August “Whitey” Westphal, Past National President                                   July, 2010

Remember the “Dog Days of summer”? They are upon us now and the heat is beginning to tell across the country. Regardless of the temperature we must continue in our efforts to guard our Railroad Retirement Annuity. After all, this is the principle we have always alluded to in every meeting held with railroad retires. Of course, there are other duties we must continue to watch during the heated days and nights of summer. Our fellow retirees who may live alone and do not have siblings to check in on them every day or evening. Just to see if they are alright and are drinking plenty of water to eliminate dehydration. In this day and age it seems so ridiculous to have to do this type of checking on our friends and neighbors. But it is a fact of life and everyone should take particular caution to see that others. In addition to ourselves, are watching out for the slightest chance of anyone getting too hot or too dried out.

We mentioned in our June letter of the plans to attend meetings in the Northwest. These were great meetings and provided an excellent opportunity to visit with Unit Officers and the Webmaster for the instant web page. Both National President Tom Dwyer and the undersigned visited with Mr. John Drake who enlightened us both as to the content of the Webpage and what may be done to improve it for both Non-members as well as the membership of NARVRE. We are looking forward to changes in format, etc., which will make the page more attractive and useful for the membership of NARVRE. After all, it will not be long before we will need this type of communication with the Congress. Have you tried the “contacts” page to see how easy it is the write and/or communicate with Members of the Congress? No stamps and no long distance call charges. Oh yes – we still have the toll-free numbers for your use in contacting a member of the Congress on issues concerning your benefits. Copy them now or save a copy of this webpage. The numbers are 877-668-3864 and 877-668-3866.

Members of NARVRE were impressed with the information related by National President Tom Dwyer and the undersigned. It is gratifying to address and respond to retirees who have a real knowledge of what is facing them in the future. At both Coeur‘d Alene, ID and Spokane, WA the membership expressed a real sense of satisfaction with the organization. We stressed the need for continued activity to increase the membership of NARVRE in both Idaho and Washington. In Richland, WA we were able to conduct the important informational meeting for those who do not belong to the NARVRE organization. Or any organized group to allow them to be informed on the issues facing railroad retirees and their spouse. The attendance was impressive and regardless of many who did not have notice of the meeting, information was taken by those in attendance with the thought of informing them of the issues and asking them to join NARVRE. With the cooperation of Mr. Jerry Lukins, we believe we have an excellent opportunity to start a new Unit of NARVRE in the areas. The real interest is there and there are those who have the knowledge in how to organizing retirees who are in the area. We are fully aware we cannot just drop in on a number of retirees and expect them to “jump through hoops” and start a Unit. It takes time and we have that on our side. But for Retirees under the Act, the time may be short lived.

National Legislative Director Gary Faley and National President Tom Dwyer have, in their special manner, outlined the need to be concerned with the creation of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform. We, as retirees are familiar with ”Commission” activities and should be no less concerned with this new Commission established by Executive Order of the President. In plain words, they studied the Railroads, Railroad Retirement, and the “Notch” Babies and we must be greatly concerned with this new Commission in that they are studying ways to reduce the deficit, etc. When they begin to study these issues and bring up Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid Railroad Retirees must be concerned. As we all know, Railroad Retirement and Social Security are inter connected via the Financial Interchange between the two segments of retiree funds. When they study Social Security they could well observe the Railroad Retirement Trust Fund. At the stated balance of approximately $25.2 billion the Commission Members may salivate over the fact they could attack this fund to assist in reducing the deficit. We do not want them to even think about this action, now or in the future. Railroad Retirees have faced this dilemma on three different occasions before. Each time railroad retirees came to the front and we were successful in defeating an action of this nature. But this takes time and effort. The time is there for retirees, however, there must be many, many retirees taking action with the Commission Members. We must be organized and be ready for the opportunity when the call comes for action. And the call will come in the event of any notion by the Commission to attack our Railroad Retirement Trust Fund. Calling Committees must be organized in each Unit of NARVRE. Let the word spread as fast as possible. The message for the Congress and the Commission will be clear.

Leave Railroad Retirement Alone.  – If it ain’t broke – Don’t fix it.

In the preparation of this webpage we also received a notice from Don Stier, President of Unit 41, Louisville, KY who advised his wife was advised to take the drug Fosamax. This is a prescription drug which is used primarily for the treatment of osteoporosis, a condition resulting in the loss of bone density, and Paget’s disease, where a break down in bone tissue occurs with resulting abnormal bone reformation. It can be administered either orally of intravenously. Mrs. Stier was placed on the drug and then stopped taking it due to abnormal actions observed. President Stier attended the National Convention at which time Designated Counsel Willard Moody outlined the concerns by those using such dangerous drugs such as Fosamax, Tardive Dyskinesia and Regula.

Such medications and prescriptions may seem strange to NARVRE Members, however, they may be made clear by contacting the MOODY LAW FIRM at 1-(800) 793 – 4816. One need only call and talk to a qualified representative on the issues. Your questions will be answered in an orderly fashion with no pressure whatsoever. This is a service provided by the MOODY LAW FIRM who provide additional service for NARVRE Members and do so in a fashion which does not include any type of pressure tactics whatsoever.

Repeating information which has been outlined previously insofar as Asbestos exposure is concerned is not uncommon in the industry. It always bears repeating. Your health and the protection of your family is important to NARVRE and the MOODY LAW FIRM. In the event you worked in the steam era and/or worked around the shops or repair tracks there is a chance you may have been exposed to asbestos fibers in the air. It is not uncommon and one should be sure about your exposure to this dangerous mineral. It only takes a short time and a minimal x-ray provided by the MOODY LAW FIRM at no cost to the person involved. How does one take advantage of this opportunity? Just call 1-(800) 793-4816.  Again, a skilled representative of the Firm will visit with you, discuss the issues and make the necessary arrangements for your x-ray.  Not in an adjacent city but in your local community. In the event you are aware of others who have the same concerns, tell them about the opportunity available to them. You will be doing them a favor and have the sense of satisfaction of knowing you have assisted someone who was unaware of the opportunity for the screening.

August W. “Whitey” Westphal, Past National President

Retiree Representative, Moody Law Firm