Past President August "Whitey" Westphal      September, 2010

We are entering into the fall of the year and activities continue within NARVRE to increase membership in the organization. This activity is important in that we lose members to the passing of time due to the nature and age of the members. We are aware of this fact and continue to urge our Unit Officers and others to extend a welcome to any retiree or a worker who is contemplating retirement. In a recent visit to Unit 109 in St. Paul, MN I worked with the Designated Counsel for Asbestos Will Moody of the MOODY LAW FIRM who spoke at length on the adverse effect Asbestos and Prescription Drugs may have on the NARVRE family and railroad retirees in general. Many serious questions were raised by those attending the meeting. This type of exchange is good for the members asking the questions and individuals attending. In the process of the meeting the question of increased membership was raised and the unit accepted the recommendation of the Board of Directors in appointing Richard Raatz as the Membership Chairman. The Unit also adopted a plan to support the membership chairman. This is what it takes and "Dick" Raatz is moving ahead with a plan.

We have received information to the effect  cooperation is being established with Area Eight Director "Bob" Bloomer in California who is progressing with a like action in that state. This is virgin territory in the Los Angeles, CA area. In my career with NARVRE I do not recall any action being taken in the LA area to increase membership in NARVRE. As the Retiree Representative of the MOODY LAW FIRM we are pleased to cooperate in the new membership drive initiated by Area Eight Director "Bob" Bloomer. To gain the greatest results and productivity in an effort, we have established a tour beginning in Kansas City, KS on Tuesday October 12 visiting Unit 90 and in Kansas City, MO on Wednesday October 13 and in Burbank, CA on October 16 where "Bob Bloomer has organized a Retiree Luncheon. To present the most positive presentation, National Officers will also attend. With National President Tom Dwyer will also be the new National Secretary Treasurer Richard L. Duley and National Vice President George Wisdom will attend. Needless to say "this is bringing the Organization to the membership". 

What may the members of NARVRE do to assist in this presentation?  Contact a friend who is a railroad retiree and who does not belong to NARVRE. Ask him/her to join you in learning what is the greatest concern for railroad retirees. After all, there is no other place to learn this information. NARVRE is the only proud organization that is Federally Chartered and has a sole purpose; To Protect, Promote and Preserve our Railroad Retirement Pension System.

We are privileged to be able to attend an participate in the Annual Luncheon and Reunion of the Chicago Chapter of the C.& N. W. Railway Veterans Association on Saturday September 25 in Des Plaines, IL. It will be held at the Des Plaines Elks Lodge, 493 Lee Street in Des Plaines. The program begins with a social hour at 12:00 and the meeting begins at 1:00 P.M. This Representative has been an employee of and on the roster of the C. & N.W.  beginning in 1945.  A review of the C. & N.W. Veterans Web Site reflects an advertisement for NARVRE which has been updated for current National Officers and National Office location.

For future reference we are planning to attend the Luncheon Meeting for Railroad retirees in the Selma, California area on November 13. This area will encompass the retirees from Bakersfield, CA and Stockton, California. Area Eight Director "Bob" Bloomer continues his efforts to increase membership and expand the availability of the NARVRE Organization. The MOODY LAW FIRM is pleased to support these efforts and to participate in the new ventures promoted by the Area Eight Director.

National President Tom Dwyer will attend the meetings with us and we will continue our collective efforts following the Selma, CA Luncheon. We will travel to Denver, CO and then to Raton, NM where we plan to present an Informational Meeting on Monday November 15. We will present a continuing Informational Meeting in Trinidad, CO on November 16 and attend the regular Unit Meeting of Unit 99 in La Junta, Co on November 17. Area Six Director Roger Barr will assist in the Colorado Meetings.  Note:  Location and times for Informational Meetings will be provided later.

The support of the MOODY LAW FIRM makes these meetings possible and again indicates the complete cooperation of the MOODY LAW FIRM in returning to the organization benefits which have been derived from their appointment as designated legal counsel for Asbestos.

The important testing for Asbestos related diseases continues as more and more "steam era" retirees recognize the importance of being tested. Keep in mind the effects of Asbestos may involve many years in your career and into your retirement years. The records indicate it may be as many as 10- 15-20 to 35 years or more before the effects of ingesting Asbestos Fibers into your lungs, simply by breathing in the fibers while working near locomotives, steam pipes in offices and in car shops where the Asbestos is present. Train personnel working on the caboose cars were exposed to Asbestos when riding in the caboose between stations. Remember -when the slack would run in or out, the caboose was jarred and a fine dust came from around the caboose stove? That was Asbestos fibers. You may have breathed them into your lungs and were totally unaware of the danger to your system. A free x-ray will disclose the damage. A qualified "B" reader may provide the testimony disclosing the damage to your lungs from the fibers. Need more information? Call 1- (800) - 793 - 4816. Talk to a trained expert in this field. It is worth your time to know for sure!!

Do you read magazines and/or newspapers? We are sure you do in the normal activity of a retiree. Do you recall reading about a newly developed Prescription Drug on the market? We are sure you have - but have given it little thought in your daily activity.  Few if any people take the time to read all the fine print. It is the nature of the beast. There are many listed and claims to provide a quick cure or at least a relief from the pain you may be suffering. Raptiva for Psoriasis - Fosamax for the treatment of   Osteoporosis --  Reglan for Tardive Dyskinesia . The latest - Avandia for Diabetes where a marked increase in high blood pressure and heart attacks have been noted. Even three deaths have been attributed to Avandia. A serious and dangerous activity in Prescription Drugs and there use.

The questions always arise;  what can I do about bad drugs? What recourse do I have to protect my health? What rights do I have to protect my  interests? Who can I really trust in any proposed legal action? The answers to these questions are clear!!!

The MOODY LAW FIRM has experienced and trained personnel to respond to your          questions and guide you through the technical process of seeking the proper and rightful protection you deserve. Please do not take this warning lightly. In the event you have questions Please call 1 (800) 793 - 4816.

Your proper and legal representation is our sole interest and concern!!

August "Whitey" Westphal, Past President

Retiree Representative, the MOODY LAW FIRM