employeewho can be deployed in an emer-gency.

Her hobbies include traveling,knitting (she’s won numerous rib-bons at the county fair) and singing.Her talent has led to performing theNational Anthem at wreath-layingceremonies on Veterans Day at theVA as well as other venues in thestate throughout the year. And shelikes attending NASCAR races,taking windjammer cruises alongthe Maine coast and spending timewith family.

Susan Hyde exemplifies manyNARFE members in her dedicationand commitment to her federal ca-reer and to NARFE.

By ChuckTimanus,Director of Public Relations

SUSAN HYDE . . .anactive federalemployee,survivor annuitantand NARFE leader

Dedicated to Veterans and NARFE

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Dues Withholding:NARFE’s Best-KeptRetention SecretBy Nathaniel L. BrownNational [email protected]

Richard C. OstergrenNational [email protected]

Did you know that thebest-kept secret for re-tainingmembers is amethod that has been

around for a number of years? Dueswithholding is thebest tool NARFEhasto retain itsmembers,and it is available tomost of them. Thismonth, wewould liketo share some infor-mation on the bene-fits of dueswith-holding to you, as amember, and toNARFE, as an organi-zation.

National dues arenow $29 annually,andmembers whoare on dueswithholding pay$24.60 a year plus

chapter dues of record. That is asubstantial savings to amember.This special rate is a financialincentive approved by the NationalExecutive Board (NEB) several yearsago to rewardmembers who electedto have their dues deductedmonthlyfrom their annuities. The totalamount deductedmonthly turns outto be just pennies a day. Dueswithholding is available to all retiredNARFEmembers, except those

whose withholding would be lessthan $1 per month. It is not availableto active federal employees.

Some chapters and federationsoffer incentives for dues withholdingin terms of rebates. For those offeringincentives, the amount varies fromchapter to chapter and fromfederation to federation. It may bepossible for a member to receive asmuch as $15 to $20 in rebates. Sowhen you decide to sign up for dueswithholding, you should check withyour chapter and/or federationpresident.

Signing up for dues withholding issimple. All you have to do iscomplete an application (one isincluded in everyNARFEmagazine)andmail it to the National Office.You alsomay obtain an applicationfrom any chapter official. It takesapproximately 60 to 90 days to placeamember on dues withholding withthe Office of Personnel Management(OPM). Once implemented, amember will not receive further duesnotices andmay withdraw from theprogram for any reason with awritten request. In addition, amember never has to be concernedabout paying his or her dues,keeping track of when they becomedue or having to write a check fordues.

NARFE’s current membership isapproximately 335,000, withmorethan 55,000 on dues withholding.That is only about 20 percent of ourmembership. Since wemake it soundlike such a bargain, why aren’t theremoremembers on dueswithholding? Perhaps it is for twomajor reasons. First, wemay nothave done an effective job ofexplaining the benefits to ourmembers. Second, somemembersmay have some concerns about

signing up for the program.From time to time, the subject of

dues withholding has beenaddressed inNARFEmagazine. Weoffer the option for dues withholdingonmembership applications,applications inNARFEmagazine,applications sent with renewalnotices and through other sources.However, these actionsmay not beenough to persuade amember tosign up. Chapters and federationsalso have programs to encouragemembers to sign up for dueswithholding. Moreover, there aremanymembers who never attend achapter meeting, so theymay nothave gotten themessage on dueswithholding. Perhaps a specialcampaign designed just for thosemembers we never see to encouragethem to sign upmay be enough topersuade them to do so. Such aprogram should always providesome kind of incentive.

It is understandable that somemembers want to have control overtheir funds and are, therefore,reluctant to sign up for dueswithholding. They also may beconcerned that a change in theirannuity will result in errors that willtake a long time to correct. That isunlikely to happen. OPM processesmillions of annuity payments eachmonth with numerous changes,and the error rate is almost nil.Modern technology has made thispossible. Once you have signed upfor dues withholding, if for anyreason you are not satisfied with theprogram, you may cancel it at anytime.

Earlier, wementioned that dueswithholding benefits NARFE as an

Nathaniel L. Brown

Richard C. Ostergren

Continued on p. 47

From the Secretary and theTreasurer


Cultivating FutureNARFE LeadersBy Jerry D. HatfieldRegion VI Regional Vice [email protected]

When youworked forUncle Sam, did youprepare someone totake over your job

when you left or retired? If so, howdidyou go about training that person to

assume these new re-sponsibilities?

Many of us facedthat challengewhenwewereworking—maybemore than afew times, dependingon howmany job

changeswe experienced. Didwe takea systematic approach several weeksbefore departing, or didwemerelyleave and let theworkers left behindget by as best they couldwithout us?Ideally, we started by evaluating oneormore subordinates–thosewhohadthe basic skills our job required and

who demonstrated the potential tohandle greater responsibility. Thenwebegan giving themassignments tofurther enhance their ability to do ourjob.

When we left for that promotion,transfer or retirement, we could, ofcourse, make no promises because ofcivil service rules. However, we feltconfident that we had prepared oneor more employees whowould beamong those rated “best qualified”for our job.

Have you considered howNARFEleadership positions today parallelwork experiences during a careerwiththe government? Chapter orfederation officers probably expect tochange jobs or at least leave theirpresent jobs in the future.With anobvious concern for NARFEoperations, theywant their successorsto pick upwhere they left off in assmooth a transition as possible.

To prepare a successor requirescontinued dedication. You become ateacher, amentor orwhatever termyou choose to call it. As in any other

organization, principal NARFE officersshould continually look formemberswho can be trained to assume otherjobs in the chapter or federation.

A somewhat unique approachtoward developing future NARFEleaders was taken last September atthe Region VI seminar in Tulsa, OK.In two full days, 155members andofficers heard speakers discussresponsibilities of virtually all electedand appointed officers in NARFEchapters and federations. Theseminar agenda read like aWho’sWho,with experienced officers asspeakers from across four of thefederations in Region VI.

Aswe have learned fromworkingwithNARFE volunteers, we should bediplomatic whenwe ask amember tolearn duties of jobs that we hope theywill accept in the future.Whether atthe chapter, federation or nationallevel, developing leaders is a greatresponsibility. It is worth every effortto encourage successful transitionsand ensure the continuation ofoutstandingNARFE leadership. �

Report From the Regions

organization. Youmay be surprisedto learn that it costs NARFEapproximately 61 cents to print andmail each renewal notice. The totalamount for a year is more than$200,000. That is a huge chunk ofmoney from our treasury. It is clearthat, by enrolling in dueswithholding, we all benefit. Membersbenefit because there is nomorecheck writing, no need for postagestamps and nomore chances of alapsedmembership because youforgot tomail the dues. NARFEbenefits because printing, postageand staff-related costs are reduced.

If we were able to retain thosemembers who did not renew orcanceled their memberships, ourmembership numbers would bemuch higher. Dues withholdingwould be an excellent tool forretainingmembers. Members ondues withholding rarely cancel theirmemberships. They tend to bemembers forever. Retention shouldbe amajor goal of every chapter andfederation, and dues withholdingshould be a significant part of therecruitment and retention plan.

The chapter average for memberson dues withholding is very low.While some chapters do a good job,others may do very little to promote

the program. Only a small number ofchapters promote the advantages ofdues withholding in theirnewsletters. We need to do all we canto promote the advantages of dueswithholding. To show commitment,each chapter official, if he or she isnot a life member and is not alreadyon dues withholding, should sign upfor the program. It is difficult topromote a program if you are notparticipating in it.

Our national goal for dueswithholding for 2008 is 25 percent,with the chapter average increasing to8 percent.We believe these goals areachievable if we all work together topromote dues withholding. Let us

Continued from p. 46


Out &AboutWith the Chapters

Three Philadelphia area chapters conducted a Saturday lunch meeting for activefederal employee members. Pictured, from left, are:Mary Ellis; Frances Upshaw,Chapter 664 president; George Chandler;Thomas Taylor; Savanna Davis; JanetMeadows;Wallace Robinson, Chapter 1384 president; Shirley Preston;AdaArnold; Les Powell, Chapter 31 president; and Dorothy Robinson.

These NARFE members were among those on the Autumn LeavesTour promoted by NARFE magazine advertiser Your Man Tours.Theyare (not left to right): Ed and Arlene Kessler,MI; Nancy Wages,TX;Barbara Reynolds, NM; Eloise Mason,TX;Marilyn Clark, FL; GayleDixon, SC; Fred Miller, CA;Don Barker, KY; Jim Waskow,MO; Sara Early,TX; Clydia Gibson,OR; Rosemary Mallardi, FL; Grace Andrews, NM;and Ted Baus, CT.

Members of Chapter 1680 in Elkhorn, CA, served aselection officials for a special election in North Sacra-mento, donating their salaries to the chapter. Fromleft, standing: Ken Boffin and Bill Emmons; seated:Harold Bates, Evelyn Santangelo and Shirley Shuck.

Members of Chapter 1236 in Martinsburg and Berkeley County,WV, recently raised $1,656 in a walk for Alzheimer’s diseaseresearch and treatment. Pictured, from left, back row:Trammel Miller, Linda Miller, Carolyn Crawford,Doris Jane andClay Ritchie;middle row:Robert Taylor, Jean Taylor, BettyCantrell,Vickie Butler and Robert Bradley; front row:BabulalPragani.

Your charitable contribution is tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Write your chapter number on check; make it payable to: NARFE-Alzheimer’s Research

and mail to: Alzheimer’s Association

225 N.Michigan Ave., 17th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601-7633

SUPPORT ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCH

Enclosed is my NARFE-Alzheimer’s contribution: $ .Every cent that is contributed is used for research.

Please circle: Mr. Mrs. Miss Ms.

Name

Address

City State ZIP

Chapter number

NARFE members contributed

for Alzheimer’s research:

$8 Million Fund

$7,192,587**Total as of November 30, 2007

100% of all contributed fundsgo to Alzheimer’s research.

If you have any qquueessttiioonnss,, write to:

National Committee, Chairman

Barb L. Pretzer, 4817 Rockridge Court,

Manhattan, KS 66503

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2362Back2427Socks_NARFE:Layout 1 11/26/07 11:20 AM Page 1


NARFENews

� New option!Wall of Fame 12-monthinstallment plan

Silver Circle Contribution Form

ALASKAMARIE DARLIN 2088ALABAMAJACK WISCHMEYER 0051ARKANSASWILLIAM J. PIPER 0093ARIZONAFRED T. GARCIA 1686CALIFORNIAANDREW H. SPEARS 0511SHIRLEY HERBEL 1028RUTH ROSEWITZ 1266VERDEAN H. CLEMENTS 1282COLORADOPAUL B.YOUTSEY 0118VIRGINIA RUTHERFORD 1119H. JOHN LUTZ 1769CONNECTICUTFRANCES L.VACLAVIK 1949FLORIDAINDA P. BURKE 0086N. KATHRYNE JAMES 0086

WILEY F. JAMES 0086JANET M. RUSSO 1018LEONARD SAMUELS 1979GEORGIAARNEAL SCOTT 0548SIDNEY W. DARRAH 1075FREDDIE M. DAUM 2104HAWAIIEMAMUEL N. SPROAT 0570LORRAINE TENJOMA 1657IDAHOGENEVIEVE BOGUSLAWSKI 1025ILLINOISAL P. MERA 0415RICHARD F. KRAUS 0852JOHN ALTAR 1106KANSASJAMES F. MILLER 0002VIRGINIA L. FRY 2137KENTUCKYLELA WILLIAMS 1050

LOUISIANAEVELYN K. PECK 0615MASSACHUSETTSJOSEPH VERA 0434MISSOURIHELEN A. MCLAUGHLIN 0112MARY C. SCHMITT 0112REVA A. POLITTE 1229NEBRASKAROBERT D. KUTZ 1509NEW JERSEYLOUIS H. KATZ 0319SABINO D. GUGLIELMO 0501ROBERT M. SMITH 0501NEW YORKTHOMAS A. HAMILL 1264NORTH CAROLINAJAMES M.ALLMAN 0337DAVID B. DUANE 0808OHIOHARRY J.ART 0265

OKLAHOMABENJAMIN RUSSEL BECKHAM 0183HILDA M. BECKHAM 0183PENNSYLVANIADOROTHY E. RINEER 0301STELLA M. DITORO 1384MARIAN CONBOY 1797SOUTH DAKOTADARLENE M.TONSAGER 0201KENNETH M.TONSAGER 0201GERALD R. CORNELIUS 0894LEO C. HUSS 2089VIRGINIAJOHN J. GALEZA 1159WASHINGTONEVA M.AUSTIN 0181ARTHUR N. GILMORE 0181GARY ROBERTSON 1801

SilverCircledonations totaledmore than$52,700asof December 15. Names and chapter numbers of donors from November 16-December 15 are listed here. Previousdonors were acknowledged in the September 2007 through January 2008 issues. To donate, see the form below. �

Silver Givers

SILVERCIRCLE ($25 ORMORE)

NARFEWALLOFFAME ($1,000 ORMORE)P.A.ALBAUGH, CHAPTER 0164,VIRGINIA


JoinJoin NARFENARFE Today!Today!

� Complete the application on the reverse side.� Enclose payment information, bill pay, check or moneyorder payable to NARFE, or request to be billed.

� Or go to our Web site at www.narfe.org and join today!

*Prior to October 1, 1987

Membership is open to civilians in any agency of the federalor D.C.* governments including:

� Retirees� Active federal employees� Spouses and former spouses of current and retiredfederal employees

� Former employees eligible for deferred annuity� Survivors of those eligible to join NARFE

Who can join?

To apply:

Enrollment includes membership in a local chapter and the nationalassociation, plus a subscription to NARFE’s monthly publication, NARFE magazine.

Dues Withholding Application (Retirees Only)Dues Withholding Application (Retirees Only)

Be sure to fill out both sides of this form and mail to: Attn: Member Records, NARFE,606 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314 (Do Not Send Money With This Form)

(Please Print)

— — ——

Social Security Number (9-digits)

(Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms.)

Address Telephone

City, State, ZIP E-mail

Date of Birth NARFE Membership Number NARFE Chapter Number

C SCivil Service Annuity Number(Include prefix CSA or CSF)

(Include prefix applicable suffix)

—


AuthorizationI authorize the United States Office of Personnel Management to make appropriate deductions from my annuity payments, not to exceedthe amount certified by the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association as the amount of dues for which I am annual-ly obligated, in accordance with elections I make below and to pay the deducted sum to the National Active and Retired FederalEmployees Association (NARFE). This authorization shall also apply to any and all dues changes certified by NARFE membership inaccordance with elections I make below:

Do You Authorize Your Spouse’s Dues to Be Withheld from Your Annuity? �� Yes �� NoIf YES, enter your spouse’s name and membership number below. You authorize:

National dues of $24.60 plusChapter dues of record to be withheld annually.

I understand that this authorization shall be valid until NARFE receives & processes my written notice of cancellation in accordancewith its agreement with the Office of Personnel Management & that any disputes regarding this authorization shall be a matter betweenNARFE & myself. I hold the Office of Personnel Management harmless for any erroneous allotment deduction made pursuant to thisauthorization. I also authorize the Office of Personnel Management to disclose any information necessary to execute this request.

Dues payments & gifts orcontributions to NARFE arenot deductible as charitablecontributions for federalincome tax purposes.

Signature of Annuitant or Survivor-Annuitant Date

Name Number

1. �� Please enroll me in NARFE chapter __________________(leave blank if not known).�� Also enroll my spouse.

2.

3. $33 x =Membership fee

per personno. of

people joiningTotal payment

�� Total payment (check, bill pay or money order payableto NARFE)

�� Bill me�� Charge to my credit card

Credit Card Information:Card type: �� MasterCard �� VISA

�� Discover �� AMEX

Card no. _________________________________________

Expiration Date ______________

Name on Card (Print) _______________________________

Signature ____________________________ Date _______

The first year membership fee is in lieu of national and chapterdues. Upon renewal you will be billed for national and chapterdues at the prevailing rate on your anniversary date.

CHOOSE ALL THAT APPLY: �� Retiree�� Spouse�� Survivor

�� Active employee�� Former spouse�� Former employee

(mm) (yy) Mail to:NARFE Member Records

606 N. Washington St.Alexandria, VA 22314-1914

Fax: 703-838-77831Q

Full Name: Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms.

Street Address Apt./Unit

City/State/ZIP

Home Telephone Number

E-mail Address

Federal Agency

Retirement Date

Date(s) of Birth

Recruiter’s Membership and/or Chapter Number

Contact Information:

NARFE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONwww.narfe.orgFor Active and Retired Federal Employees

name

Do Not Send Money With This Form


Name:

Address:

City: State: ZIP:

Date of Birth:

Amount: National + Chapter =Total Payment Type: �� Check/Money Order �� Credit Card

Credit Card: �� Mastercard �� VISA �� Discover �� AMEX

Card#: Exp:

Name on Card (Print):

Signature: Date:

Recruiter ID# (if applicable):

NARFE NATIONAL LIFE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Please Mail Life MembershipApplication and Payment to:

Attn: Member RecordsNARFE

606 N. Washington St.Alexandria, VA 22314

Thank you for becoming aNational Member for Life. Youwill receive a membership card,certificate and special lapel pin.Please allow six weeks for pro-cessing.

See Reverse for More Information.

Dues payments & gifts or contributions to NARFE are not deductible as charitable contributions for income tax purposes.

$ $ $

NARFENews

Keeping Track of NARFE Members

The Member Records Sectionprocesses new memberships,makes chapter and address

changes, and performs many othervital NARFE record-keeping functions.The section comprises a manager, twodues-withholding processors, threecustomer-service representatives andan assistant. The director of Member-ship Systems has oversight of theMember Records Section.

The Member Records Section alsostaffs NARFE’s toll-free, customer-service line, so you may very well havespoken with someone in the section orreceived an e-mail response to an in-quiry. In November 2007 alone, thesection fielded 1,378 calls to the toll-free, customer-service line and re-sponded to 378 e-mail requests.

In that same month, the sectionprocessed more than 2,600 new mem-bers and reinstated more than 800former members. It also processed1,314 address changes, 284 dues-with-holding requests, 54 chapter transfers,

73 honorary memberships and 11 lifememberships. In addition, it made 535other changes including deleting de-ceased members from the rolls, trans-ferring membership to spouses of de-ceased members and canceling mem-berships for nonpayment. The MemberRecords Section also reviews and en-sures the distribution of the MonthlyChapter Activity Report (M112) and theSemi-Annual Roster (M114).

The director of Membership Sys-tems also serves as liaison withNARFE’s Membership DatabaseProvider—Integrated Systems, Inc. (ISI).In coordination with the InformationTechnology Department, the directoralso manages Headquarters’ activitiesrelated to committees in connectionwith NARFE’s National Convention.These committees are Registration,Credentials, and Ballot and Teller.

By Ken Doyle, director of

Seated (left to right): Terri Badie, customer-service representative (csr); Myra Moore, researcher;Sandra Lawing, Member Records manager; Maria Ledbetter, csr; Cheryl Williams, csr; standing:Geoffrey Hoag, csr; Ebony Ledbetter, assistant; Natcole Reid-McCorkle, csr; and Ken Doyle, directorof Membership Systems.


1S

Please Note:• Chapter membership dues are added to the initial

payment for both single or quarterly installmentspaid by new members. For current members, chapterdues will continue in the usual cycle.

• “A life member, who was or is a Chapter member atthe time that a National Life membership was or ispurchased, shall maintain membership in a Chapter.Failure to do so shall result in suspension of Chaptermembership rights and privileges.”

30-3940-5051-5556-6061-6566-7071-7576-8081-9091-100

$1,3201,015783664557452373292197107

$331.25255.00197.00167.25140.50114.2594.5074.2550.5028.00

Ages Single orPayment

QuarterlyInstallments

LIFE MEMBERSHIP FEE SCHEDULESEFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2004

1. For current NARFE members:Membership # _________________

2. For new members:Membership is open to civilians in any agency of the federal or D.C. governments eligible for a federal annuity. Please check one:� Current employee� Retiree� Former employee� Spouse� Former spouse� Survivor

3. I choose to join Chapter # ___________. I understand that if I don’t choose a chapter, the nearest one will be assigned. Please call 1-800-456-8410 for further information.

Naming Names

It is commendable that you saw fitto include the fine photograph ofthe NARFE Headquarters staff and

national officers on page 53 of the De-cember 2007 issue. But, in my opinion,it would have been a “real” Christmaspresent to all of us had you identifiedeach of those shown in the photographby name and position.

Harry D. White,Texarkana, TX

Editor’s Note: In 2008, we are running ar-ticles in the NARFE News section aboutHQ departments and personnel. See p. 48in the January issue and p. 53 in this issue.

Take Look at CPI

Now that we know the cost-of-living adjustment will bea scant 2.3 percent, which

covers very little, including theMedicare and Federal EmployeesHealth Benefits Program increases, itseems to me we should call upon ourcongressional “friends” for a long-overdue look at the Consumer PriceIndex process. They should ask theGovernment Accountability Office fora complete study of the elements andask for recommendations for change.

Henry Hersh,Virginia Beach, VA

REMINDER: Get ready! March is NARFE-PAC Month. Be sure to give atyour March meetingor use the coupon on

page 16.

Letters

NARFE ResourcesHow to Contact Us . . . . . . . . . . . .6NARFE-PAC Coupon . . . . . . . . .16Alzheimer’s Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . .48Silver Circle Coupon . . . . . . . . . .50Membership Application . . . . . . . .52Life Member Application . . . . . . .53NARFE Perks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Federal Annuitant Tax Form 1099R

At the end of January, all annuitants and survivor annuitants receive form1099R from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to use in filing fed-

eral income tax returns. If you do not want to wait for your form to arrive by mailor if you do not receive one, you can go to OPM’s Services Online to view your1099R for 2007 (and the ones for two prior years) and print out your own copies.You can access Services Online by going to www.opm.gov/retire and clicking Serv-ices Online on the right side under the “In Focus” column.


NATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING MINUTESNOVEMBER 14–16, 2007

Minutes of the National Executive Board

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2007Call to Order Roll CallSilent Prayer Pledge of Allegiance

Present:National OfficersPresident Margaret L. BaptisteSecretary absent from meeting due todeath in familyTreasurer Richard C. OstergrenRegional Vice Presidents (RVPs)Region I Augie StratotiRegion II Charles W. SaylorRegion III Robert S. HarrellRegion IV Tom JohnsonRegion V Richard G. ThissenRegion VI Jerry D. HatfieldRegion VII Russ BoorRegion VIII Forney A. LundyRegion IX Lanny G. RossRegion X Joseph A. BeaudoinStaffDirector of Operations Wil SpeerNational Executive Board (NEB) AssistantMarian UffenMembership Director and Assistant to theNational Secretary John ClementsDirector of Retirement Benefits ServiceDavid SnellGuestsMaryland Federation President RichardL. StrombotneMaryland Federation Vice PresidentRonald P. Bowers

Motion was made to approve the agen-da by RVP Thissen and seconded byRVP Stratoti. Motion approved.

Motion was made to move intoExecutive Session by RVP Beaudoin andseconded by RVP Thissen. Motionapproved.

Motion 01-11-07Subject: NARFE Vice President. “Inaccordance with Article 2, Section 1-E,to exercise the option not to fill thevacancy of the VP.” Moved by RVPBeaudoin and seconded by RVPThissen. Motion passed.

Motion 02-11-07 Subject: Succession of NARFEPresident. “In accordance with Article2, Section 1(F)(2)(C), to designate theNational Treasurer to succeed to theoffice of the President in the event of avacancy in that office during theremainder of her term.” Motion passed(clarification until 2008 NationalConvention).

President Baptiste announced the retire-ment of Legislative Director Judy Park.Motion was made to confirm DanAdcock as director of legislation, effec-tive June 1, 2008, by RVP Hatfield andseconded by RVP Boor. Motion passed.

National Officers (NOs) reported ontheir observations and the operations oftheir offices since the July 2007 Boardmeeting.

The RVPs reported on activities withintheir regions since the July 2007 Boardmeeting.

Update on 2007 Membership Plan wasgiven by John Clements.

2008 Draft Membership Plan. JohnClements will re-draft paragraph 12,chapter recruiting initiative test, andprovide to the NEB prior to theFebruary 2008 NEB meeting.

Motion 03-11-07Subject: Approval of the 2008 NARFEMembership Plan, as amended by RVPThissen and seconded by RVP Johnson.Motion passed.

Discussion on Convention ResolutionForm and the Bylaw/Standing RuleForm. It was decided to take out“Current Bylaws MUST be cited as yoursubject by article, section and subsec-tion” after “1. Subject:” on the ProposedConvention Resolution Form (F-3A).

Motion 04-11-07 Subject: Proposed Bylaw and ResolutionForms. “We rescind NEB action at theJuly 2007 meeting approving said formsand give approval of the forms asamended at this meeting. Moved byRVP Harrell and seconded by RVP Ross.Motion passed.

Retirement Benefits Service Department(David Snell). By consensus, the Boardapproved David Snell’s proposal for aNARFE service officer recognition awardprogram.

Other items of interest not on the agen-da:

10-Percent Fund Report (Federations).How are funds being spent (NationalTreasurer).

What is new in NARFE? Notice inNARFE magazine and on Web site

about new things going on in NARFEthat would be of interest to our mem-bers (NARFE staff).

Investigate online registration forNational Convention (NationalTreasurer).

Expand prospective members e-mail listby asking existing members to submite-mail addresses of friends who are notmembers of NARFE (National Secretary).

Investigate placing dues-withholdingnotices in second renewal notices(National Secretary).

Meeting Adjourned.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2007Call to Order Roll Call Silent Prayer Pledge of Allegiance

Present:National OfficersPresident Margaret L. BaptisteSecretary absent from meeting due todeath in familyTreasurer Richard C. OstergrenRegional Vice PresidentsRegion I Augie StratotiRegion II Charles W. SaylorRegion III Robert S. HarrellRegion IV Tom JohnsonRegion V Richard G. ThissenRegion VI Jerry D. HatfieldRegion VII Russ BoorRegion VIII Forney A. LundyRegion IX Lanny G. RossRegion X Joseph A. BeaudoinStaffDirector of Operations Wil SpeerNEB Executive Assistant Marian UffenMembership Director and Assistant tothe National Secretary John ClementsDirector of Retirement Benefits ServiceDavid SnellDirector of Legislation Judy ParkGuestMaryland Federation President RichardL. Strombotne

National Convention Per Diem(President Baptiste).

Motion 05-11-07Subject: Per Diem for ConventionWorkers. “Per Diem for committeemembers be set at $150.00 per day.”Motion made by RVP Harrell and sec-onded by RVP Stratoti. Motion passed.

Discussion of progress of test Web site


for “bloggers” and a “chat room” (RVPSaylor). It was agreed that blogging/chatroom would be beneficial to serviceofficers and legislative officers (Action:Wil Speer).

One member, one vote. The NEB willprovide information on cost and a time-line without recommendation. Data pro-vided by NOs at the February 2008NEB meeting (NOs).

Improve placing members in the correctchapter. Suggestion made to let the fed-eration presidents discuss at their nextmeeting in 2008.

NARFE 2008 Budget (TreasurerOstergren).

Motion 06-11-07Subject: NARFE 2008 Budget. “The2008 budget be approved as presented.”Motion made by RVP Thissen and sec-onded by RVP Lundy. Motion passed.

A new procedure for taking and review-ing the NEB minutes (RVPs Johnsonand Saylor). It was agreed that a list ofthe motions will be prepared at the endof each day’s meeting to be presentedthe next day. The minutes will be briefwith motions and action items listed(National Secretary).

Training manual for legislative chairs(RVP Saylor). Discussed and agreed thatthe training manual will be updated(Judy Park).

F-122 Form. NARFE staff needs to bettercoordinate Policy/Procedures,Membership Plan and other publica-tions with the RVPs before distributionto the field (NOs).

Delay in receipt of budget worksheetsfor 2008 NARFE Budget. In the future,worksheets will be sent by e-mail(National Treasurer).

In NARFE membership applications andbrochures, change the wording CurrentFederal Employees (CFE) to ActiveFederal Employees (AFE). Presentlybeing done (John Clements).

Pros and cons of NARFE establishing a501(c)(3) foundation. More informationis needed, and an update will be provid-ed at the February NEB meeting(Treasurer Ostergren and RVP Stratoti).

Scholarship Committee Report

Investment Committee Report

Pre-Retirement Seminar Update wasgiven by David Snell.

Legislative Update was given by JudyPark.

Meeting Adjourned.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2007Call to Order Roll CallSilent Prayer Pledge of Allegiance

Present:National OfficersPresident Margaret L. BaptisteSecretary absent from meeting due todeath in familyTreasurer Richard C. OstergrenRegional Vice PresidentsRegion I Augie StratotiRegion II Charles W. SaylorRegion III Robert S. HarrellRegion IV Tom JohnsonRegion V Richard G. ThissenRegion VI Jerry D. HatfieldRegion VII Russ BoorRegion VIII Forney A. LundyRegion IX Lanny G. RossRegion X Joseph A. BeaudoinStaffDirector of Operations Wil SpeerNEB Executive Assistant Marian UffenMembership Director and Assistant tothe National Secretary John ClementsDirector of Public Relations ChuckTimanusGuestMaryland Federation President RichardL. Strombotne

Public Relations Update was given byChuck Timanus.

Motion was made to endorse thematching-funds program and approvedby consensus.

Motion was made to approve theInvestment Committee Report by theTreasurer and seconded by RVP Saylor.Motion passed.

RVP Ross gave Site Selection CommitteeReport with possible locations for 2012Convention.

Juliet Harding gave arrival date ofSunday, February 3, 2008, and depar-ture of Friday, February 8, 2008, for theFebruary NEB meeting in Orlando, FL.

Motion was made to approve thechanges to the Policy Book (eliminatingdated information) by RVP Stratoti andseconded by RVP Hatfield. Motionpassed.

Leadership Development Committee. Itwas decided to use page 40 of theBylaws as the guidelines and delete theLeadership Development Committeeconcept paper. Discussion will continueat the February 2008 NEB meeting.

Unfinished Business: Fulfillment of health fair requirementsduring Open Season. NARFE staff wastasked to do a complete review of thisprogram, to include the processing oforders, how they were mailed and thepossibility of providing feedback on theorders (NARFE staff).

It was decided to place reviewing theStrategic Plan at every NEB meeting,and it will be placed on the agenda forthe February NEB meeting (Wil Speer).

New Business: RVP Thissen talked about BlueCross/Blue Shield. RVP Stratoti talkedabout updating the Q&A book.

Motion was made to republish (update)the Q&A book by RVP Stratoti and sec-onded by RVP Ross. Motion passed(Margaret Carter).

Establishment of a new officer’s code.NARFE staff was tasked to investigateestablishing a “Record Officer” code atthe chapter/federation level (NARFEstaff).

Meeting adjourned at 12 noon. Thenext NEB Meeting will be held February4-7, 2008, in Orlando, FL.

Nathaniel L. BrownNational Secretary

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Advertiser Index

National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association2008 Scholarship Application

All NARFE Scholarship Applications for the 2008 competition must be postmarked by April 30, 2008.Photocopies of this application are acceptable. Please do not fold or bind any pages with staples.Please check each box to ensure that your application packet is complete:� Essay Topic: “Do the practices of outsourcing or contracting-out certain jobs or processes in the federal govern-ment hurt or help the government overall? Why or why not?” (Essay must be typed, double-spaced and not exceedtwo pages.)� Written recommendation/character reference from a teacher or counselor. Recommendation must be submittedtogether with application package.� Provide full transcript including fall/winter 2007 grades. All applicants must have a cumulative grade point aver-age (GPA) of at least 3.0 on an unweighted 4.0 scale. (Report cards and photocopies are acceptable.) � Check here if transcript is being mailed separately by the school. If checked, must be postmarked by April 30,2008.� List and briefly describe awards and/or community service activities (not to exceed two pages).� Copies of American College Testing (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Testing (SAT), or other entrance examinationscores as applicable. � Two self-addressed, stamped #10 business-size envelopes with First Class postage affixed.

Please complete the following. Incomplete applications and applications sent toNARFE Headquarters will not be considered.

Student’s Name:

Complete Home Address:

(Address, City, State, Zip)

Social Security Number: Home Telephone: ( )

E-mail Address:

Applicant’s Grade Point Average. (Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average [GPA] of

3.0 on an unweighted 4.0 scale):

College or University (planning to attend): (Must be a college freshman by fall/winter 2008)

If taking college courses while in high school, please indicate Yes ____ No ____

NARFE Member’s Name:

Relationship to Applicant: � Father � Mother � Grandfather � Grandmother

NARFE Member No.: Chapter No:

Member’s Complete Home Address:

Telephone: E-mail address:

All of the above materials (except transcript—if necessary) must be mailed, unfolded, inthe same 9” x 12” (or larger) envelope postmarked no later than April 30, 2008, to:

NARFE Scholarship Award, Suite 200, 8441 W. Bowles Ave., Littleton, CO 80123-3245NO STAPLES OR PAPER CLIPS, AND DO NOT FOLD

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2008 NARFE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES

• Children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and stepchildren of ALL current NARFE mem-bers are eligible to apply. Applicant must be a high school senior planning to attend collegefull time by fall/winter 2008. A total of 60 scholarships of $1,000 each will be awarded.

• All applications must be postmarked by April 30, 2008.

• All applicants must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on anunweighted 4.0 scale. Provide full transcript, including fall/winter 2007 grades. Photocopies areacceptable. If mailed by school—still must be postmarked by April 30, 2008.

• Provide copies of American College Testing (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Testing (SAT), orother entrance examination scores as applicable.

• All applicants must provide a written recommendation/character reference from a teacher orcounselor. Recommendation on school letterhead must be submitted with application package.

• All applicants must list and briefly describe awards and/or community service activities on aseparate page. Provide enough information so the selection committee will know what youdid, but do not exceed two pages.

• All applicants will need to provide two stamped, self-addressed #10 business-size envelopes.First will be used to acknowledge receipt of your completed application. Second will be used toprovide results of competition. All applicants will be notified by August 31, 2008.

• All applicants will need to submit a typed, double-spaced essay on the topic:“Do the practices of outsourcing or contracting-out certain jobs or processes in the federal government hurt or help the government overall? Why or why not?” Essay must not exceed two pages.

• Please do not bind any pages withstaples or paper clips.

• Please mail all materials (except tran-script, if necessary) in one package,unfolded in a 9” x 12” (or larger) enve-lope postmarked by April 30, 2008.

The NARFE Scholarship Program is adminis-tered by the Federal Employee Education &Assistance Fund (FEEA) and is made possibleby your tax-deductible contributions to theNARFE/FEEA Scholarship Fund, 8441 W.Bowles Ave., #200, Littleton, CO 80123-3245.

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For more information,obtain a copy of NARFE publication F-105

A Guide toNARFE’S ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIPAWARDS PROGRAMTo get your copy, e-mail [email protected]; download it fromthe NARFE Web site, www.narfe.org;or call Headquarters and ask for theOffice of the National Vice President.May also be ordered using the F-18.

A Guide To

NARFE’SANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

PROGRAM

INVESTINGIN

OURFUTURE


PersonalMilestonesOnly member 50th wedding anniver-saries are accepted for publication.Submit names (both first names), wedding anniversary and chaptername/number/state by mail to NARFEHeadquarters, ATTN: Anniversaries, orby e-mail to [email protected].

Donnie and Margaret Gibson, 50, West-MarChapter 410 Maryland;Rodney and Jeanene Smith, 50, N.E.-El PasoChapter 1473 Texas.

For theRecord

Thrift Savings Plan Investments*

*This chart is provided as a service to NARFE members who enrolled in the Thrift Savings Plan whileemployed by the federal government. Retirees are not eligible for enrollment. Source: tsp.gov. These returns are net of the effect of accrued administrative expenses and investment expenses/costs.Percentages in ( ) are negative.

Month G Fund F Fund C Fund S Fund I Fund2007 January .43% .00% 1.53% 3.14% 1.31%

February .34% 1.53% (1.95%) (.26%) .18%March .42% .00% 1.09% 1.09% 2.57%April .42% .53% 4.43% 2.51% 3.76%May .34% (.70%) 3.52% 4.40% 2.54%June .42% (.27%) (1.70%) (1.53%) .20%July .50% .80% (3.10%) (4.57%) (2.39%)August .33% 1.23% 1.54% 1.38% (.71%)September .41% .78% 3.76% 2.97% 5.36%October .41% .86% 1.58% 2.83% 4.49%November .33% 1.88% (4.20%) (5.65%) (3.72%)December .41% .25% (.66%) (.40%) (2.25%)

Last 12 Months 4.87% 7.09% 5.54% 5.49% 11.43%

Month L 2040 L 2030 L 2020 L 2010 L Income2007 January 1.53% 1.42% 1.22% .89% .63%

February (.64%) (.49%) (.38%) (.14%) .16%March 1.34% 1.16% 1.08% .89% .62%April 3.28% 2.95% 2.58% 1.76% 1.08%May 2.79% 2.52% 2.15% 1.53% .92%June (.92%) (.80%) (.54%) (.20%) .08%July (2.52%) (2.13%) (1.75%) (.92%) (.23%)August .90% .88% .80% .73% .61%September 3.45% 3.09% 2.68% 1.78% 1.13%October 2.37% 2.09% 1.84% 1.29% .82%November (3.36%) (2.94%) (2.33%) (1.21%) (.44%)December (.82%) (.63%) (.54%) (.13%) .07%

Last 12 Months 7.36% 7.14% 6.87% 6.40% 5.56%

The Consumer PriceIndex for Urban WageEarners and Clerical

Workers (CPI-W) rose 0.8 percentin November to 205.8, accordingto the Bureau of Labor Statistics.It was the highest increase in thepast six months. For purposes ofcalculating the next cost-of-livingadjustment (COLA), the indices ofJuly, August and September 2008 will beaveraged for a third-quarter determi-nant, which will be compared with the2007 third-quarter base index of 203.6.November’s index is up 1.1 percent fromthe base.

Benefits awarded under the Federal

Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA)to individuals suffering work-related in-juries or illnesses are adjusted accordingto each calendar year’s percentagechange in the CPI-W. The Novemberindex is 4.4 percent higher than the De-cember 2006 base index of 197.2. �

CPI-W Rises in NovemberThe chart below tracks the CPI-W, the monthlyinflation change, and the cumulative percentagegain for the next CSRS and Social Security COLA.

CPI-W MONTHLY % CHANGE% CHANGE FROM 203.6

October 204.3 +0.2 +0.3November 205.8 +0.8 +1.1

PassagesSIGMUND PERRY ZEITLINFORMER CALIFORNIA

FEDERATION PRESIDENT

Sigmund Perry Zeitlin, 85, whoserved as president of the Cali-

fornia Federation in 1992-1993, diedOctober 13, 2007. He also served asfederation executive vice presidentand three times as conventionchairman. He was a mentor for manyof the federation officers who fol-lowed him. A member of PalmSprings Chapter 587, he served thatchapter as president, and news-lettereditor and publisher.He joined the Navy in 1939 and

spent December 7, 1941, in a sub-marine outside Pearl Harbor. Heresigned from the Navy in 1946 andenlisted in the Army Air Corps in1948. He served under Gen. CurtisLeMay in the Strategic Air Com-mand. When the Army and AirForce separated, he remained inthe Air Force for an additional 15years as a special agent for OSI, re-tiring at the rank of major.In 1964, he became a special

agent with the Office of the In-spector General, U.S. Departmentof Agriculture. He retired in 1984.


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NARFEINSURANCESERVICES:1-800-233-5764

Insuranceplansdesignedandadmin-istered exclusively for NARFEmembers.Call for information onWhole and TermLife,Hospital Indemnity, Accidental Injuryand Death Plan, Dental Plan andCancerCarePlan. For information on LongTermCare call the Long Term Care Unit at 1-800-358-3795.

GEICO: 1-800-368-2734NARFE members with good driving

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bers will receivediscounted pricingfor all interstate shipments. Discountwillapply to packing and moving servicesand valuation protection. All intrastateshipments, locals and internationalmoves will be competitive in cost basedon your geographical location. We areproud to be part of the NARFE family ofservice organizations. Bekins looks for-ward to assisting you with your movingneeds. Pleasemention you are aNARFEmember and wish to move under theNARFE transportation agreement#00930.

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departingafter February 1st andreceive all of the following:

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The future can be full of questions.Give it some answers.

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IDENTITYCHECKPRINTERSIdentity Check

Printers now offersofficially-licensedbank checks andaccessories fea-turing the NARFElogo. Choose fromthree check de-signs,eachwithcoordinatingaddress la-belsand IdentityCards.Aprinted leathercheckbook cover featuring the NARFElogo is also available. Support NARFEwith every check youwrite. Order today!Visitwww.identitychecks.comorcall toll-free 1-800-874-5910. UseOFFERCODE9KG482 and receive FREE standardshipping on your order.

NARFE’S OFFICIAL CREDIT UNIONAs a member of NARFE, you have

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CHOICEHOTELS INTERNATIONALChoiceHotels International® isproud

to offer NARFE members discounts atover 4,000 hotels in 40 countries. Mem-bersmay receivea20%discount at par-ticipating hotels or rates at or below perdiem, whichever discount is the greater.Choice brands include: Comfort Inn®,Comfort Suites®, Quality®, Sleep Inn®,Clarion®, MainStay Suites®, EconoLodge®andRodeway Inn®.Thisoffer issubject to availability. Advance reserva-tionsarerequired.Tomakereservationscall800-258-2847andmention ID#00801967.

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available ratesatover6,000participatinghotels. Whether you are looking for aluxury hotel, an all-inclusive resort, orsomethingmore budget-conscious, wehave the right hotel, in the right place, forthe right price. To receive discountedrates, NARFE members must useMember Benefits ID #20672 and thespecified toll-free numbers. Advancereservations required.

HOTELS

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HERTZ1-800-654-3131—www.hertz.comHertz is proud to be a preferred car

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AVIS: 1-800-331-1441The employees/owners of Avis offer

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Bankof America: 1-800-414-4229Add strength and stability to your

savings portfolio by opening a NARFE-sponsoredCertificate ofDeposit (CD) orMoneyMarket account offered byBankof America. ReceiveHighYields and thesecurity of FDIC insurance up to$100,000 per depositor. For everyNARFE-sponsoreddepositwithBankofAmerica, the bankwill make a contribu-tion to NARFE for the advancement ofprograms and services at no additionalcost to you.Use source code HA029.

CAR RENTALS

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Request yours today!Call toll-free 1-866-438-6262Use source code FAAHZ8

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Goodeyesightandasteadyholdare essential for a competitivepistol shooter, says

Richard Neider, a NARFEmemberwhohasbeenshootingcompetitively for more than 13years.

The competition consists ofshooting at 40 metal tar-gets at four differentranges, he explains. Thesport uses specialized hand-guns and ranges out to 200meters. Toscore, you have to knock the target offits feet. Shooting is timed, andmatchesare conducted in accordance with therules of the International HandgunMetallic Silhouette Association,

www.ihmsa.org.Competitions are held weather per-

mitting, which means year-round in some locations andfour or fivemonths a year inMotley,MN,where he lives.

“It’s a very precise sport,”saysNeider,whose fed-eral career was spentworking for the Na-tional Park Service, Na-tional Forest Service

and Natural Resource Con-servation Service. “Youhave tohave ac-curacy andpower to topple the targets.”

But can you take up the sport at anyage? “That’s a ‘loaded’ question,” Neidersays. “Anyone at any age can take this

up. I’ve seenpreteens and shooters over80,male and female. There is a champi-onshipclass for everyone, dependingonyour skill level.”

“It’s fun, challenging and a sportmost anyone can afford,” he says.

Tell us about your “Pursuit.” Write toNARFE magazine, Attn: “Pursuits,”NARFE, 606 N. Washington St., Alexan-

AtLast!PastTimes & PresentPursuits

This Hobby Is Right on Target

Did you know that...

...The level ofHispanicparticipation in the federalwork force rose to7.7per-cent asof June30,2007.

THEWAY WE WORKEDFredric D. Forney, a mem-ber of Chapter 251 inAnnapolis, MD, sent us thisundated photo of hisgrandfather, EmanuelForney, standing by his U.S.Mail wagon. He was a RuralMail Carrier in Ohio. “Myfather told me thatGrandpa sometimes rodehorseback on his mailroute when the Ohioweather was really severe,”Forney says. “He also toldme that Grandpa would goto the post office onChristmas morning tocheck if any last-minuteshipments of gifts hadcome in and, if so, hewould deliver them onChristmas morning.”Also pictured are Forney’sgrandmother, father (hold-ing his mother’s hand),uncle and aunt.

Special Deliveries

$5,000 minimum to open (new funds into the credit union required)

APY1

6-month Share Certi�cate at 5.50% APY1, with automatic rolloverinto a 1-year Share Certi�cate at the August, 2008 rate

Insured by NCUA up to at least $100,000

™

Leap into a High-YieldShare Certificate by February 29

Look Before You Leap

www.NARFEpremierFCU.org 800.FCU.1500. 24 hours a day.

NCUAYour savings federally insured to at least $100,000

and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government

National Credit Union Administration, a U.S. Government Agency

Although Leap Year comes just every four years, look for our special Share Certificate promotions twice a year. Plan to take advantage of the next one in August, too!

Ask us about financing products from these NARFE advertisers:Your Man Tours on page or Hearing Help Express®, Inc on page

SpecialRate of

5.50% APY1!

guarantee your savings. Visit us online at www.NARFEpremierFCU.org to applyor call us at 800.328.1500.

Rates this good don’t come along that often.

your savings. This February-only opportunity offers:

1 APY = Annual Percentage Yield is as of 2/1/08. This promotional 6 month Share Certi�cate automatically rolls over into a 1-year Share Certi�cate. Rollover rate will be subject to August 2008 market conditions. The minimum balance required to open is $5,000 (not currently held with NARFE Premier FCU). A 180 day dividend penalty (principal not excluded) will be imposed for early withdrawal. Rates subject to change without notice. Additional restrictions apply. Offer valid February 1 – 29, 2008. If you have questions on terms and conditions, please call 1.800.328.1500.

35 9

Card # ________________________________________Exp.: ______/_____

Mr. Mrs. Ms. ___________________________________________________

Address ___________________________________________ Apt. # ______

City & State _____________________________________ Zip ___________

Email __________________________________________________________100% Satisfaction Guaranteed or Full Refund of Purchase Price at Any Time!

Haband.comShop Online:

All Sizes

S to 5XL!

Haband #1 Bargain PlaceJessup, PA 18434-1834

Send ______ pants.I enclose $________purchase price plus $5.99 toward postageand handling.In GA add sales tax.

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Discover® Network

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pairsfor

pairs for

(Yes, a real

zip fly.)(Yes, a real

zip fly.)

BIG GUYSTOO!

BIG GUYSTOO!

Black

Burgundy

Charcoal

GreyHeather

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Navy

Navy

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2 19993 for 28.25 4 for 36.75

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Haband

UNDER $10 A PAIR!

Don’t pay $19.99 for lesser brands! Ours have easy zip fly and are

UNDER $10 A PAIR!Hey sport! These are the softest, comfiest leisure wear on the planet. The pure cotton jersey knit stretches naturally for full easy movement. All-around elastic waist with drawstring for ideal fit. And a feature the

other guys don’t have – an easy-access zip fly!PLENTY OF POCKETS!

There’s two front pockets & two back pockets (one with secure zipper!) Wash ’em & wear ’em,

NO FUSS, NO IRONING.All Sizes Under $10 a pair. Order Now!

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Regular Sizes:S(30-32) M(34-36) L(38-40) XL(42-44)

Big Men (SAME LOW PRICE):2XL(46-48) 3XL(50-52) 4XL(54-56) 5XL(58-60)

Inseams: S(27-28) M(29-30) L(31-32) [XL(33-34) inseam available in S to XL waists only]

When you pay by check, you authorize us to use information from your check to clear it electronically. Funds may be withdrawn from your account as soon as the same day we receive your payment, and you will not receive your check back from your financial institution.

On-Line Quick Order

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Jessup, PA 18434-1834


Jessup, PA 18434-1834

Black - NARFEBlack 2999*per pair Walking Shoes F R E E P o s t a g e ! 2999 per pair for men’s...

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