August "Whitey" Westphal, Past President   --    February 2012

We begin this early month in 2012 by planning for the year and a positive outlook for both NARVRE and the Moody Law Firm. The total membership is blessed with the protection that is offered free of charge and very valuable to all concerned. It is the same old story and used many times when a person is adversely affected and seeks out assistance to aid their cause. "I did not know that we were covered" - "When did this take placed?"-"Do we have to be a member of NARVRE to take advantage of this benefit?" 

We are still getting calls from those who belong and some that do not belong asking about an alleged ovefrp0ayment notice from the Railroad Retirement Board. This is very unfortunate indeed. Some even begin to repay an alleged overpayment. If this is the case, the member is in serious shape. The rule applies, if the alleged repayment begins to be paid back, even if it is only a minimum payment, the right to appeal is waived. Yes, this is true. In the event you should be so unfortunate ass to receive such an overpayment notice. Do not, and we repeat do not begin to repay the alleged overpayment. After all nothing will be done until you act. Just do not act hastily or without thinking.

We continue to express this waning and would you b believe it still happens and the member dies not want to talk about it. Keep in mind these three important facts about an alleged overpayment: 1.Did I know about the overpayment? 2. Did you cause the alleged overpayment? and 3. Will it adversely affect you if you have to pay it back? These are very important questions and are those that must be answered in any appeal of the alleged overp0ayment. National President Tom Dwyer is handling those that surface now and as National Past President I am still handling one matter that has been ongoing since 2008. (The Lifetime Member involved has been advised we do not anticipate such a period of time.) In dealing with the Board one never knows.

Many questions, some the sane as are outlined above, will be presented during the Informational Meetings held in 2012. We, therefore, must keep up to date on the issues that are and will be affecting the membership of NARVRE. Even non-members will attend the meetings and have the same problem with their monthly annuity. The sad part is, if there were not the Informational Meetings, the affected retiree, or widow would remain uninformed.

The Moody Law Firm, designated counsel for NARVRE continues their pledge to assist in this very important venture of Informational Meetings involving NARVRE, its Officers and Members. New Members for NARVRE continue to surface and they immediately are shocked so much protection is available for a small annual fee. In only a brief three (3) months elected Delegates will meet in Minneapolis, MN for our National Convention. Everyone is shocked to learn what is available at the national Convention and the information that is disseminated first hand. The Moody Law Firm will be in attendance and will bring first hand information to those attending.

Our current schedule for Informational Meetings begins March 1 in Fresno, CA with the regular meeting of Unit 60 in Fresno, CA President Don Heffernan has invited us to participate in the March Meeting. On March 2, we will address the regular meeting of Unit 65 in Roseville, CA The invitation has been coordinated by Jackie Kuehl, Treasurer and Assistant Director in Area eight. Unit 65 President George Erickson has always expressed a ready welcome for NARVRE Officers to attend their monthly meetings. The Unit meetings are attended in connection with the schedule arranged by Are Eight Director "Bob" Bloomer. We will be chartering new Units of NARVRE; Stockton, CA Unit 39 on March 3, Las Vegas Unit 44 on March 5, Sun City, AZ Unit 48 on March 6 and San Bernardino, CA Unit 40 on March 7. Needless to say this will be a very busy week and we are taking advantage of the opportunity of being in the West for both The Moody Law Firm and NARVRE. We will be pleased to report on our success with the new Units in the March issue of our Web Page. Interested railroad retirees are urged to attend and participate in the meetings scheduled. There is no cost to participate and you may learn it is an advantage to belong to NARVRE.

Since 1998, when Will Moody was appointed the Designated Legal Counsel for NARVRE we have kept the membership informed as to the protection that us available. As a reminder, if you worked in the "steam era" you may have been exposed to a myriad of exposure form this very dangerous mineral. Used by the railroads in many areas of the operation, thousands were exposed but have no knowledge as to the effect it may have on their health. Statistics prove the mineral may be inhaled into your system and lodge there for up to forty (40) years or more. Then the employee becomes short of breath, it is difficult for them to do those thing retirees enjoy and serious effects are reflected upon the body. At this point in time it is important that you contact the Moody Law Firm to be sure you are protected under the law. That is right; the Federal Law that protected you when you were working also protects you and your family when you are retired. There are restrictions and time limits. For this very reason it is important you contact the Moody Law Firm who are experts in this field of endeavor. You will be informed and your rights will be protected. It costs you nothing. Simply call Toll Free (800 793 - 4816 and speak to a trained expert who will answer your questions and furnish printed information to assure you of the protection that is available for you.

Your home health is also a great concern of the Moody Law Firm and every railroad retiree, spouse and family member should take advantage of this service. It is not only for NARVRE members. This is another avenue to gain new members for your unit. Tell them about the legal representation that is available by just becoming a member of NARVRE... Prescription Drugs, regardless of who prescribes them are a danger if they are such that may cause serious harm to the family. And there are many on the market today that are in this category.

If you are experiencing ant change in your lifestyle, which may be due to your Prescription Drug intake, place your mind at ease by calling toll free (800) 793-4816. A trained technician will speak with you and make a record of your concern.

Recently a new problem has presented itself to the female members of the NARVRE organization. In this day of advancement in the medical field the use of Transvaginal Mesh has been placed in use for the repair of Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) in women. Should any concern be raised in your local Unit in this area the members should call The Moody Law Firm Toll Free (800) 793-4816 and speak with a female technician who will have your interest first in mind. Remember ... there is no need to worry about an issue. Make the call and place your mind at ease. There will be no charge for the discussion you have with the technician.

At press time e have been advised of a new and dangerous drug Actos  has been diagnosed  as beng associated with an increased effect on bladder cancer. In the event you have taken Actors and have developed any symptoms of Bladder cancer, you should contact the Moody Law Firm at 1-(800) 793 -4816.It is in your best interest.

We are pleased to cooperate with NARVRE Area Directors, Units of NARVRE and those concerned with obtaining material for distribution to the Members at a NARVRE Meeting. All you need to do is call Toll Free (800) 793-4816 or my Cell Phone (440) 452-8427.

August "Whitey" Westphal, Past President

Retiree Representative, Moody Law Firm