NARFE (National Active and Retired Federal Employees) was born Feb. 19, 1921, when 14 federal retirees met to form a group dedicated to improving the status of federal retirees. In 1950, local chapters were formed and the first national convention was held. NARFE emerged as the leader in securing adequate affordable health care for federal employees, retirees and their dependents in 1960.

It is an advocate for active and retired federal employees before Congress and the White House with a mission to safeguard and enhance federal employees’ health benefits, retirement benefits and pay issues.

NARFE has donated nearly $9 million toward Alzheimer’s research, created a scholarship program, developed a long-term care insurance program for federal workers and retirees, and established the NARFE-FEEA Disaster Fund.

Today NARFE works to ensure that active and retired federal employees receive not only the benefits they have earned, but also the recognition they deserve.

If you are a federal employee or retiree, your benefits are at risk. The fiscal commission’s proposals to cut federal retirement pay and health benefits could receive serious congressional consideration early in 2011. Help provide a collective voice in making a difference on Capitol Hill - join NARFE today.

To join, call 800-627-3394, go to NARFE’s website http://www.narfe.org/, or call your local chapter at 330-828-2757.

Veronica Menges

NARFE, Wayne County Chapter 2218

Dalton, Ohio