Past President August "Whitey" Westphal   March 2010 

The shortest month in the year has passed. What a bargain for railroad retirees. We received the same amount of annuity as one would receive during a month with 31 days. Regardless it is an annuity that compares with no other in the work force today. For this very reason we must continue to watch for any entity or person in the Congress who may have designs on our railroad retirement trust fund. NARVRE is the only manner in which we may continue to protect, promote and preserve our monthly annuity. And, sad to say the only manner in which this protection may survive is to increase the numbers in the NARVRE organization. It is as simple as that. We are sure you have heard this before. There are many ways to think about it too. The following paragraphs may be new to your thinking. We hope so. Just think about it!! 

If NARVRE is to grow now and in the future we must take action now. If we are to grow and increase membership - it must start from within. Members who are already in the fold and participating in the progress we have made thus far. And they must tell others about NARVRE and what it may do for a member and his/her spouse who participates in the programs. There are so many benefits to talk about. Sure we hear this all the time. I tried but no one will listen. This is true - we play golf, visit with friends, go to church, socialize with others who we worked with --- but, when it comes to talking about an organization that protects our very livelihood, our monthly annuity, everyone wants to turn a deaf ear. Activity of this nature must cease and it begins with those who belong to NARVRE. We must connect with and develop a relationship with railroad retirees and their spouse.  There are many widows who are totally unaware of our interests in protecting their annuity. This area must be cultivated too. Many widows and/or surviving spouse are just waiting to talk to someone. And they will show an interest if they have someone reflect the real story of NARVRE and what benefits may be derived. A simple application and invitation to participate, in many instances, is all it will take.

Nothing is automatic!! It takes time and as retirees we always have time on our hands. If you do not then you are keeping busy and that is the most important ingredient to a long retirement. One must always keep both their mind and their body busy. It makes a difference in your total outlook on life and retirement. What can one talk about to a prospective NARVRE Member? There are many different areas. First, tell them about the opportunity to meet with others who have similar problems that all retirees face. Tell them there is a solution too. One does not have to sit home and worry about what to do. NARVRE officers are well versed on the avenues to protect the benefits of the retiree and his/her spouse. And protection is needed in almost every area of concern. Ask if they ever received a notice from the Railroad Retirement Board about their pension. The amount they receive or has there been a question about their receiving too much in their monthly annuity. This seems simple, but - if the annuitant pays back one dollar they forfeit their right to appeal to the Board. This is just one area of concern many retirees have no knowledge of. It makes a difference.

Another example is the possible use of Prescription drugs that may adversely affect your health. And there are many. Just to name a few; Accutane, Bard Composix Kugel Mesh Patch, Digitek, Duragesic Pain Patch, Nuva Ring. and Trasylol just to name a few, There are many others. As a retiree has rights under the law (Railroad Retirement Act) they also have legal rights under the law. NARVRE has a legal counsel designated to protect our members and their family when there are areas of concern. One need not wonder where to go or who to contact. THE MOODY LAW FIRM (Yes it is a new name for the firm) has assisted thousands of our members over the years since being designated Asbestos Counsel for NARVRE in 1998 BY National Convention Action. Yes these names of bad Pharmaceuticals are strange. A complete list of same and effects they may have on your body may be obtained by just writing to the Past President. (35239 Greenwich Avenue, North Ridgeville, OH 44039. Via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call toll free (877) 839-6261. Also at (800) 793 4816 

We continue in address these and other issues pertaining to the retiree community during the sessions of our INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS held in conjunction with NARVRE and the MOODY LAW FIRM.  On March 10 we will be in La Grande, OR to make a presentation of the Charter to NARVRE Unity 089. This large unit in the northwest blossomed as a result of the complete and untiring cooperation of Larry J. Romine, Unit 089 President. This is a true story of unselfish cooperation offered the NARVRE organization in starting this impressive unit in La Grande. On March 11 we will be in Hermiston, OR for an informational meeting to begin at 10:00 a. m. at the Oxford Suites, 1050 North First Street in Hermiston. 

When we indicate "we" it is important to note National President Thomas "Tom" Dwyer from Coon Rapids, MN will attend to present the Charter. Also attending will be "Maggie" Haverfield, Area Seven Director and Don Cain, Assistant Area Seven Director, both from Spokane, WA. In discussing the Charter Meeting with Larry Romine, he was impressed that such officers of NARVRE would be attending the function in La Grande. We are sincerely impressed with the total indication of cooperation from the members of the new Unit in La Grande.

"Whitey" Westphal