By Nathan Hardin
nhardin@salisburypost.com
The National Active and Retired Employees Association Salisbury Chapter No. 0720 had it’s 50th anniversary meeting at Rufty Holmes Senior Center on Monday.
Mayor Susan Kluttz was the guest speaker and gave an official proclamation that Monday be National Active and Retired Federal Employees Day in Salisbury.
“I am extremely appreciative to Mayor Kluttz (for) recognition of the chapter, as well as the continuous progress and success of our local chapter,” said Annie Boone-Carroll, chapter president.
The original charter issued on June 15, 1959, included 14 members. The chapter currently has 128 members and is looking to expand.
The association “is the only organization that exists to protect the earned benefits of federal retirees,” explained Elaine Hughes, N.C. Federation of Chapters president.
It has helped stop reductions in federal civilian retirement benefits and continues efforts to fend off cuts to the Medicare and Social Security programs.”I’m so proud of this chapter and the support of the federation,” Carroll said.
The majority of the Salisbury Chapter is made up of retirees from the W.G. “Bill” Hefner VA Medical Center. Members expressed appreciation to Rick Eldridge, director of Rufty Holmes Senior Center, for allowing them to meet there on the third Monday of every month.
To learn more about the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, call 800-456-8410 or visit the national Web site at www.ncnarfe.org.