Wingdings'>v                  As we get older, our bodies get shorter and our anecdotes get longer.

National Legislation

With the first of eight calendar quarters behind it, the 109^th Congress finds itself, as usual, snarled in partisan rancor, with political disagreements impeding a deal of work.  A few things have been accom-plished, but I suspect reform of the bankruptcy laws wasn’t high on the agenda of many NARFE folk.

Several bills have been introduced that bear on NARFE issues.  We now have complementary bills that would repeal both the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP).  H.R. 147 by Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon (R-CA) has been picking up co-sponsorship rapidly, and it is matched in the Senate by S. 619, sponsored by Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-CA).  The Californians have many people in their State and local governments (including teachers) affected by the GPO and WEP, and many are well disposed toward NARFE’s position on those issues.  Unfortunately, the Californian with the greatest influence on Social Security matters is Rep. Bill Thomas (R-CA), chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, who is not so well disposed.  The increase in 10-year cost estimates for these bills (from $60 billion in the last Congress to $70 billion now) is not likely to improve his outlook. 

Premium Conversion is the second issue that has complementary bills in both the House and Senate, both sponsored by Virginians, Rep. Tom Davis (R-11^th), and Sen. John Warner (R).  The bills are H.R. 994 and S. 484.  For some reason Premium Conversion did not receive much early support from the rest of the Virginia delegation, but Reps. Thelma Drake, Randy Forbes, and Virgil Goode, and Sen. George Allen all signed up as co-sponsors recently.  As of this writing (May 5), Reps. Bobby Scott, Bob Goodlatte, Eric Cantor, and Rick Boucher were still outstanding.  I hope constituents of those gentlemen will diplomatically seek their support, so that Virginia’s Congressional delegation will once again show 100 percent co-sponsorship for Premium Conversion.

The third issue addressed by bills in both houses is the WEP.  Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) have introduced bills (H.R. 1714 and S. 866) which would alter the WEP significantly.  The bills’ titles claim to repeal the WEP, but in fact they would revise or reform it.  The bills propose a complex revision of the WEP formula, and its effect on people subject – or potentially subject – to the WEP is currently uncertain.  I hope to get more information about these bills in the near future, and will distribute what I find out by the VANARFE net.

Other bills have been introduced in the House, but have no corresponding measures in the Senate.  They include taking the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund off-budget (Rep. Michael Bilirakis, R-FL), premium share shift to increase the federal contribution for FEHBP premiums to 80 percent (Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-MD), tax relief for retirees paying long term care premiums (Rep. Terry Lee, R-NE), and a provision to allow re-employed FERS employees to replace, and earn credit for, retirement contributions which may have been withdrawn (Rep. James Moran, D-VA).

In sum, if you live in the 3^rd, 6^th, 7^th, or 9^th Districts, please call or write your Congressman and ask him to co-sponsor H.R. 994.  If you don’t, please call or write your Congressman/Congresswoman and thank him or her for that support.

v     I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done. Andy Rooney

STATE LEGISLATION REPORT

Since Carroll Graham, our new State Legislation Chair, is in the process of getting organized, Oscar Honeycutt is on vacation, and there are deadlines to meet, I get the opportunity to comment on some important matters of state (Virginia, that is).

First, an important reminder from VFC 1^st VP Dave Smith that there will be Republican and Democratic primaries throughout Virginia on Tuesday, June 14, 2005.  According to our information, you must declare which primary you wish to vote in.  You will not be able to vote in both primaries.

You may recall that during the 2005 Virginia General Assembly session, the Virginia Federation supported legislation to improve senior benefits and to regulate nursing homes, assisted living facilities and at-home-care.  It appears that we will continue to support this type of legislation in 2006.

In addition, the attendees at the April 2005 State Convention unanimously adopted a resolution to “initiate action in the General Assembly to cap real estate assessments for persons aged 65 and older who own and occupy their residences, and that such cap remain in effect until the real property ownership is transferred, at which time any new assessment would take effect.”  (Submitted by Chapter 1823, Northern Neck and modified on the floor.)

Both candidates for Governor, Tim Kaine and Jerry Kilgore, have their own proposals for real estate tax relief.  However, according to staff people in Richmond, in discussion with Oscar Honeycutt and Carroll Graham, it was

pointed out that any constitutional changes (which this would be) requires passage two years in a row in the General

Assembly and a referendum before Virginia voters.  It appears that the only realistic way senior citizens are going to get real estate tax relief any time soon is through their local governments.

Last, but not least, an interesting survey of political insiders, including members of Congress, was taken recently by The National Journal, a nonpartisan weekly.  (If you have never heard of this publication, it may be because a yearly subscription costs around $1,800.)  The political insiders were asked to rank the top five contenders for their party’s 2008 Presidential nominations.  The GOP respondents picked Virginia Senator George Allen as number one.  Senator John McCain (Arizona) came in second, and Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (TN) came in third.  On the Democratic side, Senator Hillary Clinton (NY) was first, former Senator John Edwards (NC)  was second, and Virginia Governor Mark Warner was third! 

Since only Virginia and New Jersey will elect governors this year, the media coverage will drive politics in the commonwealth to a new level.  In addition, with two major political players involved in national politics, every legislative issue for the next several years, voted up or down, in Virginia will reflect favorably or otherwise on our two “favorite sons.”  Could be good, could be bad for Virginia’s citizens.  Stay alert and stay tuned!

Vince Agnelli, VFC 2^nd VP for J. Carroll Graham

VFC Convention News

The 51st Annual VFC Convention was held April 25-27, 2005 at the Holiday Inn Select Koger Center in Midlothian with the theme “A Salute to our Chapters – The Grass Roots.”  There were over 300 registered delegates, delegates at large and guests with actual attendance reaching 267 representing 54 of the 56 chapters in Virginia.

There were three special convention speakers: Lt. Governor Tim Kaine, Former Attorney General Jerry Kilgore and Gary Powers, Jr. (son of the noted POW).  Both Kaine and Kilgore thanked the delegates for their service to the country and gave an overview of their platforms for making improvements in the State of Virginia if elected as Governor in the fall.  Mr. Powers was the convention banquet speaker and he provided information about his father as a U-2 pilot and POW.  He also talked about the Cold War Museum that he is in the process of establishing.

Congressman Tom Davis (VA-11) again hosted a reception for convention attendees.  State Senator Jeanne Marie Devolites-Davis accompanied him.  Both gave brief remarks to the delegates and guests.

In appreciation for accepting the challenges of Chapter leadership, the VFC Executive Board hosted a breakfast  saluting the Federation’s Chapter Presidents, with 46 of the 56 Presidents in attendance.

Federation executive officers elected were Ann Collins, President; Dave Smith, 1^st VP; Vince Agnelli, 2^nd VP; Bob Miller, Secretary; and Bob Basford, Treasurer.  Current Area Vice Presidents re-elected in caucus sessions were:

I-Ralph Hoyle, II-Ernest Kerekes, III-Bob Boyd, V-Jim Nobles, VII-Glenn Zech, VIII-Bill Martin, IX-Bill Masterson.  New AVPs elected were VI-Elaine Caudill and X-Bill Willis.  Area IV did not elect a new AVP during their caucus.

Appointments for Committee Chairs are: Membership- Dennis Martin; Public Relations - Carolyn Wilson; National Legislation – Charles Delaplane; State Legislation – Carroll Graham; Alzheimer’s – Wilton Ward and Pre-Retirement Coordinator – Barbara Nugent.  An appointment is still pending for Service.  National Legislation

 Major emphasis for the 109^th Congress is to retain current benefits in health and annuities; passage of premium conversion (S 484 Sen. John Warner and HR 994 Rep. Tom Davis); elimination of WEP and GPO (S 619 Dianne Feinstein, D-CA and HR 147 Buck McKeon R-CA).  Contacts with our Senators and Representatives are really needed.

Membership Recruitment and Retention - While most of the federations are losing members, Virginia held fast; however, we did not experience anticipated growth.  Year 2004 started with 19,820 members and ended with 20,076.  One new chapter Falls Run 2343 was established in July.  Recognition was given to top chapter percentage recruitment: Falls Run, Manassas, Suffolk, Midlothian, and Piedmont.  Recognition was given for top chapters with members switching to dues withholding: Peninsula, Midlothian, Charlottesville, Colonial Beach, Harrisonburg, Dulles, and Colonial Heights.  The program book contained a list of the 19 top individual recruiters during 2004; however, Marie Collins, VFC Pre-Retirement Coordinator was way ahead with 63 persons recruited.

There were seven resolutions presented for decision during the convention. They are as follows:

VFC-05-R-1 – Clarify Area Caucus Balloting – Adopted to replace Bylaws Article V, Section 8 with clarification concerning voice voting when only one nomination for AVP or Nomination Committee and requiring balloting by chapter strength when there are two or more nominations for a position.

VFC-05-R-2 – Cap on Real Estate Tax Assessments for Senior Home Owners – Adopted as amended to initiate action to pursue legislation in the General Assembly to cap real estate assessments for persons age 65 and over who own and occupy their residences, until such time as property ownership is transferred.

Resolution (no number) – Adopted that the official name of NARFE be legally changed in the VFC Constitution and Bylaws to National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association.

Resolution (no number) – Adopted to amend Bylaws Article I, Section 2 to require payment of chapter dues by May 31^st each year instead of June 30^th.

Three other resolutions presented were defeated that related (1) to significantly change the VFC organization; (2) to establish new procedures for dealing with changes in committee position proposals; and (3) to initiate action to pursue legislation to develop an interstate railway network and support a complementary interstate highway system at the national level.

Virginia Quilt Drawing – Advance ticket sales for NARFE-FEEA resulted in $2,510, exceeding the $2,000 goal.  Tickets were also offered at the Convention to benefit Alzheimer’s Research resulting in another $526 for the quilt campaign.  All of the drawing tickets were combined in a container and  Gail Martin, one of the quilters from Louisa Chapter 2065, drew the winning ticket.  NARFE-FEEA contributor,  Betty Atkinson from Seaside Chapter 1827, was the lucky lady!

Winner of the Holiday Inn  Select lodging package certificate (over $200 value) was Willie Cole, Colonial Heights Chapter 1472. 

The Memorial Service included recognition of 336 NARFE members in the 56 Virginia chapters who passed away during the past year.

Alzheimer’s – The 2004 goal of $45,000 was exceeded with $49,106 contributed.  Special recognition was given to three chapters that raised over $5,000:  Midlothian, Winchester and Woodbridge. The committee has established $55,000 as the 2005 goal.  Funds raised for Alzheimer’s:  50/50 ticket sales $600; silent auction $1,700. Contributions to the Jim Richards Memorial Fund for Alzheimer’s have now reached $5,025. 

For more information from committees, see other articles in this newsletter.

Alzheimer’s News

We had a good time at the convention overall, especially so for Alzheimer's. The response to the silent auction, the quilt raffle and the 50-50 was exceptional. 58 items were donated for the silent auction. Betty Atkinson, chapter 1827-Seaside- was the quilt winner.

The net processes for Alzheimer's totaled $2685.00; $1754.00 from the silent auction, $531.00, from the quilt raffle, $300.00 from the 50-50 and a GEHA donation of $100.00.

A hardy thanks goes to all who contributed items and to those who bought items and tickets. A special thanks goes to all those who assisted with the silent auction and ticket sales. It would not have been a success without your help.

The VFC Alzheimer's Committee meeting was well attended-36 attendees representing 21 chapters. The open discussion covered many Alzheimer's related items and chapter involvement the committee established a VFC goal of $55,000 for Alzheimer's research in calendar year 2005.the 2004 goal was $45,000 and the year end total donated was $49,160.00.

The Midlothian, Winchester, Woodbridge, Northern Neck and Louisa chapters received citations during the convention for their exceptional efforts in fund raising.

Substantial research is growing for prevention and a cure for Alzheimer's, a long and expensive process. A total of five NARFE sponsored projects have been approved in the past year or so.

There has been an outpouring of memorial gifts for Alzheimer's in memory of Jim Richards, Falls Run chapter 2343, a long time, very active supporter of NARFE and a past VFC president. The total of the gifts at this time writing is $5400.

Again, thanks to all who help make our Alzheimer's program a success in Virginia.

Wilton Ward, VFC Alzheimer's Chair

Area I Report

The VFC 2005 Convention in Richmond was most successful and is now history.  We had interesting speakers in former Attorney General Jerry Kilgore and Lt Governor Tim Kaine, bid farewell to the outgoing VFC President Joe Beaudoin, and welcomed his successor, Ann Collins. We were encouraged that the statewide turnout was larger than last year, with approximately 300 members and guests registered. The Area I part of this total was disappointing, however, with only 18 members and guests registered. Considering the close proximity of Richmond to Area I, we should be able to do better than that. Area I did assist in providing support for the Convention with Janie Michel, Chapter 682, as Convention Treasurer and myself , Chapter 685, as Convention Data Base Manager.  

I’m sorry to report that Joanne Brummel, President, Middle Peninsula Chapter 1757, has been quite sick, with an undiagnosed illness, and is slowly recovering at her sister’s home. If you would like to send her a card, her sister’s address is 7967 Pinetta Road, Gloucester VA 23061. I’m sure she would enjoy hearing from you.

In the area of legislation, , a bus trip was made to Richmond in January 2005 to visit state legislators and attend a session of the General Assembly. Also, 3 members from Area I attended the National Legislative Conference in Northern Virginia in February 2005.  We are continuing our efforts to meet with our representatives in the General Assembly and Congress to keep them aware of NARFE’s legislative objectives.

In Area I we have been concentrating on membership recruiting and  retention. As requested by the VFC, Chapter 682 hosted a “jump start” meeting of current federal employees in October 2004. A total of 28 employees attended the meeting and 8 became new members. Also, Marie Collins, Chapter 682, has been busy  conducting Pre-retirement seminars and representing NARFE at local Health Fairs and successfully recruiting 63 new members. Many thanks to Marie and the Chapter 682 members for all your hard work! Also, Chapter 682 was the statewide leader in converting a  total of 47 annual renewal members to dues withholding status. 

            Area I chapter voting membership increased from 1,273 to 1,318 during the past year, an increase of 45 new members. Although we are gaining enough new members to offset deaths, non-renewals, and transfers out, we need to continue to attract more new members in 2005. My thanks to all Area 1 chapter officers and members for your hard work and support. If you have any ideas or suggestions for improving NARFE effectiveness in our area, I’d like to hear from you.

Ralph Hoyle, Area 1 VP

Area II Notes

The first and probably the most important issue we should all put on our agenda front burner is membership and member retention. First, we must realize that we are a political organization, not a social club. When we have an audience with either a state or national elected official, the first question asked is “how many members do you represent?” This question equates to votes.

The first place to start is looking for an answer is with the monthly M112 Report. The Chapter Officers should monitor the report closely and contact those who are in arrears with their dues. Find out why and offer help.  We should be contacting new members appearing on the report and invite them to our next meeting. Just think how much we could increase our membership if we could each recruit one new member.

The next important issue is to contact our own elected officials at both the state and national level. Get to know the legislative assistant on each of the elected official’s staff. Be sure to thank them if they have cosponsored bills which effect NARFE current and retired State and Federal retirees.

Your Area II V.P. has requested a meeting with Representative Thelma Drake. He is awaiting a response of a time and place when he and the Area Chapter Presidents can meet with Representative Drake to discuss of NARFE concerns.

Area II is prepared to have a table display at the upcoming State Convention for Postal Organizations. This convention will be held in Virginia Beach on June 10-12, 2005 at the new Hilton Hotel.

After our meeting with Representative Drake, I plan to meet with the area Chapter Presidents to discuss membership retention and to set obtainable, and realistic goals to the extent possible.

To those Chapters having summer outings, consider inviting potential members. Wear something when you go out in public that will advertise NARFE.

After we resume our regular meetings in September, be ready to hit the ground running with new ideas for increasing membership attendance. Have a greeting committee to welcome all attendees.

Remember what one Congress gives, the next can take away. Nothing is set in concrete. We must continue to fight to maintain what we have now and work to secure Premium Conversion, WEP and GPO relief.

For those chapters wishing to advertise their meetings and membership activities such as starting a newsletter, when properly documented, matching funds are available from national to help with expenses.

Ernie Kerekes, Area II V.P.

Area III News

The 2005 VFC Convention is over!  It is hard to believe that in 2004 I ran a hard but successful campaign to become the Area Vice President for Area III and I did it again in 2005.  Next year someone else needs to get on the campaign trail.

The year was a learning experience for me and I’m sure for the Chapters. I have learned that each Chapter is as different as the stars in the sky.  Like people the Chapters have their own personality.  Some are alive with a lot of energy and upbeat yet, others seem to be downcast and just doing their same thing again and again.  Chapters in which category are you?

During the year we asked each Chapter to develop a Chapter Membership Plan and most Chapters did.  As we enter into a new year we now need to pull those plans out to see how each Chapter did in meeting its goals.  The Area also had a Membership Plan, which will also be reviewed.

The Chapter election process was an eye opener.  Some Chapters had a nominating committee and had a slate of officers while others didn’t.  Most of the officers’ positions have now been filled.  One thing I would like to see next year is new people stepping up to take leadership positions so that we can have new ideas and new direction.

Chapter activities included trips (Chapter 1472 Colonial Heights had their first one), trading post, barbeques and breakfasts, golf tournaments etc., all in an effort to gain new members, raise money for Alzheimer’s research and to raise operating money for the Chapter.

The “Switch and Save” program was somewhat successful within the Area, but Chapter 2265 Midlothian had a very successful program.

Each Chapter has been encouraged to update its Web site and most are moving in that direction.

All of the Chapters in the Area voted to become the sponsor of the 2006 VFC Convention, which will be held again in Richmond.  I am sure that a lot of our time during next year will be spent on Convention planning.

Idle Thoughts of a Retired Person...
I had amnesia once -- or twice.
All I ask is a chance to prove that money can't make me happy.
If the world were a logical place, men would be the ones to ride horses sidesaddle. (Think about it!)

They told me I was gullible ... and I believed them.
Robert Boyd, Area 111 VP

Area V11 Report

            Area VII consists of five chapters—Charlottesville 135, Harrisonburg 163, Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro 178, Winchester 180, and Page Valley 1793.  Each Chapter was active during the quarter holding regular monthly meetings.  All Chapters elected a full slate of officers for the 2005 year.

Four members from the Area participated in the Ninth Biennial Legislation Leadership Conference, on February 27 - March 1, in Crystal City.  Stephen Bush, Joe Beaudoin, Jane Beaudoin and Glenn Zech, of Winchester Chapter 180, representing Area VII and VFC, joined nearly 300 other NARFE members at the Conference.  NARFE President Charles Fallis announced that this biennial conference would be the last one in Washington and that future National Legislation Conferences will be held in several regional locations.  This action should result in lower travel costs to Chapters and individuals and permit more officers and members to attend these informative and valuable Conferences.

            An area-wide meeting was held in Mount Crawford, on March 4, hosted by Al Lilliandahl, Harrisonburg Chapter President.  The purpose was to address generic issues and matter designed to improve the administration and operation of Chapters.  Twenty-eight Chapter Officers and Program Chairpersons participated in the meeting.  Each of the Chapter Presidents was responsible for a portion of the program.  Neil McKendry, Page Valley President conducted the opening ceremonies; Dick Taylor, Charlottesville President, conducted the session on “exchange of best ideas;” and Dick Murphy, S-A-W President chaired the session on State Legislation.  Three VFC Board Members—Joe Beaudoin, VFC President: Joan Marvel, Chairperson for Membership and Public Relations: and Allen Wright, Chairperson for State Legislation, also participated and provided extraordinary direction in addressing several agenda items.

            Dick Murphy described an innovative recruiting program sponsored by his chapter with financial support from the VFC and NARFE Headquarters.  A membership recruiting advertisement about the Chapter was attached to the front page of a popular area newspaper in the form of a stick-on label.  While the idea was innovative, it did not produce the expected results.  Experimental projects, such as this one, are learning situations from which VFC and NARFE Headquarters can benefit by knowing what works—and what doesn’t.  Appreciation goes to Dick and Chapter 178 for sponsoring this project.

The area-wide meeting followed the National Legislation Conference by a few days.  This provided an opportune occasion for Steve Bush, the Area 7 Coordinator for National Legislation, to pass along useful information gained at the Crystal City Conference.  Steve presented an informative Power Point production on key National Legislative matters. 

            Four of the five Area VII Chapters were represented at the 2005 VFC Convention in Midlothian.  I am using this opportunity to thank Chapter representatives in the Area VII caucus at the Convention for electing me to serve another year as VFC Area VII Vice President.  I plan to use my second year to make every Chapter proactive in encouraging Federal and State Legislators to enact the VFC State Legislation and NARFE National Legislation Programs.  While those are laudable and worthy goals, we will work to ensure that current retirement benefits are retained.

Glenn Zech, Area VII VP

Area VIII Report

      Area VIII was well represented at the 51^st VFC convention held the last week of April in Richmond.  Seven chapters were represented by chapter delegates and I represented the eight by proxy.  One of the most memorable events was the presentation made by Gary Powers, Jr., the son of Gary Powers, the USA U2 Pilot shot down over Russia in 1960.  For those of us old enough to remember, that was a very scary time.  Mr. Powers’s presentation was very moving and well received by all.  I am pleased to report that I was elected to represent Area VIII for another year. 

      Rather than dwell on what’s happened during the last two or three months, I would rather talk about what we need to do during the rest of this year.  Emphasis will be placed on recruitment and retention.  I will be working with each chapter to develop and/or update individual membership plans.  Several chapters are planning to participate in local fairs and other public meetings getting the word out about NARFE.  We will also be working on developing individual web pages for each chapter to include current information on chapter officers, meeting time and locations, and general information about each chapter.  We will also be sharing information on meaningful program presentations as applicable to help others increase attendance at chapter meetings.

      We will also be working with the VFC 1^st Vice President planning for the 2007 convention.  Richard Geary, President of Fredericksburg Chapter 90 introduced the desire to host the 2007 convention and Area VIII chapters agreed to participate.

Bill Martin, Area VIII Vice President

v      Remember that the most beautiful things in the world are the most useless; peacocks and lilies, for instance.   J. Ruski

Area IX Report

All Chapter Presidents in Area IX during the 2004-05 year have been working hard throughout the year to hold on to their members and to recruit new members. I have enjoyed visiting all the Chapters over the past year and I am impressed with their efforts.

Those of you who didn’t attend the National Convention last year missed a lot of fun (and some work.) I had a really good time, plus Jann and I drove to Lake Tahoe after the convention and spent a couple of enjoyable days there. I was disappointed that only Springfield and Alexandria Chapters sent delegates. However, proxies were carried for the other four chapters and voted as requested by the chapters.

There were some very good speakers at the National Legislative Training Conference. We also picked up lots of good information at the breakout sessions. On Lobby day, March 1, 2005, six members from Area IX, and 1 from Area X met with Congressman Jim Moran’s aide in the Rayburn Building and thanked them for their past support on NARFE issues and discussed current NARFE issues. They are still on board with us on the NARFE Issues.

Area IX with help from Area X set up and staffed a NARFE booth at the NOVA TRIAD Conference at Fair Oaks Holiday Inn. TRIAD brings together organizations from legal, law enforcement, and senior services (or those advocating senior issues) within VA. The TRIAD in VA is administered by the VA Attornery General’s Office.

Area IX participated along with Area X in the planning for the Northern Virginia Aging Network (NVAN) Legislative Forum and Breakfast on November 16, 2004. Don Shiffert from Woodbridge, Area IX State Legislative Coordinator, was very helpful by working with us on the planning and execution of the forum. There were 183 attendees which included 11 legislators and 8 legislative aides. Our main speaker, David Fallis, reporter for the Washington Post, gave a very good but depressing talk about the terrible shape the assisted living facilities in Virginia are in and the low quality of care received at these facilities. In the March 20 Washington Post said that David Fallis, the reporter that wrote the series on assisted living, was awarded the 2004 Heywood Brown Award for the 4-part series. NARFE Magazine along with other NARFE information brochures and applications were made available at the forum. Most were gone by the end of the breakfast. Most of you probably know that Tom Vitez, member in the Springfield Chapter died last year. A NARFE VFC $500 contribution to NVAN was designated as a memorial to Thomas G. Vitez in appreciation for his dedication to NARFE and hard work on our state legislative agenda while serving as the VFC Area IX State Legislative Coordinator. Ann Collins, VFC 1^st VP, gave a memorial tribute to Tom and recognized Mrs. Vitez’s presence at the Forum.  on April 5, 2005, VFC 1^st VP Ann Collins, VFC Legislative Chair Charles Deleplane, Annandale Chapter President George Richards and I, all from Area IX, visited Congressman Tom Davis at his office

 in the Rayburn Building. We had a very nice meeting with him. He is supporting our issues, and has sponsored the Premium Conversion again in the House, but he reminded us that the Senate Finance Committee Chairman would have to approve it before it becomes law, and we know what happened to it last year.

         I have enjoyed being Area IX Vice President over the past year and will continue as Area VP over the next year. If I can be of assistance to any member(s) in AREA IX please let me know.

AREA IX VP William Masterson

Remember our flag on Flag Day and everyday.

v       

v      There was never a person who did anything worth doing that did not receive more than he gave.