NARFE puts us in touch with people who know and understand the problems of National Active and Retired Federal Employees. For instance, when I retired in 2005 (oops, am I dating myself?) I was given a retirement as if I were part-time, because my last five years I was in injury status. It was totally inappropriate, but I had no one to turn to. I had learned about NARFE from my letter carrier days - I delivered the monthly magazine to an APWU member. So I went to the local NARFE Chapter 65 and found a welcoming group of people. They helped answer my questions, and directed me to Senator Lantos for help. A brother on the east coast had filed a lawsuit 10 years before, so luckily I didn't have to wait more than nine months before that case was settled and I started receiving my annuity. But NARFE members gave me the support and encouragement I needed to deal with such a vexing problem. Besides, they provided a monthly connection with others who had similar issues. And they were smart enough to recruit me to do something useful! I started on the Audit Committee, a once-a-year commitment, and here I am, still active in NARFE.
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Martha Raup, CAB Chair
Chapter 65 1st VP
San Francisco CA
mailladymartha@yahoo.com------------------------------