Carrier The National Rural Letter INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

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The

Vol. 108, No. 5

National Rural Letter

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: USPS Offers Another Early Retirement President Cantriel’s Congressional Testimony Free Saturday Provisions

May 2009

THE NATIONAL RURAL LETTER CARRIER Official Monthly Publication of the NATIONAL RURAL LETTER CARRIERS’ ASSOCIATION Established in 1903 1630 Duke Street Alexandria, VA 22314-3467 Tel: 703-684-5545 Web Site Address — www.nrlca.org

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

NATIONAL OFFICERS Don Cantriel, President Jeanette Dwyer, Vice President Clifford D. Dailing, Secretary-Treasurer Joey C. Johnson, Director of Labor Relations Ronnie Stutts, Director of Steward Operations Robert T. Horne, Executive Committeeman Tel: 229-228-6111 P.O. Box 7930, Thomasville, GA 31758-7930 Susan Knapp, Executive Committeeman Tel: 845-956-1117 P.O. Box 599, New Hampton, NY 10958-0599 Steven L. Traylor, Executive Committeeman Tel: 217-532-2166 P.O. Box 520, Hillsboro, IL 62049-0520 Don Maston, Executive Committeeman Tel: 661-266-3879 P.O. Box 902710, Palmdale, CA 93590-2710

LEGISLATIVE STAFF Paul Swartz, Director of Governmental Affairs Kevin P. Talley, Asst. Director of Governmental Affairs Anthony Vilardo, PAC Manager Ken Parmelee, Senior Advisor for Governmental Affairs

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Hot News

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From the Desk of President Don Cantriel NRLCA Congratulates Long-Term Employees; New Director of Workers’ Compensation Step 4 Settlement on 2008 Mail Count Lady Carrier Club Offers Graduate Scholarship New EMA Charts Released Long-Term Disability & Life Insurance Open Enrollment

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WORKERS’ COMPENSATION Devin Cassidy, Workers’ Compensation Specialist 703-684-5545 Mike Watson 503-653-2911 (Oregon)

RURAL CARRIER BENEFIT PLAN Clifford D. Dailing, Director of Health Programs Lawrence J. Waligora, Manager of Health Programs 1630 Duke Street, 2nd Floor Alexandria, VA 22314-3467 Tel: 703-684-5552

CLAIMS INQUIRY Rural Carrier Benefit Plan, P.O. Box 668329, Charlotte, NC 28266-8329 800-638-8432

RURAL CARRIER AUTO AND HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE PLANS Shirley Corno, Plan Director, 13736 Riverport Drive, Maryland Heights, MO 63043 Service: 800-325-1190 — Claims: 800-325-1088 Sales: 888-325-7727 — Homeowners: 866-366-4607

EDITORIAL STAFF – NATIONAL OFFICE Jeanette Dwyer, Editor Melissa Ray, Managing Editor/Advertising Clifford D. Dailing, Associate Editor Barbara McAdams, Auxiliary Editor POSTMASTER: SEND CHANGE OF ADDRESS TO: 1630 Duke Street Alexandria, VA 22314-3467 The National Rural Letter Carrier (SSN 0028-0089) is published monthly, by the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association, 1630 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-3467. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, VA and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to The National Rural Letter Carrier, 1630 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 223143467. It is a monthly publication for 112,000 members of the NRLCA, providing news and information for regular, substitute and retired carriers, RCRs & RCAs, the Auxiliary and Juniors. The NRLCA magazine is provided under the requirements of the NRLCA Constitution automatically to each member. It is available to surviving spouses at the rate of $20 per year and to non-rural craft persons who meet the NRLCA guidelines at the rate of $150 per year. These rates became effective January 1, 2009.

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Provident Guild Nominations Open for 2009 PAC Hall of Fame National Convention Delegate Ballot Question Box Legislative Report

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Auto Insurance Report Membership News Membership Analysis In Memoriam March PAC Contributions National Auxiliary Advertisements

FEATURED ON THIS MONTH’S COVER Texas wildflowers outside the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center, home of the 2009 National Convention. Photo by Managing Editor Melissa Ray.

HOT NEWS

N ATIONAL A UXILIARY

USPS to offer another voluntary early retirement (VER)

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he Postal Service recently received approval from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to offer another voluntary early retirement (VER) to eligible employees nationwide. This offer is open to rural carriers who meet the OPM conditions, and who are at least 50 years of age with 20 years of creditable federal service or any age with 25 years of creditable federal service. The effective retirement date of this VER is July 31, 2009. The age and years of service criteria must be met by this date. If you don’t meet the criteria by July 31, you are not eligible for voluntary early retirement. If you are VER-eligible, you will have received an annuity estimate and a VER offer packet in the mail in early April. Read through the information provided and in conjunction with the annuity estimate, make a decision whether voluntary early retirement is the best option for you. It’s important to note that required documents must be postmarked by May 15, 2009 and received at the Human Resources Shared Services Center (HRSSC) to take advantage of this VER offer. After May 15, an employee’s voluntary choice to retire becomes irrevocable (cannot be withdrawn) under this VER. After your Acknowledgement of Irrevocability and Application for Immediate Retirement forms are received at the HRSSC, you will be mailed additional forms required to complete the retirement process and information needed to schedule

May 2009

your retirement information session. The effective retirement date will be either May 31, June 30, or July 31, 2009, depending on the selection made by the VER-eligible employee. As a reminder, a voluntary early retirement is just that—voluntary. Like the previous VER offered in 2008, there will be no financial incentives offered. Please see the October 2008 National Rural Letter Carrier, pages 478-485, for a comprehensive Q & A relating to early retirement. If retirement is part of a near-future plan for you, make sure to get all the information you need to make an informed decision.

VER Information Sessions While Local Services won’t have any additional information regarding VER eligibility lists, Postal Service HQ and the HRSSC will work together to coordinate and set up information sessions to provide opportunities for Q & A dialogue. VER Information Sessions include reviews of eligibility requirements, the pre-established timeline and the Retirement Seminar DVD. Watch for local announcements within your District on times and locations.

HRSSC Assistance Please note that where the VER is concerned, the HRSSC cannot verify whether employees are on the eligibility listing or discuss individual questions/concerns until an application for early retirement is submitted and approved.

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From the Desk of NRLCA President Don Cantriel Congressional Meetings

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n March, I met with three Congressmen on Capitol Hill to speak with them about issues important to rural letter carriers. I was joined by members of the NRLCA legislative staff. Over lunch, I met with Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) and we discussed the resolution he introduced to preserve 6-day mail delivery (H. Res. 173). He expressed his support for a number of our other issues as well. Following lunch, I met with Rep. John Tanner (D-TN) about the Postal Service’s retiree health benefits obligations (H.R. 22). While on the way to our final meeting, I stopped in to see Chairman

Ed Towns (D-NY) and we briefly discussed the upcoming hearing in the House Oversight and Government Reform subcommittee on the Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and District of Columbia, where I testified on behalf of NRLCA. (See below to read excerpts from the testimony.) Following this, I met with Rep. Ike Skelton (DMO). He continues to offer support for our issues. The meetings were very successful and the opportunity to speak to these legislators one-onone proved essential to advancing our issues and cause as rural letter carriers.

Congressional Testimony on USPS Finances

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n Wednesday, March 25, I testified before the House Oversight and Government Reform subcommittee on the Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and District of Columbia at a hearing entitled, “Restoring the Financial Stability of the U.S. Postal Service: What Needs to be Done?” The subcommittee, chaired by Congressman Stephen Lynch (D-MA), is examining how the nationwide economic downturn, coupled with technological trends, has produced declining volumes and revenues for the Postal Service. Also testifying were Postmaster General Jack Potter, Postal Regulatory Commission Chairman Dan Blair, USPS Board of Governors Chairman Carolyn Gallagher, USPS Inspector General David Williams and the presidents of the seven postal union and employee organizations. The testimony can be viewed on the NRLCA website (www.nrlca.org).

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The following is an excerpt from that testimony: Chairman Lynch, and members of the Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia Subcommittee, my name is Don Cantriel, and I am President of the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association (NRLCA), representing 123,000 bargaining unit rural letter carriers. I would like to extend my thanks to the Committee for scheduling a hearing on Restoring the Financial Stability of the Postal Service. I ask that my full testimony be submitted for the record, while I give a brief summary of my statement. Mr. Chairman, as the NRLCA’s National President it is in our members’ best interests to work toward the creation of a financially stable Postal Service. Toward this end, our union has been working together with the Postal Service to establish revenue-generation programs, along with ways to reduce the costs of the USPS. One revenue generating program we use is called The National Rural Letter Carrier

The presidents of the four postal employee unions are sworn in before presenting their testimonies. From left: APWU President Bill Burrus, NALC President Bill Young, Mailhandlers President John Hegarty and NRLCA President Don Cantriel.

“Rural Reach.” To date, the rural carrier craft has already generated $26 million dollars for the Postal Service, and we fully expect that by the end of the first full year to exceed $30 million dollars in revenue for the Postal Service. Our union is the only union that can claim that actual employee wages – what an employee takes home in his or her paycheck every two weeks – is in large measure based on mail volume. Every year, rural routes are evaluated, and rural carrier salaries are established based on the work per-

resent. This year, the NRLCA had a four-week mail count during last two weeks in February and the first two weeks in March. Official results from this recently completed mail count are not available, but we are once again expecting rural route evaluations to go down – not up. The point I am making is quite simple. Our people are hurting. They are making less money or, in some cases, opting to work an additional day to make the same amount of money. It is pretty simple— reductions in rural route evaluations translate into direct savings to the Postal Service. If mail volume declines chances are very good that the Postal Service will be paying our members less because there will be less mail to deliver and collect each day. Never let it be said that rural carriers are not doing their part to help the company. We have been doing it for decades with our evaluated compensation system. If the business falters, labor costs – at least rural letter carrier labor costs – are adjusted downward. Every postal employee we represent knows – in the pocketbook – what it means for the company to be challenged by declining mail volume. The Postal Service can save literally hundreds of millions of dollars if routes are evaluated when mail volume is low. But this annual adjustment mechanism does not stop with salaries. Most rural letter carriers still provide their own delivery vehicle for which they are paid an equipment maintenance allowance

“Never let it be said that rural carriers are not doing their part to help the company.” formed each day during the evaluation. Mail volume is a critical factor in the salary setting process. During boom times for the Postal Service, rural carriers can see an increase in their route evaluations. Until recently, route evaluations generally went up due to increased mail volume and an expanding customer base. Unfortunately, our last two mail counts resulted in significant reductions in rural route evaluations, impacting tens of thousands of rural letter carriers and causing their salaries to be lower. Last year, in a two-week mail count, rural routes served by our members lost anywhere from 2 to 12 hours of pay each week. Each evaluated hour is worth more than $1,500 per year so you can see how declining mail volume dramatically affects the men and women we repMay 2009

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(EMA). EMA is adjusted (FSS) to purchase prescripquarterly by measuring tion drugs, it would save the fluctuations in the CPI-W USPS roughly $250 million Transportation Index. In a year. other words, EMA payA second savings opportuments to rural carriers go nity for the Postal Service down when costs – includincludes having the Office of ing the cost of fuel – go Management and Budget down. These regular (OMB) allow the USPS to adjustments have recently apply for the Medicare Part resulted in significant cost D subsidy, resulting savings savings for the Postal would be approximately Service as gasoline and $240 million per year for the automobile prices have USPS. dropped sharply. The most important piece President Cantriel answers questions posed by the Committee. Our union, like the other of legislation Congress postal unions during the should enact is H.R. 22, last contract negotiations cycle, lost some ground introduced by Representatives John McHugh (Ron health benefit costs and now pay a larger per- NY) and Danny Davis (D-IL). The USPS is sadcentage of health insurance premiums. Our mem- dled with an ambitious payment schedule to prebers now pay more while the employer contribu- fund its retirees’ health benefits. This is an obligtion to federal employee health benefit premi- ation no other corporation or government ums, as a percentage of total costs, is lower. As agency is required to pre-fund. The last health care Administration required this provision to be costs for busiincluded for one simple purpose —to make the nesses and PAEA budget neutral. corporations In 2006, when the PAEA became law, pre-fundcontinue to ing retiree health benefits fund seemed feasible. rise, our union Mr. Chairman, that was then, this is now. In members will 2008, the USPS posted a revenue net loss of $2.8 pay an addibillion, and volume was down 9.5 billion pieces. tional 4 per- In 2009, the USPS is predicting to lose in cent of FEHB upwards of $6-8 billion in revenue, and faces a p r e m i u m s declining mail volume of 12-15 billion pieces. over the life of Enacting H.R. 22 is vital. In no way am I advoour current cating the USPS to stop making payments for collective bar- future retirees’ health benefits — far from that. I gaining agree- want the USPS to continue to pre-fund its future ment. This is retirees’ health benefits. It is my members who Subcommittee Chairman Stephen Lynch listens another exawill benefit from a fully funded retirees’ health to the testimonies. mple of how benefits fund. I am asking only that Congress our bargaining unit has provided additional savallow the USPS to have access to the retiree ings to the Postal Service. health benefits fund now, to help pay for its curMr. Chairman, there are additional ways rent retirees’ premiums. By doing this, Congress Congress can act to help the Postal Service would help alleviate some of the financial burden achieve financial stability. If the Postal Service was on USPS, and give it a fair chance to survive the permitted to use the VA Federal Supply Schedule current economic climate. Thank you. 186

The National Rural Letter Carrier

NRLCA Congratulates Long-Term Employees for their Service Top row, from left: Assistant to the President Mary Louise Baltimore, RCBP Accountant Sandy Chaney, and Senior Advisor of Governmental Affairs Ken Parmelee. Bottom row, from left: Assistant to the Secretary-Treasurer Barbara Westry, Manager of Insurance Programs Larry Waligora and NonFederal Plans Administrator Jenny Cooke.

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he National Board asks the NRLCA membership to join them in applauding NRLCA Headquarters staff with individual service of 20-plus years. A huge “congratulations!” and a special “thank you!” for many years of dedicated service go to:

EMPLOYEE Mary Louise Baltimore, Asst. to the President Annette “Sandy” Chaney, RCBP Accountant Ken Parmelee, Sr. Advisor of Gov’t Affairs Barbara Westry, Asst. to the Secretary-Treasurer Larry Waligora, Manager of Insurance Programs Jenny Cooke, Non-Federal Plans Administrator

HIRE DATE YRS October 18, 1965 April 1, 1973 October 1, 1983 April 9, 1984 September 30, 1985 February 27, 1989

OF SERVICE 44 36 26 25 24 20

The knowledge, experience, and devotion of long-term employees like these help the NRLCA to continue to be a strong and vital force for its membership.

NRLCA names New Director of Workers’ Compensation In April 2008, Devin Cassidy was hired by the NRLCA as the Workers’ Compensation Specialist. Working closely with Director of Workers’ Compensation Thomas Markey, Devin spent most of his first few months studying the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) and its federal regulations. He also spent a good amount of time learning about federal compensation laws May 2009

and regulations. After becoming well versed in the compensation laws, he began assisting with several projects involving the compensation laws and benefits received by some of our members, including the Rural Carrier Pay Adjustment which affected rural carriers who were receiving compensation benefits before a retroactive contractual pay increase was awarded to all rural carriers. In March 2009, after the resignation of Thomas Markey, Devin was promoted to the position of Director of Workers’ Compensation. Devin and his family reside in Alexandria, VA. In his spare time, he enjoys baseball, football and motorcycles. 187

Step 4 Settlement on 2008 National Mail Count

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The National Rural Letter Carrier

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hortly into the 2008 national mail count the National Office started to receive calls with concerns of low volume. Just a few days following the mail count there were numerous calls of concern about mailings with in-home delivery dates for the mail count period that were now being received after the mail count. The National Board decided that a national level grievance needed to be filed to address this mail flow issue. Shortly after filing the national level grievance, an all call went out to the state stewards to gather and provide the National Office with documentation so that a full investigation could be conducted by the National Board. After receiving the doc-

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umentation from the field, many hours of research up to and not limited to contacting mailers and tracking mail from entry point to delivery by the carriers was invested by the National Board. The burden of proof with a contractual grievance lies with the union. The union needed to prove that management manipulated the mail flow, mainly the requested in-home delivery dated mailings during the 2008 national mail count. Although we had a tremendous amount of documentation provided from the field on dated mailings, we were unable to prove that management was the cause of these dated mailings arriving outside of the in-home requested delivery dates.

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2008 National Mail Count Settlement continued

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The National Rural Letter Carrier

Lady Carrier Club Offers Scholarship for Graduate Study

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he Lady Carrier Club is proud to announce the Application and supportive material must be received twelvth annual scholarship for graduate school. The by July 1, 2009. scholarship honors the pioneering efforts of Ms. The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of need and Georgiana Peet-Miller. In 1946, most rural carriers were desire to pursue a career as outlined in the application. The male; at the 43rd National Convention six lady carriers met for tea and sodas and formed the Lady Carrier Club. recipient is allowed to receive only one scholarship. All supEach year this group holds a luncheon on Tuesday at the portive documentation must be received to support the host city of the National Convention. The purpose of this scholarship application. group is fraternal and is not political in nature. The club established the scholarship in 1995, and the first scholarship was GEORGIANA PEET-MILLER SCHOLARSHIP awarded in 1996; the scholarship is awarded to a deserving individual meeting all Name__________________________________ Age_____________ criteria set by the club. Address_______________________________________________________ If you are interested in the scholarship, complete the application and attach all ______________________________________________________________ City State Zip Code supportive documents as requested and mail to: Name of college where undergraduate degree obtained: Carlon Hollis Scholarship Chairman ____________________________________________________________ 132 Hollis Lane Address_______________________________________________________ Sterlington, LA 71280-3030 ______________________________________________________________ City State Zip Code Completed applications must be received by July 1, 2009. Name of graduate school_______________________________________

Georgiana Peet-Miller Scholarship Rules The Lady Carrier Club will award a $1,000 scholarship for graduate school. The scholarship shall be awarded to the son/daughter, grandchild, spouse, or member in good standing. ❁ No age limit required. ❁ Applicant must show proof of acceptance to a qualified graduate program. ❁ Applicant must provide proof of undergraduate degree. ❁ Applicant must be child/grandchild/spouse or carrier with membership in the NRLCA. ❁ The Lady Carrier Club shall be caretakers of the award. ❁ The scholarship award will be payable to the graduate school the recipient is attending and not paid directly to the applicant.

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Address_______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ City State Zip Code Name of NRLCA Member_______________________________________ Check one: Mother_____ Father_____ Self _____ Spouse_____ Grandparent _____ Check one: Regular _____ Retired_____ Relief _____ PTF _____ State in which membership is held:____________ Attach a brief essay on why you desire to pursue further education with stated goals. Provide any information that substantiates a special financial need. * APPLICATION MUST BE RECEIVED BY JULY 1, 2009. *

Mail to: Carlon Hollis, Scholarship Chair, 132 Hollis Lane, Sterlington, LA 71280-3030 Anyone wishing to make a donation to the scholarship fund may send a donation to the scholarship chairman. Membership dues are $5 annually. If attending the annual luncheon at the National Convention, dues are included in the price of the luncheon ticket.

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NEW EMA CHART RELEASED

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The National Rural Letter Carrier

EFFECTIVE APRIL 11, 2009

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n accordance with the provisions of Article 9, Section 2.J.3 of the USPS/ NRLCA National Agreement, effective April 11, 2009 (Pay Period 09-09), the equipment maintenance allowance (EMA) will decrease from 53.0 cents per mile to 51.5 cents per mile, or a minimum of $20.60 per day, whichever is greater. Auxiliary Rural Carriers, Rural Carrier Reliefs, Rural Carrier Associates, Rural Carrier Part-Time Flexibles, and Auxiliary Assistance: Employees providing auxiliary assistance or serving auxiliary routes under the provisions of Article 9, Section 2.J.5, will receive EMA of 51.5 cents per mile or $5.75 per hour, whichever is greater. The EMA will not exceed the amount provided in the special EMA chart for route stops and miles.

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New and Improved Long-Term Disability Income Insurance Disability Insurance and Life Insurance As an eligible member of the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association, you will have an Open Enrollment

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opportunity to select disability coverage that’s best suited for your needs. Sample premiums are listed below.

How Much Do I Need?

Life Insurance

A lengthy disability can be devastating, and is more common than you might think. It can result in a loss of income, independence and financial security. Consider how long your savings would pay for:  Mortgage or rent  Credit cards and car payments  Groceries/clothing/utilities  Insurance (medical, life, auto, home)

During this enrollment period, you may also purchase Voluntary Term Life (VLT) coverage up to 5 times your annual salary or $100,000, whichever is less, without any medical questions or exams. You may also enroll your spouse for $50,000 and child(ren) for $10,000 of coverage.

ith today’s uncertain economy, coupled with the possibility of an unfortunate life event, now is the time to get back to basic financial planning. It is imperative that you take control of your financial security—which includes owning disability and life insurance from United of Omaha, a Mutual of Omaha Company (A+ rating from A.M. Best). Your ability to earn an income may be your most important asset. Most people wouldn’t think twice about insuring their home, automobile or health. However, many do not recognize the need to insure their income. According to LIMRA, an insurance industry association, 12 percent of households would immediately have trouble meeting everyday living expenses after several months. Disability insurance from United of Omaha pays you cash benefits when you’re sick or hurt and can’t work.

Open Enrollment May 1-June 30, 2009 Enrollment kits will be sent to you with the long-term disability and life insurance premiums already calculated. Just select the options that are right for you, and then return the completed enrollment and allotment forms in the enclosed self-addressed envelope.

Important eligibility guidelines You must be an active member of the NRLCA working 20 hours per week and able to perform all normal duties of your job. Dependent insurance (spouse and/or children) may also be available, but only when you, as the member, also select coverage for yourself. 194

Sample Premiums Voluntary Term Life, Age 48 Coverage Amount Bi-Weekly Premium $25,000 $3.46 $50,000 $6.92 $75,000 $10.39 $100,000 $13.85 This is a one time offer for “No Questions Asked” life insurance (Guaranteed Issue). If you do not enroll on or before the end of your initial enrollment period and wish to apply for coverage at a later date, evidence of insurability will be required for any amount of coverage. Call 1-800-606-1071 x303 or go to www.bjaassociationbenefits.com for complete information. The National Rural Letter Carrier

The Provident Guild is an Organization for the Young and Old by Sarah Smith

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erhaps over the years you have seen magazine articles, or have been approached by your state representative of the Rural Carriers’ Provident Guild about joining the guild. If you did and you investigated the guild and joined, thank you for your time. But if not, please read on. I have heard many carriers say things like “I already have life insurance” or “I am not worried about death yet, I’m too young.” I urge those persons to reconsider for the following reasons: ❍ The Rural Carriers Provident Guild (RCPG) is not life insurance; it is a death benefit for rural carriers, run by rural carriers. ❍ You are never too young to join the guild; however, 56 is too old.

“Fraternalism at Its Best” “Are you preparing your family in the event of your death?”

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❍ ❍ ❍ ❍

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At the time of your passing, your beneficiary will receive immediate payment of your minimum award. Life insurance can take time to be collected. All union carriers under 56 are eligible, including RCAs and PTFs. All spouses of the above-mentioned who are younger than 56 are eligible as well. RCPG members do not need to continue working for USPS, merely continue to pay dues to retain membership. If you join the RCPG as an Auxiliary member and your spouse (the carrier) passes away first, you are still a member as long as you pay your dues.

Rural Carriers’ Provident Guild James Norman 5836 Forest Rd. Bedford, VA 24523-4143 Please give us the facts on Benefits available for our Age and Class.

The Provident Guild is a non-profit, Fraternal Organization created and operated by Rural Carriers, for our membership to give your survivors an amount of READY CASH for those days when routine procedures of the courts and legal action tie up your estate at death.

My date of birth is _____________________

If you are under the age of 56, clip and mail this coupon TODAY and receive further details on how you can help your survivors.

____________________________________ City State Zip Code

May 2009

Spouse’s date of birth __________________ Name _______________________________ Street ______________________________

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Nominations now open for 2009 PAC Hall of Fame

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or the eighth year, the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association is prepared to honor a member who supports the Political Action Committee (PAC) in an exemplary manner. In 2001, a committee of five active PAC chairs assembled to propose the requirements for the award: PAC Chairs Dennis Nelson, Wisconsin (Hall of Fame inductee 2008); Walker Allen, Oklahoma (Hall of Fame inductee 2003); Van Heath, North Carolina; Barbara Mihan, Idaho (Hall of Fame inductee 2006); and Lee Cutright, Illinois (Hall of Fame inductee 2004). Below are the requirements of this award.

PAC Hall of Fame The following process will be used to select one (1) recipient each year for induction into the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association PAC Hall of Fame. The NRLCA will provide a plaque, and possibly another appropriate gift to be awarded to the person selected. The NRLCA shall also maintain another plaque which will include the engraved names of each year’s inductee. This plaque will normally remain at the National Office except during our National Convention, when it will be on display at the PAC table.

Nomination Any NRLCA member may place into nomination the name of their state’s prospective PAC Hall of Fame inductee. The nominee may be actively serving as a PAC chair, may have held the position in the past, or may be an individual contributor. Nominations will be forwarded to the vice president of the NRLCA. All nominations must be received no later than two (2) months prior to the opening session of the National Convention. Nominations must be received in the office of PAC Manager Anthony Vilardo no later than the end of May.

Selection The NRLCA vice president (or designee) will select members of a committee which will consist 196

of three active PAC chairs plus two representatives from the national office. A PAC chair who has been nominated for induction into the PAC Hall of Fame may not serve on the selection committee. The NRLCA vice president (or designee) will assign a number to each nominee so that the committee members do not know the names of the nominees. The National Office will provide all of the necessary information that is available to the members of the committee. The NRLCA vice president (or designee) may also request that additional information be provided by the nominee’s state president. An inductee will be chosen by a majority vote of the committee members.

Criteria (PAC chair) Major consideration will be given to the following: 1. Years of service 2. Amount of PAC funds collected (primarily the rate of per capita contributions) 3. Consistent performance 4. Improvement (from year to year and compared to previous PAC chair) Other qualities to be considered: 1. Other positions held in the Association 2. Awards received (union and Postal Service) 3. Years as a union member 4. Community service (Individual contributor) 5. Total amount of PAC contributions over an extended period of time.

Presentation of award The president of the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association will honor the most deserving candidate by inducting him/her into the PAC Hall of Fame during the business session of the National Convention. The National Rural Letter Carrier

2008 PAC Hall of Fame winner Dennis Nelson At the 104th National Convention held in Lexington, KY last August, the PAC Hall of Fame Award was presented by National PAC Chair Gus Baffa to WIRLCA PAC Chair Dennis Nelson. Reprinted here is that presentation. GUS BAFFA: This is the seventh year for our PAC Hall of Fame. With each passing year, it becomes more difficult to select from the many deserving nominations. This year’s winner began his career with the Postal Service in 1977 as a 73 Substitute. He has served in various posts in his county, local, and state board, including state president. In 1994, he became his state’s PAC chair and, through the years, has raised more than $200,000 for PAC. His colleagues will testify that he has always been on the cutting edge of PAC fundraising. At each state convention, delegates await what new and exciting fundraising idea he has come up with. We’re told, even though we’d rather not see it, that he once wore a swimsuit to raise PAC funds. For his outstanding and dedicated service to both the NRLCA and the NRLCA PAC, I am extremely pleased to announce this year’s PAC Hall of Fame inductee, Mr. Dennis Nelson from the state of Wisconsin. (Cheers and applause) DENNIS NELSON: This is quite an honor. I didn’t even know that I had been nominated, so it caught me off guard. I wore my finest suit. (Laughter) I hope that whoever did nominate me actually said

something that was true. I think that’s probably unlikely since I was, in fact, selected. (Laughter) One thing I know that was not true, they mentioned about me wearing a swimsuit? That’s not correct. They threw me in with my clothes on. (Laughter) Anyhow, I really am without words here. I would like to thank the selection committee and particularly the members of the Wisconsin delegation. Thank you. All in all, the state PAC chairmen are really just the ones that pass the hats around and if it weren’t for the state’s members and auxiliary, that hat would never get filled up and our Political Action Committee would not be supported. So thank you very much. I sure appreciate it. (Applause)

PAC Manager Anthony Vilardo (left) and PAC Chair Gus Baffa (right) induct Wisconsin PAC Chair Dennis Nelson into the PAC Hall of Fame.

For information on this year’s National Convention August 18-21 in Grapevine, TX, see the 2009 pre-convention issue of the National Rural Letter Carrier being mailed in mid-May.

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N ATIONAL C ONVENTION D ELEGATE B ALLOT Convention Delegate Nominations Appearing below is Section 3 of Article VI of the Constitution of the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association. It sets forth in detail the election procedures for delegates to the national convention. This article complies with labor laws which require that national delegates must be elected by direct vote of the membership. In accordance with Section 3 of Article VI, a nominating ballot appears below: • You may nominate yourself or someone else as a candidate for delegate to the national convention. • Mail your SIGNED ballot to your state secretary whose name and address appear on the opposite page. • Nominations must be in the office of the state secretary at least forty (40) days prior to the opening of your state convention.

Article VI — Section 3 Delegates A. Eligibility 1. Each state association shall be entitled to representation by one delegate for every 100 members or major fraction thereof and one Delegate-at-Large. Membership shall be based on the number of dues withholding and cash pay Bargaining Unit and Retired Members. In order for a state to receive credit for cash pay members, dues must be received no later than the close of business on the first day of the Convention. 2. Only Bargaining Unit Members and Retired Members in good standing may be nominated,

elected or seated as delegates. Such “good standing” status shall be the sole prerequisite for determining eligibility or entitlement to service as a delegate or to any payment or benefit, except that a state may establish reasonable rules to ensure attendance at the Convention. 3. A member who from the time of nomination through the end of the convention holds any position in USPS management or a job which competes with the USPS or this Association shall be ineligible to serve as delegate. B. Nomination 1. Within each state association, nominations for National Delegate shall be submitted by U.S. Mail to the Secretary-Treasurer on a nominating ballot or copy. The nominating ballot shall be signed and show the name and address of the member making the nomination, and may include self-nomination. The nominating ballot shall be published in the February, March, April and May issues of The National Rural Letter Carrier. 2. Nominations must be received in the office of the State Secretary at least 40 days prior to the opening of the state convention. Upon receipt, the State Secretary shall send a notice of nomination to the candidate by U.S. Mail. C. Elections 1. A member must be on the rolls at least 40 days prior to the opening of the state convention in order to be eligible to vote for National Delegates. 2. The State Secretary shall prepare a ballot listing the candidates for National Delegate.

Instructions on each ballot shall include the number of delegates to be elected, the deadline for return of the ballot and the mailing address of the designated post office box. The number of votes cast on each ballot shall not exceed the number of delegates to which the state association was entitled at the previous convention. 3. The State Secretary shall cause the ballot to be mailed to eligible members at least 20 days prior to the opening of the state convention. In addition, the State Secretary/ Designee shall arrange for the rental of a post office box for the receipt of the ballots and another for the return of undeliverable ballots. 4. An envelope marked “Ballot” shall be provided in which to seal the ballot. To permit verification of membership and to maintain the integrity of the voting procedure, an outer envelope, also marked “Ballot” which clearly identifies the name and address of the member, shall also be provided. The sealed envelope containing the ballot shall be placed in the outer envelope by the member and mailed to the designated post office box. 5. An Election Committee shall be appointed by the State President. No candidate for National Delegate may serve on the Election Committee. After the deadline for receipt of ballots, the Election Committee shall collect and tabulate the ballots at the state convention. The post office box designated for the return of ballots shall be accessible only to the Election Committee. 6. Any candidate or designee may observe

NATIONAL CONVENTION DELEGATE NOMINATING BALLOT I am a member of the ___________________ Rural Letter Carriers’ Association. Name ___________________________________________________________ Signature ________________________________________________________ Address _________________________________________________________ City ________________________ State _____________ Zip _______________ I hereby submit the name of: _________________________________________ Address _________________________________________________________ City ________________________ State _____________ Zip _______________ as a candidate for delegate to the 2009 National Convention of the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association. To the best of my knowledge, the above nominee qualifies under the provisions set forth in Article VI, Section 3, as cited above. Mail to your state secretary listed on the following page.

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The National Rural Letter Carrier

the ballot tabulation. In reporting the results of the election, the candidates shall be placed on a roster in the order of votes received. The number of delegates to which the state is entitled shall be declared regular delegates; the remaining candidates shall be declared alternates. 7. Each state association shall be entitled to one Delegate-at-Large from the roster of elected regular delegates. That position shall be filled by a state officer in ranking order, beginning with the State President. A state

officer may not be automatically declared a delegate by virtue of office unless elected b y direct vote of the membership. National-Paid Delegates shall be named in accordance with the plurality of votes received. 8. The State Secretary shall prepare credentials in duplicate for the Delegate-at-Large, regular delegates and an appropriate number of alternates immediately following the state convention and send originals to the National Secretary-Treasurer. The duplicate shall be provided to the delegate for identifi-

cation. The state’s seal shall be embossed on the face of credentials. 9. Delegates holding proper credentials shall be seated at the National Convention if their state has paid National Per Capita Tax for members in good standing. The National Secretary-Treasurer shall notify each state association of the status of its National Per Capita Tax at least two weeks prior to the National Convention.

2008 - 2009 State Secretaries Alabama Freddie Brannon 947 County Rd. 12 Headland, AL 36345-6337

Illinois Pete Harrington 2640 Sunnyview Dr. Illiopolis, IL 62539-3635

Arizona Michaela Richard 8150 E. Quill St. Mesa, AZ 85207-9731

Indiana Larry Gunnell 305 E. Sycamore St. Galveston, IN 46932-9782

Arkansas Sharon Goforth 200 Huddleston Ln. Batesville, AR 72501-9748 California Heidi Powell P.O. Box 902 Nevada City, CA 95959-0902 Colorado Donna Schmidt 1080 42nd St. SE Loveland, CO 80537-7573 Connecticut Norma Kryzanowski P.O. Box 181 Thomaston, CT 06787-0181 Delaware Carl Roock Jr. 497 Josie Ave. Dover, DE 19901-2800 Florida Lee Bryant P.O. Box 1150 Floral City, FL 34436-1150 Georgia Glynda Wurtz 410 Westwood Dr. Ellaville, GA 31806-3208 Idaho Lori Bennett 306 N. Dakota Ave. Fruitland, ID 83619-2413

May 2009

Iowa Rex Peterson 608 E. Main St. Belmond, IA 50421-1424 Kansas Jane Moore P.O. Box 126 McPherson, KS 67460-0126 Kentucky Donna Cissell 1484 Pine Creek Trl. Shepherdsville, KY 40165-7298 Louisiana Helen Webb 1244 Sam Webb Loop Noble, LA 71462-2451 Maine Hank Traver PO Box 433 Limerick, ME 04048-0433 Maryland Sharon Meusel P.O. Box 213 Joppa, MD 21085-0213 Massachusetts Steven McCarthy 2 E. Concord St., Apt. 1 Boston, MA 02118-1907

Michigan Lois Pilon P.O. Box 40 Bark River, MI 49807 Minnesota James Obermoller 184 Railroad Ave. Round Lake, MN 56167-9775 Mississippi Roger Clayton 500 State Hwy 30 W. New Albany, MS 38652-2405 Missouri Terrllyne Stockton 1279 Rehmert Rd. Bland, MO 65014-2125 Montana Debbi Propp 35353 County Rd. 128 Sidney, MT 59270-4232 Nebraska Nancy Caples P.O. Box 237 Firth, NE 68358-0237 Nevada Joan Reynolds 1110 E. Crystal Canyon Ct. Reno, NV 89506-6816 New Hampshire William LeBeau 5 Raymond Ln. Newmarket, NH 03857-2162 New Jersey Theresa Pratt 8 Catherine Ct. Sicklerville, NJ 08081-3806 New Mexico Arlene Macaw 3900 Crow Rd. Las Cruces, NM 88007-8948

New York Lois Bailey P.O. Box 787 Millerton, NY 12546-0787

Tennessee Rick Harris 1076 Scott Rd. Bethpage, TN 37022-8715

North Carolina Ronald Lineberger 3668 Startown Rd. Maiden, NC 28650-8722

Texas Pamela Smith 481 Pecan Dr. Burleson, TX 76028-6309

North Dakota Dorene Haugen 1707 Bonn Blvd. Bismarck, ND 58504-7014 Ohio John Aichholz 7303 S. Township Rd. #187 Attica, OH 44807-9424 Oklahoma Peggy Fox 49501 Hughes Rd. Alva, OK 73717-1194 Oregon Sandra Persons 43025 SE Oral Hull Rd. Sandy, OR 97055-6717 Pennsylvania Joseph Duschl IV P.O. Box 403 Schaefferstown, PA 17088-0403 Rhode Island Sandra Kennedy 43 Beverly Cir. Greenville, RI 02828-2720

Utah Blayne Butterfield 5174 Lowe Peak Dr. Riverton, UT 84096-6401 Vermont Deborah Benson P.O. Box 87 Grand Isle, VT 05458-0087 Virginia Debra Atwell 11100 Maiden Creek Rd. Abingdon, VA 24210-9356 Washington Becky Wendlandt 2811 N. Chase Ln. Liberty Lake, WA 99019-5002 West Virginia Kathryn Craig 420 Craig Dr. Walkersville, WV 26447-1700

South Carolina Keith Keller 380 Hickory Nut Rd. Inman, SC 29349-9239

Wisconsin Karen Schauer 5857 Prill Rd. Eau Claire, WI 54701-8215

South Dakota Kathy Hegge 25176 478th Ave. Garretson, SD 57030-5900

Wyoming Tammy Schrage 205 Hwy 20 N. Worland, WY 82401

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Question Box: Free Saturday Provisions National Director of Steward Operations Ronnie Stutts

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he Free Saturday rule is new to many rural carriers, since most carriers have been on K routes for several years. Congress first granted “Free Saturdays” to rural carriers because they were scheduled to work six days a week when other Postal Service employees were scheduled to work only five days per week. The provisions for this law were put into effect on February 1, 1947, and approved on April 30, 1947. The Saturday leave provisions were made part of the National Agreement at a later date and are currently found in Article 10, Section 4.A. The Saturday leave provisions still only apply to those carriers scheduled for work 6 days a week. A carrier assigned to an H route is entitled to the Saturday provisions on each Saturday provided the carrier meets the requirements. A carrier assigned to a J route is entitled to the Saturday leave provisions only when the J day does not interrupt the sick or annual leave period that would qualify the carrier to have the Saturday not charged to annual leave. A K route carrier is never entitled to the “Free Saturday” provisions, since they are not scheduled to work 6 days per week. The provisions governing Free Saturdays in Article 10, Section 4.A are as follows: Section 4. Saturday Leave A. The approved absence on a Saturday of a regular rural carrier, substitute, or rural carrier associate (*See note below) in a leave earning capacity, which occurs within or at the beginning or end of a period of annual or sick leave, shall be without charge to such leave or loss of compensation provided the appropriate leave balance on the Form 1223 (Earnings Statement) reflects at least 6 days of leave and the following conditions

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are met: 1. There are more than 5 days of annual or sick leave within the period; or 2. There are more than 4 days of annual or sick leave plus a holiday (see Article 11) within the period. If a holiday falls on Saturday, which is a scheduled work day, absence on the preceding Friday shall be without charge to leave. If the leave period is 4 days or less, absence on Friday shall be charged to leave. 3. Interruption during the approved period of annual or sick leave by court leave due to circumstances beyond the employee’s control shall not disqualify the carrier for coverage as provided in 1. or 2. above. B. Upon request, a rural carrier shall be granted annual leave or leave without pay on Saturday, at the carrier’s option, provided a leave replacement is available. *Rural Carrier Associates in a leave earning capacity on auxiliary routes (Designation 79) do not qualify for Free Saturdays. Note: The appropriate leave balance on the check stub (Form 1223) must reflect a minimum of 6 days leave (annual and/or sick) to qualify for the “Free Saturday(s)”.

Relief day other than Saturday for “Free Saturday” Provision The situation is a bit more complex for the Jroute carrier with a relief day other than Saturday. When a carrier on a J route has a relief day other than Saturday, the “Free Saturday” provisions will be applied as follows: (1) If leave is taken during a period of Saturday through Saturday of the week which includes the relief day, the carrier would be charged 6 days The National Rural Letter Carrier

annual leave. (As an example, assume that Monday, June 8 was the relief day (J day) and the carrier is on annual leave from Saturday, June 6 through Saturday, June 13. The continuity of his or her period of leave is broken by the J day. Therefore, he or she would be charged with 6 days of annual leave. (2) If the same carrier takes leave for the period of Saturday, June 13 through Saturday, June 20, which does not include his or her relief day, he or she would be charged for only 5 days annual, since Monday, June 15 is a scheduled work day and not the relief day. **The above example would be the same regardless of the relief day taken other than Saturday. (See example with this article) The rule of thumb is no matter what day of the week is taken for the relief day other than Saturday, you cannot utilize the relief day within a period of leave to obtain a Free Saturday. ***Remember, it has to be mutually agreeable to both the regular carrier and the manager to have a relief day on a day other than Saturday on a J route. Leave taken for the purpose of the Free Saturday does not have to be in the same pay period. The pay system will calculate the Free Saturday when it overlaps into another pay period. ** “O” & “X” codes cannot be used and will cause you to lose the Free Saturday(s). In addition, using codes “F” or “P” will result in annual leave being charged for the Saturday(s), because code “F” and “P” are actual work days. “Z” codes cannot be used because the system cannot differentiate between 8 hours accumulated for a Z day and a full day taken for official steward work. DACA code (4) for a day of reflection also cannot be used for a “Free Saturday(s).” Caution should be taken when taking annual leave for the purpose of the Free Saturday provision. If you are unsure, have your manager refer to the F-21, Chapter 5.

May 2009

PS Form 3971 It is imperative that rural carriers fill out a Request For Leave Form (PS Form 3971) for the entire period of requested leave. Even though the Saturday(s) are free, the PS Form 3971 should reflect requested annual or sick leave for the Saturdays.

Effect of Holidays If a Holiday falls within the period of five otherwise chargeable days, the leave balance is reduced by only four (4) days, and there is no leave charged for the Saturdays within or at the end of the period. When the leave period ends on a Saturday, which is also a Holiday, the preceding Friday is considered to be the Holiday. Both Saturdays are free, and the leave charge is four (4) days. The situation is a little different if the first day of the leave period is a Saturday and also a Holiday. To take full advantage of the free Saturday provision, it would be necessary to begin the leave period on the preceding Friday. The Friday would be considered the Holiday, and the Saturday would be free, and five (5) days annual leave would be charged. If the leave period began on Saturday instead of the Friday, five (5) days would still be charged.

Coding Free Saturdays on the Time Card Caution should be taken when coding the time card for the “Free Saturday(s)”. Even though the Saturday(s) will not be charged to annual leave, the time card must be coded as annual leave or sick leave for the Saturdays. An “X or O” cannot be coded on the time card for the Saturday. This will interrupt the “Free Saturday” necessary period of leave.

Free Saturday Examples With the results of the 2009 National Mail Count in and with the realization that there will be more J and H routes than there have been since the 2008 mail count, situations that we have not dealt with in the case of K routes have suddenly come to the forefront. The most significant of which is the issue of “Free Saturdays” 201

and how they apply to the H and J routes. The following information is being provided to assist carriers in dealing with annual and sick leave and how best to utilize the provisions of the contract that allow for “Free Saturdays.” Public Law 8044, enacted in 1947, allowed rural carriers to take leave for a week or more without being charged for the absence on Saturdays. These provisions have been continued in the USPS/NRLCA National Agreements.

the holiday falls on Saturday this year, the scheduled Holiday is the preceding day, Friday, July 3.) The system is programmed to recognize when the “Free Saturday” provisions apply and will charge leave accordingly. The carrier is only charged 4 days of annual leave.

Below are examples of H and J routes and how “Free Saturdays” apply for the upcoming Fourth of July Holiday in 2009.

Below is an example of a “J” route that takes annual leave from Saturday, June 27, 2009 through Saturday, July 4, 2009. In this example the “J” day falls on Saturday, July 4, 2009. The carrier would only be charged for 4 days of annual leave since Saturday, June 27 was a scheduled work day and Friday, July 3, 2009 was a scheduled Holiday. (Note: Since the Holiday falls on Saturday this year and Saturday, July 4 is the carrier’s scheduled “J” day, the scheduled Holiday is the preceding day, Friday, July 3.) The time cards would be annotated as follows:

FREE SATURDAY FOR UPCOMING FOURTH OF JULY HOLIDAY, 2009 H ROUTE: Below is an example of an H route that takes annual leave from Saturday, June 27, 2009 through Saturday, July 4, 2009. In this example the carrier would only be charged 4 days of annual leave. The time cards would be annotated as follows:

* Note Saturday, July 4 is in PP 15. This will not cause a problem. Also keep in mind that the time card is annotated with annual leave for all days excluding the Holiday on Friday, July 3. (Since 202

J ROUTE: (SATURDAY RELIEF DAY ON EITHER END OF THE SCHEDULED LEAVE)

* Note Saturday, July 4 is in PP 15. This will not cause a problem. To qualify for “Free Saturday(s)” the leave does not have to be in the same pay period. Also keep in mind that the time card is annotated with annual leave for all days excluding the Holiday on Friday, July 3, and the scheduled “J” day on Saturday, July 4, 2009. The The National Rural Letter Carrier

system is programmed to recognize when the “Free Saturday” provisions apply and will charge leave accordingly. The carrier is only charged 4 days of annual leave. In the above example, if the “J” day had been on Saturday, June 27, 2009, the carrier would still only be charged with 4 days’ annual leave since the Holiday falls on Saturday and the preceding day (Friday, July 3) would be the carrier’s scheduled Holiday. J ROUTE WITH RELIEF DAY OTHER THAN SATURDAY (MONDAY): The situation is a bit more complex for the “J” route carrier with a relief day other than Saturday. The examples below show a “J” route with a relief day on Monday. The example below shows a carrier on a “J” route with a relief day on Monday, June 8 of the first week of Pay Period 13, 2009. The carrier takes annual leave from Saturday, June 6 through Saturday, June 13 which includes the Monday relief day. The time cards would be annotated as follows:

first week of Pay Period 13, 2009. The carrier takes annual leave from Saturday, June 13 through Saturday, June 20 which does not include the Monday relief day. The time cards would be annotated as follows:

*Note in the above example the continuity of the annual leave is not broken by the Monday “J” day. Therefore, the carrier would only be charged with 5 days of annual leave. ** Keep in mind you must have a leave balance of at least 6 days on PS Form 1223 (Earnings Statement), to qualify for the Free Saturdays. The following DACA codes will not break the continuity for a Free Saturday on J, H, or M routes: Annual Leave DACA code A Sick Leave DACA code S Donated Leave DACA code D Court Leave DACA code 6 (New Code) Holiday Leave DACA code H All other DACA codes will not qualify for a Free Saturday.

*Note the continuity of the annual leave is broken by the Monday relief day “J” day. Therefore the carrier would be charged with 6 days of annual leave. The example below shows a carrier on a “J” route with a relief day on Monday, June 8 of the May 2009

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Question Box on Relief Day Work List ARTICLE 8: HOURS OF WORK

period regardless of the route classification.

Section 5. Relief Day Worked

Q

An RCA is the successful bidder on a route and the effective date of the assignment will be two (2) weeks after the first full pay period in May. Can this RCA sign the RDWL?

A. The relief day work list at each delivery unit shall be established twice during each guarantee period. Each time the new relief day work list is established it shall supersede the previous list. All regular carriers, regardless of route classification, No. RCAs are not eligible to sign the desiring to work their relief days shall place their RDWL. The employee must be a regular names on the relief day work list. rural carrier during the designated period for The first opportunity to sign the relief day work list will be two weeks prior to the beginning of the establishment of the list. new guarantee period. The second opportunity to sign the relief day work list will be two If a carrier signs the RDWL when assigned weeks prior to the beginning of the first full to an “H” route, that carrier is not pay period in May. (*Note: This year this is available to work, as there is no relief day April 25.*) When a regular rural carrier is needon an “H” route. How will this carrier be ed to work a relief day, due to the unavailability of affected with regard to the administration a leave replacement, the Employer will: of the RDWL if the route becomes a “J” or “K”? 1. Select carriers on the list, in order of seniority on a rotating basis, to work on the relief day. The carrier was not able to work (no relief day) during the normal rotation when it 2. If the need still exists, the Employer will accept volunteers from regular carriers not on the was necessary to utilize the RDWL to work regulist before requiring regular carriers not on the list lar carriers on their relief day. Once the route to work the relief day. Such requirement will be by becomes a “J” or “K” classification, the carrier will then be selected to work his/her relief day in juniority. the normal rotation. *** This section was changed to establish a Relief Can a carrier who is injured on duty Day Work List (RDWL) twice during each guar(IOD), sign the RDWL? antee period. Each RDWL supersedes the previously established list. In addition, all regular rural carriers may sign the RDWL regardless of whether A carrier who is injured on duty may sign the assigned route has a relief day at the time the the RDWL during the designated period carrier signs the list. regardless of whether he or she is working a limited duty assignment, but would be bypassed in the A carrier is currently assigned to an “H” normal rotation while unable to perform the full route. Can this carrier sign the Relief Day duties of the assigned route. Work List (RDWL)?

A

Q

A

Q A

Q A 204

Yes. All regular rural carriers are entitled to sign the RDWL during the designated The National Rural Letter Carrier

FERS Sick Leave Legislation Clears U.S. House Assistant Director of Governmental Affairs Kevin Talley

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t is important to accrue sick leave throughout employment to ensure that you have a buffer in case of serious illness or injury, but what happens to all those hours at retirement? When the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) was enacted in 1986, legislators designed it to be different from the system that was then in place, the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). A major difference, which has become more apparent in recent years, is the use of unused sick leave at retirement. CSRS employees are able to save sick leave throughout their careers and factor that time when calculating their annuities. For example, if you have 29 years of service and a year of sick leave saved up, your annuity would be calculated for 30 years. But what about the FERS employees? The use-it-or-lose-it system now in place has proved ineffective, wasteful, and unfair to those employees who should be rewarded for making sure they are prepared for all situations. As a result, many believe that FERS employees will use more of their sick leave as they approach retirement (resulting in productivity losses) than their CSRS counterparts. This costs the government about $68 million a year. FERS employees comprise an increasing percentage of the federal workforce, and by 2014 virtually all federal

employees are expected to be in FERS. The House of Representatives has examined this issue over the past few years and is ready to make some changes so that most federal and all postal employees are able to get credit for their unused sick leave. Three bills have been introduced on the subject, and two have already passed the House floor. The two that have passed, H.R. 1804 and H.R. 1256, include many other provisions and are awaiting Senate action. We are anticipating movement over the coming months. H.R. 958 has also been introduced this Congress, by Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA) and Rep. Frank Wolf (RVA). This is a bill specifically dedicated to the issue at hand and currently has 40 co-sponsors at press time. The bill would “make unused sick leave creditable, for purposes of the Federal Employees’ Retirement System, in the same manner as provided for under the Civil Service Retirement System.” We are encouraging all NRLCA members to contact their members in the House to urge them to sign on to H.R. 958. If you have questions about the issue or if you would like to see if your member is signed onto the bill, please visit our Government Affairs section at the national website (www.nrlca.org).

Other Items of Interest Contained in H.R. 1804 Thrift Savings Plan Changes -Automatically enrolls new employees in the TSP G fund -Creates a Roth 401(k) option -Gives TSP Board flexibility in creating new funds and investment opportunities

May 2009

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Drivers are Stress-Free after an Accident with SmartValet Director of the GMAC Rural Letter Carrier Vehicle Insurance Plan Shirley Corno

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illions of people experience auto accidents each year and many are faced with the added stress of picking up the pieces during the aftermath. With GMAC Insurance’s SmartValet, drivers don’t need to face the daunting tasks of finding alternate transportation and managing their repairs alone. SmartValet1 is a service designed to take care of all the transportation details when a customer is involved in an automobile accident—from rental car delivery and pick up of the damaged car to returning the repaired vehicle back to their doorstep. The benefit is immediately available free of charge to all policyholders nationwide with rental coverage. SmartValet offers pick-up of the customer’s or claimant’s2 damaged car—even if it’s still drivable—and drop off of a rental car. From there, drivers can choose to have GMAC Insurance deliver their damaged car to a repair shop within the company’s premier direct repair network (if available in their area) to ensure the highest-quality repairs with a lifetime guarantee. As always, customers can specify the body shop of their choice3. Other insurers offer limited roadside assistance and concierge-style benefits, but most restrict their help to only certain aspects of the recovery process—for example, delivering a rental car to the accident scene, but requiring the driver to drop it off when picking up their repaired vehicle. GMAC Insurance goes one step further with SmartValet, delivering the repaired car back to the customer. “As an insurance company, it’s our job to make the entire experience after an accident as comfortable as possible,” said George Hall, vice president Claims, GMAC Insurance Personal Lines.

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“Drivers shouldn’t have to worry about finding alternate transportation, getting their damaged car to a repair shop and then picking up the fixed vehicle. GMAC Insurance’s SmartValet takes that unnecessary burden off their shoulders, so they can focus on getting back to their lives.” The Rural Letter Carrier Vehicle Insurance Plan is the inside connection for auto insurance. Rural letter carriers should never have unanswered questions when it comes to auto insurance. If you have questions about your current policy, or would like a free quote call 1-888-3257727, or visit www.gmacinsurance.com. ### Available nationwide through select repair shops. Applies to covered comprehensive or collision claims. Must have rental reimbursement coverage. 1

2

GMAC Insurance policyholders must have rental reimbursement coverage. If you are not a GMAC Insurance policyholder, coverage and liability must be determined before this service can be delivered. 3

Not all repair shops offer the SmartValet service. 4

This guarantee does not extend to radiators, A/C condensers, windshields, and routine maintenance parts, such as batteries, spark plugs and oil filters. © 2007 SmartValet, SmartParts and SmartServices are service marks of GMAC. © 2007 GMAC. All Rights Reserved. GMAC Insurance is a registered service mark. The National Rural Letter Carrier

Congratulations to the following rural carriers who have achieved membership milestones in the NRLCA:

Membership News Above & Beyond

60-year members: Willard E. Allen, Iowa William E. Bray, Arkansas Charles H. Davis, North Carolina Lee E. Harrington, Iowa James E. Hope, New York Hubert W. Moehle, Missouri Richard H. Nichols, New York Kenneth J. O’Neill, New York Robert H. Parker, Iowa Gerald R. Schafer, New York Ralph W. Seifert, New York Jesse A. Wright, New York

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50-year members Frank V. Arra, New York Lee R. Bakker, Iowa Ronald F. Bouton, New York Francis A. Enos, Missouri Charles E. Hallock, Michigan Maurice M. Jones, Wisconsin Roscoe D. Lane, Missouri Admah Lanier Jr., North Carolina Carroll J. Lindsey, Missouri Jack M. McQueen, New York Marlin J. Moeller, Iowa Homer E. Pruden, Missouri George S. Reeder, Iowa Raymond A. Reinders, Iowa Robert E. Rogers, Iowa Robert W. Schlapkohl, Iowa Max D. Strang, Iowa Gerald E. Thomas, Missouri Adelbert D. Whittle, Iowa Leon J. Youngblood, New York 50

May 2009

Manager of Post Office Operations Richard Wynn presents Cove, AR rural carrier Troy Dickison with a certificate expressing the appreciation of the Postal Service for going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the safety of a customer.

The July sun had pushed the temperature past the 100degree mark on the day Troy Dickison spotted an elderly man in a wheelchair on Polk County Road #32. A small puppy sat panting on the road beside him. The man was sunburned, disoriented and dehydrated. His wheelchair battery was dead. Dickison, a rural carrier for the Cove, AR post office, recognized the man as one of his customers whose home was about five miles away. With help from a passing motorist, Dickison made sure that the elderly man and his dog were returned home safely. On February 25, Manager of Post Office Operations Richard Wynn led a brief ceremony at the Cove post office to honor Dickison for his actions. Wynn presented him with a certificate expressing the gratitude and appreciation of the USPS for going above and beyond to ensure the safety of his customer. The ceremony was attended by all Cove post office employees. Cove Postmaster Elizabeth Super praised Dickison. “Hurray for mail carriers driving all those back roads, and knowing where they are. Thanks, Troy for 26 years of great service to the USPS, and going strong, we appreciate you.” 207

Membership News Washington’s Dynamic Duo say “Yes” to Retirement! etirement has its share of rewards and rural NRLCA Constitution Review Committee. carriers Patricia and Charles Alexander have Charles began his postal career in April 1979 and earned them with honor. The dynamic duo joined the union in 1980. He too was an active has served the Washington Rural Letter Carriers’ participant in the Whatcom County unit, holding Association (WARLCA) faithfully day in and day the positions of District 1 representative, vice presout, and it is rare that you see one without the ident and president. Charles was elected vice presother. Indeed, the couple even retired a day apart: ident of WARLCA and then was elected president. Patricia on October 31 and Charles on November Charles was an active member of the local 1. Now their time is now spent more leisurely. QWL/EI work team, becoming a facilitator and Charles’s love of photography fits right in with Seattle DJSC member. He also was a member to the Western Area their shared interests of travJoint Steering Comeling, movies, plays, writing, mittee. reading, gardening, cookOn the national level ing, Scrabble, card games, Charles served as attending Association meetchair of the NRLCA ings, and being with their Credentials Comfamily. Their two children, mittee, chair of the Rick and Shelley, live nearby Constitution & Byand they are able to spend laws Committee and more time with them. as a member of Together, Charles and Steward Task Force 1. Patricia Alexander have Charles has also given a total of 61 years of dedicated service to the Charles and Patricia Alexander have given a total of 61 years of served as a local steward and assistant state Postal Service. Most impor- dedicated service to the Postal Service. steward. He is a tantly, though, are the years of service they have given to the WARLCA. Patricia patient, gifted leader and has mentored many began her postal career in April 1978 and joined stewards through his role as Washington’s state the union in 1980, beginning her active participa- steward. Many will also recognize Charles as a tion soon thereafter. Patricia held the positions of member of the Media Committee at the National Whatcom County secretary-treasurer and District Convention the past three years. His photography 1 representative and moved right into becoming a has added much pizzazz to the committee’s local steward, assistant state steward and senior slideshows and presentations. Both Charles and assistant state steward. She was elected state vice Patricia have served as president of the Western president and then held the position of state pres- States Conference, 10 years apart. Together, they ident for five years. Patricia also participated at all received the distinction of Washington’s 2007levels of QWL/EI, first as a local work team mem- 2008 Members of the Year. ber, facilitator, Seattle DJSC member and National Charles and Patricia Alexander have given their Joint Steering Committee member. Patricia just heart and soul to the union for many years. The doesn’t say “no” to any opportunity to support WARLCA and NRLCA would like to thank them the union and the state of Washington was hon- for their dedicated service and wish them a happy ored when she was selected to serve on the and healthy retirement!

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The National Rural Letter Carrier

May 2009

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In Memoriam

Julius G. Kamphuis, 91, of Holland, Michigan passed away February 17, 2009 at his home. He was born September 11, 1917 in West Olive. He was a World War II veteran, serving in the Army from 1941-1945, and received the Bronze Star. Julius was first a rural carrier in Holland and then retired from West Olive after 25 years of service. He was a 60-year member of the NRLCA. Julius was a member of Harlem Reformed Church and served as elder, deacon, superintendant and teacher in Sunday School and catechism. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Christine; three children; eight grandchildren; seven greatgrandchildren; two sisters; and many nieces and nephews. John E. Maloy, late 50s, passed away January 26, 2009 at Margaret Dozier Hospice House in Tallahassee, FL. He was a rural carrier for 15 years and an active member of FLRLCA District 8. In District 8, he was PAC chair for six years and Carrier of the Year in 2005. He attended many state conventions and the National Convention in 2002. John will be remembered as a man always willing to lend a hand to those in need and a family man. He is survived by his wife, Amber, of 36 years; a son (also a rural carrier) and three grandchildren. Wilford S. Penny, 77, passed away March 22, 2009 at Beacon Hospice at Margaret’s House in Longview, Texas. He was born November 20, 1931, in Linden. He began his postal career in 1949 as a sub for his father and retired from the Postal Service in 1988, having spent most of 37 years as a rural carrier in Linden, Marietta, and Hughes Springs, TX. He would always say, “the mail has to go with service and a smile.” Wilford served as secretary and president of Local 66 of the TXRLCA. In 1976, he was elected secretary to the state board of TXRLCA and held that position until 210

1985. In 1996, he was appointed editor of The Texas Carrier, and served in that position from 1996 through the June issue in 2008. At the 1997 National Convention, he was presented with the First Place Award for Best State Newspaper for 1996. He was also chosen as Retired Carrier of the Year for 2006. Wilford served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1956. He was a member of the Linden United Methodist Church for over 50 years, where he sang in the choir and was director of the Men’s Choir. He served for six years as mayor of Linden, was a member of the Linden Lions Club and was well-known in the area for his entertaining as “Willie” in the Linden Lions Follies. He was preceded in death by his first wife and his parents. Survivors include his wife, Laura; two children; three sisters; three grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. Homer “Gene” Pruden, 87, passed away at his home on March 4, 2009. He was born February 25, 1922 in Arapahoe, NE. He joined the Army and served until 1945 in the Quartermaster Corp. He married Betty Davis on March 31,1943 and they had seven children. Gene became a part-time clerk and substitute rural carrier for the Adrian Post Office in 1948. He became a full-time carrier in 1957 and remained on Route 2 until his retirement in 1985. He became a 50-year member of the NRLCA in 2009. Gene was proud to be a rural carrier. Many of the children who grew up on his route remember that he gave candy and gum out on Saturdays. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Betty and four children, two of whom are employed with the Postal Service. Lyell Wagenveld, 95, a retired rural carrier from the Holland, Michigan area, passed away on March 14, 2009. Born on August 21, 1913, Lyell served the Postal Service for 30 years. He joined the union in 1937, earning him the distinction of being an NRLCA member for 72 years. The National Rural Letter Carrier

March 2009 PAC Contributions Anthony Vilardo, PAC Manager

T

his issue of the magazine features those rural letter carriers whose generous cumulative contributions received in the National Office from July 15- March 31, 2009 reached the designated level below during the previous month. Please make all checks/money orders payable to NRLCA-PAC. March Aggregate 1 TX $6,183 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Janis Cassens 2 NC $4,482 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Van Heath 3 OH $3,986 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ray Nichols

Year to Date Aggregate 1 TX $27,552 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Janis Cassens 2 OH $25,207 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Raymond Nichols 3 IL $20,502 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Emily Anderson

March Per Capita 1 SD $3.45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Don Neumayr 2 ND $2.02 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Phillip Quick 3 WY $1.92 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kay Rose

Year to Date Per Capita 1 OK $7.90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Burl & Dru Webb 2 KS $6.83 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joe Ney 3 IA $6.53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shirley Ring

EMERALD CAPITOL $1500+ — MARCH 2009 None

DIAMOND CAPITOL $1,000 - $1499 — MARCH 2009 Texas Louthan, Gary

Hale Center

RUBY CAPITOL $500 - $999 — MARCH 2009 Alabama Tate, Janice

Gordo

ELITE $250 - $499 — MARCH 2009 Alabama Moyer, Dennis

Indiana Ashville

California Rich, Lisa

May 2009

Redding

Hunt, Kenneth Jones, Helen

North Dakota Martinsville Columbus

Bechtold, Jon

Virginia Glen Ullin

Tennessee Brown, James

King, Paul

Grundy

Washington Kingsport

Cammack, Michael

Entiat

211

EXECUTIVE $100 - $249 — MARCH 2009 Alabama Coker, Carolyn Evers, Timothy Howell, Carol

Valley Dadeville Quinton

Spence, Bennie

Campbell, Vennis Greenfield Varner, Martha Grandview Watkins, James Warsaw

Montana

Kansas

Arkansas Birkhead, Warren Bosnick, Stanley

Indiana

Ola Moro

Troeger, Norman Beverly Presnell, Robert McPherson

Arizona

Kentucky

Armenta, Cande Somerton Higley, Jean Apache Junction

Locke, Otis

Louisiana

California

Latiolais, Glenda Breaux Bdge Sellers, Barbara Dubach Tompkins, Katherine Greensburg

Helgesen, Frank Kronberg, June

Menifee Willows

Colorado Bailey, Karen

Longmont

Florida Adams, Gloria Bradenton Meadows, Mary Polk City Moore, David Barefoot Bay Pulver, Alfred Montverde Valla, Joseph Ft Myers Wetherington, Bonnie Dover

Georgia Fortson, Charles Parks, Jerome Waters, Charlie

Elberton Albany Ellijay

Iowa Baughman, Julia

Centerville

Russellville

Carriere

Foss, Clinton

Ballantine

North Carolina Caudell, Mack Sparta Eubanks, Harold Beulaville Frazier, Ken Eden Hicks, Clyde Monroe Keel, Samuel Bethel Robinson, Ronald Morven Tate, James Kings Mountain Tingen, Worth Apex

North Dakota Sand, Ervin

Galesburg

Maryland

Nebraska

Nordbruch, Diana Forest Hill Woods, Virginia Hollywood

Ceder, Howard Central City Grell, Kenneth Blue Springs Huddle, Lawrence Madison Krause, Kenneth Elgin Rose, Kay Morrill Schmitt, Mark Elgin Schmitz, Eugene Hastings Zimmerman, Marvin Nebraska City

Maine Brackett, Jeffrey New Sharon

Michigan Dodds, Kathi Morenci Fowler, Elaine Saint Joseph Harrier, Sherry Union City Hendershot, Merton Gagetown Mousseau, Wilfred Ossineke

Minnesota Buckingham, Minor W Concord Cornish, Mike Vernon Center Voss, Randall Glencoe

Illinois

Missouri

Barbee, Calvin Salem Meisner, Charles Jerseyville Onion, George Abingdon Writz, Agnes Round Lake

Hey, Howard Santhuff, Agnes

Kansas City Arnold

New Hampshire York, Dale

Woodsville

New Jersey Southard, John

New Lisbon

New Mexico Honeyfield, Donald Peralta Laviolette, Mark Rio Rancho Magby, Wilma Carlsbad

New York

Mississippi Clark, Lowell McCrary, Johnny

Lucedale Columbus

Lacelle, David Thatcher, Todd

Bridgeport Perry

Ohio Barton, Arlene Troy Buttermore, Bert McComb Dutcher, James Millersport Hartline, Bruce Toronto Ravenscraft, Bob Greenfield Rickard, Deborah Van Wert

Schleder, Wayne Columbia Weber, Sharon Bridgewater

Tennessee Brodioi, Gary Belvidere Cook, John Finger Gryszko, Bradford Gallatin Sweeten, Ramona Memphis

Oklahoma

Texas

Bowers, Billie Idabel Crispin, Nelda Putnam Donley, Samuel Grandfield Flaherty, William Gage Holland, Curtice Yukon Jones, Clement Pocola Mulkey, Mary Broken Bow Springer, Glen Broken Arrow Summers, Melvin Cheyenne Worley, Thomas Gotebo Towanda Bethel Tunkhannock

Bassett, Benita Yoakum Catalina, John La Feria Creel, Terry Newcastle Heath, James Denton Hicks, Judy Fred Jeschke, Harley Miles Lovings, Vickie New Waverly Owens, Ray Freeport Rennoldson, Joyce Bay City Robison, Jackie Damon Schmittou, Cleburne Aubrey Tobias, Jesus Dallas Tolar, Charlene Corsicana Tullis, Pansy Abernathy

Arocho, Cipriano San Sebastian

Bondurant, Kay Appomattox Hill, David Bridgewater

South Carolina

Washington

Pennsylvania Camp, Kathy Haag, Randall Sholes, James

Puerto Rico

Clayton, William

Central

South Dakota Cloos, John Big Stone City Eske, Mavis Aberdeen Fechner, Michael Delmont Fritz, Lyle Bath Hansen, Duane Irene Hegge, Kathy Garretson Houghton, Gail Claire City Nelson, Milton Watertown Ruhd, Darrell Brandt

Virginia

Evans, Clayton

Des Moines

Wisconsin Olbrantz, Leon Marathon Ramquist, William New Richmond Vangen, Thurman Ferryville Winterhalter, Elizabeth Hartford Zeich, Barry Orfordville

West Virginia Barker, Norman Glenwood Shrewsbury, Steven Rock

LEADERSHIP $50 - $99 — MARCH 2009 Alabama

California

Delaware

Farrar, Barry Lafayette Green, Sandra Daphne Greene, James Montgomery May, Robert Russellville Snyder, Sonja Bryant Speake, Holly Dadeville Thorne, Roland Dothan Vete, John Smiths Wilson, Wanda Gordo

Barnes, Dennis Spring Valley Bellomy, Merrilee West Point Bivin, Nellie Redding Bonnema, Ronald Orland Connelly, John Vacaville D'Arrigo, Cathy Guerneville Dewitt, Charles Samoa Fapp, Donald Los Osos Kratz, Lois Live Oak Pihaylic, Diana Orland Vavrynyuk, Taras Citrus Hgts

McCullough, Roy

Arkansas Elton, Cheryl Hamburg Gall, Mary Walnut Ridge Gill, R Tyronza Groomes, Nan Leola Norman, Carl Marianna Reeves, Ronald Clarksville Rogers, Sandra Maumelle White, Jean Blytheville White, Thomas Blytheville Wilson, Jack Danville Wish, Lloyd Clarksville

Arizona Best, Bruce Magana, Herman Simmons, Nancy

212

Mesa Yuma Peoria

Colorado Banning, Lawrence Buena Vista Engler, Laura Pueblo West Hinde, Richard Haxtun Kern, Dorothy Platteville Parker, Marilyn Parker Winckel, Paul Johnstown

Connecticut Gilbertie, Anthony Westport Glemboski, Bertha Colchester Smith, George Milford Vaclavik, Frances Canterbury

Milford

Florida Bly, Vivien Interlachen Campbell, Kenneth Sebring DeRossett, Ronnie East Palatka Edwards, Lee Tallahassee Johnson, Berness Bonifay King, John Lakeland Martin, Mattie Orlando Rodebush, Willis Gulf Breeze Rogers, Claude Rockledge Valla, Emma Fort Myers

Georgia Bennett, Samuel Culloden Brown, V Elberton Burnam, Larry West Green Chapman, Arthur Blakely Cobb, Wanda Douglasville Cook, Linda Lafayette Eickewhorst, James Auburn Findley, Vivian Toccoa Garmon, Albert Powder Sprgs Minnon, David Rincon Ozburn, Albert Newborn Padgett, Shirley Hephzibah

Palmer, James Pyles, Charles Resendez, Donna Wren, Curtis

Pelham Elko Hampton Martinez

Iowa Adams, E Prairie City Aldrich, Bertha Alden Babbitt, MichaelRockwell City Chew, Montelle Murray Covington, Daniel Coggon Davis, John Davenport Faris, Jeffrey Iowa Falls Haugen, Dean Hanlontown Helmers, Diann Reinbeck Holtz, William Algona Johnston, Paul Keosauqua Kruse, Ronald Lime Springs McMains, Michael Bloomfield Miller, Donald Keosauqua Nelson, Lawrence Lake View Nissly, Michael Waukee Noble, Josephine West Liberty Parmenter, Richard Central City Shields, David Lineville Slater, Leo Lamont Strang, Max Cantril

Svoboda, Clair Watters, Eugene Williams, Robert

Clutier Spiritlake Lytton

Idaho Anderson, Clarence Mountain Home Eld, Roberta Caldwell Higgins, Darlene Hansen Jenkins, Mike Saint Anthony Linder, Rayme Homedale Olson, Jeanette Coeur D’ Alene Waugh, Patricia Gooding

Illinois Barnas, Jeffrey Manhattan Bautsch, Daniel Galena Campbell, George Plymouth Cline, John Dunlap Fife, Harry Carrier Mills Fullerton, Eugene Coulterville Kennelly, Teddy Gilson Lasser, Robert Colfax Meents, Lorraine Ashkum Mefford, Jonathan Virginia Miles, Forrest Belvidere Newell, Leslie Strasburg

The National Rural Letter Carrier

LEADERSHIP $50 - $99 — MARCH 2009 Pate, Judith Coal City Severyns, Christine Big Rock Sirois, Myrtle Saint Anne Stutzman, Carol Arthur Taylor, Maurice Rushville Tinklenberg, Rick Quincy

Indiana Blume, Donald Evansville Dewees, Dale Warren Feddersen, John Elkhart Graft, Richard Bunker Hill King, Irene Warsaw Komasinski, Don Michigan City Kuppler, Carl Madison Lahey, Robert Union City Miller, Rachel Spencerville Niehaus, James St Meinrad Robinson, Michael Elkhart Shively, Glen Rossville

Kansas Brake, Emmett Kinsley Briscoe, Mark Riley Frost, Dwight Esbon Kelly, Patrick Overland Park Mach, Raymond Scandia Piotrowski, Robert Fort Scott Renollet, Mark Wichita Tarbet, Jamie Overland Park Timm, Virginia White City Vanmeter, Corwin Atlanta Welter, Paul Dresden

Kentucky Bohart, Dona Owenton Dean, Michael Whitesville Fincher, Simon Corbin Johns, Creed Nicholasville Ladd, Christine Cadiz McAdams, Mildred Hodgenville McDonald, Roy Liberty Ratcliff, William Corinth Roberts, Lois Independence White, Ronald Kevil

Louisiana Brouillette, MalcolmMarksville Carnal, Walter Lecompte Dickens, Barbara Vinton Dubois, Leigh Colfax Duhe, Lawrence Reserve Eglin, Rhonda Westlake Foster, Pamela Shreveport Hebert, Maxine Scott Kelly, Rolla Many Verret, Janice New Iberia Woods, Jerry Stonewall

Massachusetts DeGaetano, Susan Ayer Dunn, Mary Wrentham Maciulewicz, Richard Westport Woitowicz, Kevin Groton

Maryland Clough, George Cordova Gahley, Kenneth Ridgely Myers, Rebecca Taneytown Rodeheaver, Catharine Deer Park Seiler, Judy Denton Smith, Eric Laurel

May 2009

Maine Almodovar, William Bangor Cram, Blaine Monmouth Howell, Joseph Ellsworth Morrell, Raynard North Anson Poussard, Denise Wales Scanlin, James Portland

Michigan Brenner, Norma Shelbyville Campbell, Myron Delton Courtade, Edwin Thompsonville Day, Ruth Carleton Eby, Sharon Ithaca Gaylord, Valerie Alpena Gross, Nora Sand Lake Harkey, Eleanor Prescott Hill, Donna Brimley Hubbard, Joseph Springport Hyde, Ruby Gobles Kandell, Chris Carsonville Kennedy, John Ubly Kolk, Dirk Fremont Lane, Loyal Edwardsburg Mapes, Gaila Vestaburg McGrath, Edward Crystal Mentis, Jeffrey Lansing Olson, Hjalmar Escanaba Poupore, Jerald Carney Ramos, Miguel Auburn Hills Reid, Bonnie Holly Ringle, Barbara Fairhaven Robertson, Gary Three Oaks Sandahl, Jayne Stephenson Schmidt, GeraldGrand Rapids Seitz, Albert Fair Haven Sherman, Kenyon Charlotte Sorokin, Timothy Saginaw Struwin, Lejeune Burlington Warner, Barbara Martin Wila, Margaret Dorr

Minnesota Anderson, Daniel Evansville Blommer, John St Joseph Cota, Edward Red Lake Falls Dohmeier, Ernest Conger Evink, Gwendolyn Edgerton Ewert, Lyle Sebeka Helgerson, Orlando La Crescent Hess, Douglas Litchfield Hron, James Carver Janssen, Darrel Tracy Kadlec, Jerome Hutchinson Knick, Gerald Brownton Lane, Patrick Graceville Langowski, Sheila Winona Manbeck, Keith Little Falls Owens, David Albert Lea Pennertz, Gordon Litchfield Quaale, Lonnie Kenyon Remmel, Gale Lake Lillian Ronnei, Melissa Alexandria Sorensen, Dean Alden Tollerud, Bradley Pel Rapids Veenhof, Nickolas Edgerton Wayrynen, Roy Aitkin

Missouri Carroll, Clarence La Monte Cattron, Dorothy Poplar Bluff Deaver, Donald King City Direen, Steven Waynesville

Elson, Homer Ash Grove Ensminger, Ira Sedalia Gall, Carl Osborn Greenfield, Robert Huntsville Halmagyi, Alex Aurora Hiebert, Raymond Sheldon Ketchum, Robert Harrisonville Miller, Mary Willard Shelby, Larry Osceola Sikes, Twyla Bolivar Swisher, Laurel Bethel Waddle, Todd Lees Summit Weiss, Cynthia Imperial Wilson, Linda Kidder Yarbro, Juanita Poplar Bluff Ziegemeier, Donald St Peters

Mississippi Berryman, Joesph Carriere Bland, James Maben Dunn, Thomas Bruce Jordan, Max Ocean Springs Loper, John Pearl McCool, Gary Merigold Moak, Danny Wesson Rivers, Thadeus Union Toney, Hilton Tylertown Weller, Donna Columbus Whitten, Willard Merigold

Montana Branstetter, William Laurel Cherrey, Merlene Fairview Tebeau, Joseph Billings

North Carolina Basinger, Leo Rockwell Beasley, Anthony Burlington Boege, David Chadbourn Britt, Barbara Mount Olive Colbenson, Cheryl Jacksonville Collins, Joseph Castalia Cooke, Billy Aulander Cooke, Bruce Nashville Davis, Charles Lexington Davis, Susan Statesville Evans, Bernard Colerain Fann, Richard Clinton Franks, Rebecca Holly Springs Fuller, Kenneth Louisburg Hoggard, VickieKill Devil Hills Hutter, Wanda Newport Kirk, James Charlotte Lancaster, Cindy Moyock Lankford, Harry Kernersville Lee, John Four Oaks Mann, Ann Bostic Moore, Willia Bear Creek Morris, Delma Stella Munden, James Four Oaks Oglesby, John Kernersville Ramsey, Frank Marshall Roach, Carolyn Eden Russell, Kelly Waynesville Smith, Kaye Ramseur Wester, Margaret Lillington

North Dakota Anderson, Peter Manfred Backfisch, Roland Golden Valley Dahlin, Jeff Kenmare Dunderland, Peder Bottineau Edlund, Lyle Binford Erb, James Bismarck

Hatlestad, James Warwick Keller, Charles Scranton Robinson, Maurice Michigan Roemmich, Reginald New Salem Rudolf, Paul Wishek Seefeld, Catherine Harvey Spritzer, Quentin Wilton Stage, James McHenry Swennes, Richard Kenmare

Nebraska Allen, Freda Lincoln Guenther, Francis Crofton Jeary, Robert Seward Pfeifer, Peggy Clarkson Schmitz, Gerald Albion Severa, Dennis Stanton Sucha, Jeannette Clarkson Thompson, Brent Papillion Urbauer, Barry Davenport

New Hampshire Farmer, Edward Ctr Harbor Hart, Daniel Center Harbor Holmes, Richard Charlestown Linkroum, William Merrimack

New Jersey De Angelis, William Hhtstown Kundu, Sukesh Voorhees Lambing, FrancisWilliamstown Pillion, George Chester Smith, Russell Vineland

New Mexico Reecer, Donald

Alto

New York Bellnier, Lillian Coxsackie Ceurter, Joseph Berkshire Chamberlain, Richard Ft Edward Glass, William Lisbon Grant, Daniel Clayton Hibbard, Frances Binghamton Kyle, Duane Sterling Leackfeldt, George Pattersonville Osterhoudt, Howard Sharon Springs Thaine, Gary Albion Wyant, Karen Earlton Zeh, Richard Calverton

Hladik, Bernard Douglas Kincaid, Edgar Elk City Lamons, Garl Tahlequah Phillips, Ronald Geary Rogers, Faye Rose Stevenson, Michael Jones

Oregon Beyer, Mark Tillamook Kelly, Robert Salem McEldowney, Eldon Harrisburg Oleson, Janet Oregon City

Pennsylvania Bailey, Carol South Fork Branning, Allan Beach Lake Clavier, Ira New Holland Goodz, KennethDowningtown Hess, Louis Dawson Kiefer, Jeree West Mifflin Kupp, Linda Newtown Pallis, David Damascus Price, James Austin Rice, Edwin Lykens Sevinsky, Thomas Coudersport Starr, Joseph Danville Tonin, Joanne Greensburg Wilkins, Jack Addison

South Carolina Giles, Charles Hanna, Robert Heffner, Brenda Kinard, Virginia Smith, Joe Thomas, Roland

Anderson Kingstree Yemassee Fairfax Elloree Smoaks

South Dakota Baily, Robbin Dell Rapids Bush, Victor Olivet Campbell, Mary Yankton Carman, Lyle Kimball Croston, Allan Winner Doyle, Timothy Alexandria Gageby, Charles Ward Greenfield, James Dante Heiberger, Eileen Bridgewater Keller, Bruce Ashton Schuelke, Eileen Groton Snyder, Charles Canistota Tebeest, Merwin De Smet Volkert, Carol Huron

Ohio

Tennessee

Busch, Donald Hamler Cook, Valerie Marion Fravel, Leo Pataskala Gordin, DeborahS Charleston Kramer, Carrie Tiffin Langley, Dona Washington Court Manz, Paul Paulding Nighswander, Lori Tiffin Oswalt, Michael Mt Vernon Peterson, Stephen Perrysville Pottmeyer, Larry Lowell Randolph, Edith Massillon Rodgers, Miranda Blanchester Smith, Diane De Graff Tschopp, Paula Pleasantville Warvel, Devon Greenville Yoder, Hubert W Liberty

Bishop, Ben Burns Duncan, James Milan Elliott, Charlotte Clarksville Griffin, Robert Church Hill Hogan, Willie Tullahoma Horner, Claude Jefferson City Humphreys, Charles Humboldt Kepley, Gwinn Portland McKee, Joe Milton Stanley, Patricia Halls White, Joseph Vonore Wilsford, Justin Culleoka

Oklahoma Brochu, Patrick Harris, J

Mcalester Balko

Texas Billings, Wanda Seagraves Bolin, Evert Lewisville Brady, Homer Fort Worth Bucek, Charles East Bernard Chavarria, Daniel Mcallen Davis, Frances Seabrook Easterly, Morris Crockett Henderson, William Naples

213

LEADERSHIP $50 - $99 — MARCH 2009 Hodde, Clarence Brenham James, Debra Little Elm Jones, Thelma Sour Lake Kopecky, Peggy Terrell Latham, Glen Holland Mackechney, Tracy Nacogdoches McGill, Jarvis Weatherford Norris, Elmer Ralls Poncik, Ruby Needville Porter, Hugh Gainesville Swinghammer, Jean Tomball Taliaferro, James Coolidge Watkins, Linda Tyler

Watkins, Timothy Seagoville West, Carol Springtown

Virginia Breeding, Joan Triangle Clark, Serena Glade Hill Dolan, Wilton Wingina Gore, Robert Patrick Springs Harnsberger, William Patrick Spgs Haynes, Samuel Martinsville Kite, Albert Abingdon Lloyd, John Christiansburg McFarlane, Sandra Sterling

Shelton, Dwight Mt Jackson Watson, R Bedford Zachwieja, Carolyn Bassett

McKenzie, Dawn Wenatchee Nguyen Mai, Tam Auburn Storm, Milton Latah

Vermont

Wisconsin

Houghton, Robert Marshfield

Barth, Marcelyn Black Creek Baumgartner, Allen Kewaunee Brodziski, Douglas Athens Calabrese, Hope Waukesha Diehls, Kenneth Janesville Fox, Joseph Beloit Holmstrom, Karen Rice Lake Jackson, Robert La Valle Kahl, William New Holstein

Washington Ariss, Florence Raymond Daniel, Steven Ocean Shores Dougherty, Linda Reardan Harshman, Joseph Walla Walla Holert, Marie Vashon Levine, Helen Sequim

Kaiser, Timothy Minocqua Larson, Eugene Menomonie Leverance, Maurice Slinger Muehlius, Lester Lomira Schneider, Michael Portage Scudder, Mark Middleton

West Virginia Brinkley, David Prichard Eckard, Donald Ridgeley Hadley, Rex Saint Marys Morrison, Richard Huntington

Wyoming Strauch, Judith

Worland

SUPPORTER $25 - $49 — MARCH 2009 Alaska Hurlbut, David

Arizona Juneau

Alabama Adams, Thomas Blountsville Boyles, Jimmy Haleyville Brown, James Deatsville Burns, Libby Woodstock Cantrell, Linda Hackleburg Chance, Ruby Florala Cofield, Miranda Dawson Fadkevich, Gena Adamsville Goodson, Philip Geneva Hightower, Renae Lincoln Jenkins, Johnna Ohatchee Loescher, Francis McIntosh Mann, Geraldine Millbrook McMillan, Francis Greensboro Nix, Polly Opelika O'Brien, Cornelius Loxley Powell, Wendell Greenville Reynolds, Vermel Chatom Roshetko, Mark Daphne Rotenberry, Lela Woodstock Smith, Wanda Leighton Stringer, Marion Wetumpka Stripling, Nolen Vernon Thompson, Cody Henagar Turner, Ollie Pisgah Worsham, Donna Boaz

Arkansas Adams, William Pine Bluff Bohannon, Vickie Judsonia Booth, Billy Hazen Boysen, Randy Bentonville Bray, William Lewisville Bryant, Billy New Edinburg Cauthron, T Paris Harriman, Shirley Hamburg Henry, Theral Greenwood Medlin, Alfred Bauxite Neill, Robert Stamps Overfelt, John Rover Patton, Robert Springdale Penn, Susan Black Rock Prescott, Vivian Monticello Raible, James Charleston Risinger, James Clarksville Rowe, Jimmy Stamps Rucker, Tracy Hot Springs Staggs, Gaynell Atkins Thomason, James Cabot Ward, Eileen Eudora

214

Cassidy, Reginald Casteel, Thurman Chamberlain, Callie Cox, Donald Harris, Sam Kimball, Robert Lamfers, Elvin Rayburn, Marilyn Sylvester, Vern

Florida Tucson Sun City Yuma Mesa Sedona Surprise Sun City Mesa Sun City

California Caudill, Nina Visalia Dejong, Mary Vacaville Dowling, Mitchell Nevada City Fazio, Catherine Porterville Fringer, Virgil Visalia Gaines, Walter Cayucos Harris, Joan Atascadero James, Ted Morro Bay Lesnyaskov, Vladimir West Sacramento McAleer, Thomas Hesperia Mitchell, Hester Hilmar Preheim, Mae Reedley Regalado, Alberto Ontario Rodriguez, Paul Kingsburg Schubert, David Hemet Yadao, David Stockton Yarbrough, Archie Hanford

Colorado Davis, Robert Durango Johnson, Lorin Sterling Mortensen, Gaylon Sanford Teem, Lena Alamosa

Connecticut Bancroft, Shirley East Windsor Birkins, Debra Roxbury Genereux, Gary Thompson Jezierski, Leon Thompson Kenney, Lory Northford McQuarrie, Lilly Colchester Morse, William Danbury Pachiodo, Michael Oakdale

Delaware Argo, Wilbur Milton Dickerson, Sharon Milford Elliott, Robert Wilmington Harding, Ernest Dover Kimmey, Helen Townsend

Boggs, Clarence Ocala Bracewell, Betty Mc Alpin Brannan, Thelda Lake City Carnicom, Vickie Pensacola Cash, Barbara Oxford Ciminelli, Nicholas Archer Coffman, Mark North Port Cook, Michael Zephyrhills Dekle, Kasey Lake City Driggers, Deanne Lithia Durrance, Martha Plant City Edwards, Frank Bradenton Eifert, Pamela Naples Giroux, Joan Baker Griffin, Marianne Elkton Grumbine, Greta Freeport Haffa, Cindy Cape Coral Hardin, Albert Sanford Hartung, Denise Ormond Bch Hatmaker, Roy Pt Saint Lucie Howells, Mildred Springhill Ingram, Freeman Inverness Jensen, Deborah Palm Bay Johnson, Dale Gainesville Kissel, Jennie Polk City Long, Jean Bartow May, Will Trenton McLaughlin, Joseph Plant City Moore, Joann Jet Park Pelot, Ruby Belleview Pylman, Henry Dunedin Rogers, Angeline Pt Charlotte Rushing, Rebecca Lakeland Salas, Ebed Cape Coral Scherer, Howard Holly Hill Simms, John Englewood Smith, Mary Lakeland Spear, Samuel Sebastian Stella, Joseph Englewood Stodola, Beatrice Sarasota Turner, Nancy Hialeah Vanderhoof, Harley Mulberry Washburn, John Ft Myers Wynkoop, Wm Ft Lauderdale Yoder, Benjamin Grand Ridge Young, Pamela North Port

Georgia Baker, Vickie Belt, Margaret Bennett, Weyman Boggs, Billy

Thomson Brunswick Lilburn Canton

Bryant, Theron Gillsville Chancey, Cheryl Willacoochee Clower, Louise Hampton Dalton, Herschel Dahloneea Derricho, Barbara Covington Ford, Sarah Gainesville Fuller, Charles Dallas Hames, James Clarkesville Hammock, Julian McDonough Hodges, Mcbride Macon Johnson, Edward Sparta Kicklighter, Donald Blackshear Kimbrell, Jackie Patterson Kitchens, Virginia Round Oak Lipscomb, Walter Cartersville Luke, Oscar Ocilla Martin, Hoyt Wrightsville Maxwell, Sandra Thomasville Mercer, Annie Albany Moore, Suber Warwick Moseley, Nancy Soperton Musick, George Barnesville Nuckolls, Benny Cumming Phillips, Steven Pine Mountain Reilly, Sharon Springfield Robinson, Luther Waynesboro Rountree, Ellis Midville Snider, Marion Sandersville Stowe, Richard Thomson Sword, Lyle McDonough Tumlin, Doris Cartersville Vinson, Blanche Macon Warren, Connie Cordele Weinstein, Peter Dacula Williamson, Timothy Macon

Hawaii Kiwaha, Emelia Captain Cook Ramos, Tannie Kealakekua Weller, Kathleen Keaau Whitford, Rita Wailuku

Iowa Arnold, Roger Brighton Brown, James Peterson Burt, Regina Conrad Cochran, Roy Chariton Dunnihoo, Richard Woodward Espensen, Madeline W. Branch Gogerty, John Nevada Goodman, John Cantril Hackenmiller, Janis Grafton Hartsock, Robert Columbus Jctn

Hayward, Mary Maquoketa Hill, Donald Norwalk Huebner, Wilbert Readlyn Hughes, Stephen Lime Springs Jackson, Larry Winterset Jobes, Brian Grinnell Johnson, Robert Britt Kilburg, Daniel Bellevue Kness, Warren Iowa Falls Leeper, R Davis City McCaslen, Ernest Fontanelle Miller, Ronald Joice Nelson, Sylvester Rockwell City Parmer, Jack Maquoketa Pilling, Laverne Macedonia Rayhons, Scott Ventura Richtsmeier, James Ackley Robertson, Donald Anamosa Schott, Rebecca Fayette Shatzer, Robert Jesup Slocum, Howard Scranton Smith, James North English Speer, Judith Dunkerton Spees, Richard Selma Tielbar, Willis Garnavillo Uehle, Raymond Danbury Vonnahme, Lyle Carroll

Idaho Frostad, Walter Coeur D’ Alene Green, Derald Burley Hume, Lucy Wilder Kesgard, Chris Pocatello Lester, Lola Belle Nampa McClellan, Carol Twin Falls Nicholas, Lynda Gooding Perecz, Wilma Parma Wilson, Leslie Payette

Illinois Bachman, Shannon Roberts Bochantin, Daniel Scheller Carter, Leola Godfrey Cashmore, Loretta Wadsworth Ceroni, Emma Ridott Connolley, Kenneth Mt Pulaski Cruse, Jean Sandoval Daab, Henry Columbia Deporto, Wayne Frankfort Dirksen, Merlyn Pecatonica Drda, Leonard Highland Enrietto, John Pawnee Fair, Sandra Decatur

The National Rural Letter Carrier

SUPPORTER $25 - $49 — MARCH 2009 Ford, Ian Urbana Freund, Yvonne Wonder Lake Gerdes, Mary Toluca Graham, Leland Adair Harris, John Polo Herold, William Pearl City Hunsaker, Robert Camp Point Johnson, HowardChanderville Kersten, Lori Dixon Krotz, Irene Caseyville Lewsader, Beth Chrisman McConnell, Phil Palestine Meinert, Frank Dakota Muller, Laura Tinley Park Netemeyer, Alan Albers Olson, Loren Morrison Rhodes, Dean Casey Robinson, Larry Herod Schallhorn, Gregory Arlington Sheley, Ann Rock Island Solomon, Irving Palmyra Sommer, Mark Rushville Spies, Audrey Chebanse Tadlock, Jane Lacon Tichler, Eldora Morrison Watters, Lisa Hamburg Zahnd, Lyle Fisher

Indiana Allen, Diana Rensselaer Auten, Betty Winslow Ball, Mary Hamlet Bassett, Brenda Huntington Bender, Lester Wawaka Boyle, Norman Columbus Brickley, Jean Wolcottville Charlton, Edward Leesburg Coleman, Lee Hartford City Combs, Patricia Laurel Conner, Samuel Cannelton Copp, Kenneth Middlebury Eichhorn, Susanna Decatur Elenburg, Gary Muncie Elliott, Robert La Grange Elshoff, Alvin Huntingburg Haltom, Renos Quincy Hermann, Janice Glenwood Kreider, Willis Warsaw Mangus, R Terre Haute Maze, Lowell Brownsville Miller, Rex New Paris Mills, Robert La Fontaine Padfield, Shawn Kokomo Phillips, Bill Santa Claus Podell, Orvel Winamac Prather, Lawrence Perrysville Scholl, Wayne Connersville Shumaker, Charles Pleasant Lake Simmons, Norman Goshen Stevens, Paul Dillsboro Summers, Orval Veedersburg Weyer, Kurt Ferdinand Wiesemann, Susan Covington Young, James Salem

Kansas Baker, Neal Pomona Boehm, Laurence Paola Bourbina, Kenneth Abilene Cottle, Charles Hutchinson Gardner, Edwin Plainville Gerber, Julie Kansas City Harrington, Louis Blaine John, Milton St. John

May 2009

Jones, David King, Christopher Kramer, Jay Marsh, James Vardy, James Weber, Aloysius

Clyde Moran Longford Farlington Anthony Park

Kentucky Akins, Harold Bardstown Berry, Whayne Morganfield Bland, Joseph Lebanon Bland, William Lebanon Bottoms, Cathy Boaz Bowling, Ruth Butler Brigance, Jimmy Owensboro Burgess, Seral Fancy Farm Campbell, Robert Wallingford Daugherty, Becky Fordsville Davis, James Holmes Mill Gardner, Pendleton Quality Harmon, James Lebanon Jones, Terry Hickory Preston, Patrick Glendale Smith, Amy Monticello Smith, Gladys Morganfield Strickler, Frank Elizabethtown Taylor, Tabitha Morgantown Uhart, Teresea Beaver Dam Unseld, Debra Bardstown Vance, Robert Hodgenville Vinson, Debra Rockfield Wyatt, Judy Paducah

Louisiana Ardeneaux, Claudette Franklin Bordelon, Nolan Marksville Breaux, Kimberly New Iberia Dickens, Aundria Sulphur Estopinal, ConnieMadisonville Gauthreaux, Claire Vacherie Hebert, Lana Rayne Hill, Sharon Gilbert Hughes, Stephen Pearl River Jones, Malda Dubach Lemoine, Karen Moreauville McCune, Andrew Slidell Palmer, Linda Bethany Prather, Jesse Abbeville Roller, Tami Dodson Ross, Rhonda Campti Schorr, George Chalmette Stelly, Linda Kaplan Thomas, Karen Downsville Williams, Virginia Denham Spgs Winn, Stephanie Oakdale Wray, Gloria Shreveport

Massachusetts Anacki, Andrew Bridgewater Curboy, Cathy Sturbridge Davis, Karen Dudley Draper, Sue Palmer Dunlea, Edwin Hampden Hodnicki, Susan Easthampton Jones, RobertGreat Barrington Martin, Candace Taunton Seymour, William Ashby Souther, Janet Amesbury

Maryland Cole, Priscilla Glen Burnie Deeds, BarbaraNew Windsor Fluellyn, Debra Bryans Road Gunther, William Phoenix Kriner, Betty Clear Spring

Lopez, Jair Thurmont Mak, Yat-woon Silver Spring Price, Robert Sparks Rohrer, Fred Hagerstown Saffell, Robert Sparks Smith, Ai Ijamsville Taylor, Janette New Carrolltn Williams, Timothy Baltimore Wolfe, George Sabillasville

Maine Bruyere, Janet Lebanon Campbell, Dale Berwick Clark, Darrell Woolwich Folland, Margaret S Portland Pelletier, David Caribou Perkins, Joanne Jefferson Sanborn, Gloria Cumberland Ctr

Michigan Bondy, Norman Whitmore Lake Bopra, William Croswell Britvec, Joseph Battle Creek Conley, Phillip Owosso Crego, Sharon Elmira Davis, Carol Lake Orion Eby, Ernest Oscoda Friend, William Howell Grimes, Mark Jackson Guerra, Kimberly Bruce Twp Gunther, Donald Vassar Kaufman, Alford Ravenna Kirsten, Wilma Cassopolis Lapointe, Ernest Ottawa Lake Lefke, Douglas Portland Pierce, Barbara Perry Reynolds, Allan Kalamazoo Royston, Virginia Plainwell Schantz, Karen Flushing Stausholm, James Allegan Stoner, Kenneth Rockford Wakeman, KennethFowlerville

Minnesota Andersen, Kim Crookston Anderson, Curtis Warren Anderson, Randy Nevis Babcock, Kenneth St Charles Bailey, Christine Aitkin Balk, Edward Montgomery Belgard, Janet Grand Rapids Berg, Harlow Gonvick Buseth, Archie Hendricks Dalager, Howard Saint Hilaire Droivold, Dale Spring Grove French, Duane Ogilvie Fuhr, Wayne Hastings Glantz, Victor Albert Lea Gunther, RaymondHeron Lake Haukos, M Beardsley Johnson, Elmer Balaton Karlsen, Carrol Warroad Kastner, Kenneth Rochester Katzenmeyer, Jay Madison Kautz, Brenda Zumbro Falls Kimball, Tambi Glencoe Kitzmann, Debra Backus Labonte, Leonard Park Rapids Lindemann, Alan Lake Benton McNea, Marlin Granada Murphy, Dwayne Marshall Oistad, Ernest Karlstad Pedlar, Sheridan Golden Valley

Phillips, Eleanore Angora Reuter, Kenneth Stillwater Rose, Frank Amboy Sackett, Deborah Zimmerman Schlomann, Leslie Butterfield Schwichtenberg, Robert Waconia Severson, Joyce Currie Shirley, Leslie Rothsay Stahl, Kevin Brainerd Stangler, Jerome Waseca Suedbeck, Edward Slayton Trippel, Zachary Hugo Witstine, Theresa Buffalo Worden, Donald Kerkhoven Wunderlich, Bruce Burtrum

Missouri Barton, Joseph Summersville Brown, John Edina Burrows, Janett Summersville Cantrell, Ann Garden City Carter, Charity Urbana Collett, Wallace Warrensburg Connors, John Dixon Cords, John Pevely Dills, Betty Albany Dubree, Russell Moberly Estes, Jessica Marble Hill Guenther, Carl Versailles Hamilton, John Independence Harrison, Teresa Lawson Klekamp, Waldo Boonville March, Billy Greentop McCabe, Hillis Rutledge Meyer, Robert Ozark Montgomery, Vera Lone Jack Nicoletti, Ernest Goodman Roloff, Henry O Fallon Royston, Burford Franklin Schilling, Elroy Lockwood Schleppy, William Diamond Schnitker, Rhonda Union Star Schofield, Danny Raytown Stout, Steven Jamesport Swagman, Esther O'fallon Thieman, Jerry Lamar Traw, Carolyn Chaffee Weinhardt, Margaret House Spgs Wiedey, Henry Carrollton Wilson, Bobby Albany Zielinski, Christine Kansas City

Mississippi Bridges, Kerri New Albany Buckalew, Lee Richton Conlee, Rhonda Potts Camp Dawson, Jesse Starkville Edmondson, Debbie Caledonia Herbert, James Cleveland Hummer, Glenn Macon King, Basil Sidon Klyce, John Sardis Lott, Bobbie Saucier Norris, James Mc Cool Parker, Robin Saucier Prater, Shelia Pontotoc Stanback, William Byhalia Stowers, Douglas Guntown Tillson, John Raleigh Vandevere, Sylvia Yazoo City Williams, Dennis Merigold

Montana Berry, Lawrence Cuffe, James Robson, Arnold Salomon, Bethel Sautter, Jack

Reedpoint Whitefish Lindsay Missoula Townsend

North Carolina Alexander, Robert Hayesville Barnhardt, Stephen Delco Blango, Lola Blounts Creek Boone, Dianne Gates Brooks, James Siler City Butt, Thomas Bakersville Call, D, D Mocksville Christopher, William Waynesville Clark, Billy Clarkton Cook, Ulys Siler City Dunkley, Ronald Roxboro English, Edward Willard Evans, Harold Reidsville Fail, Harold Spring Lake Gardner, Maxine Willow Sprgs Goodman, Leo Gold Hill Hamlett, Richard Milton Hatcher, Trudy Conway Holcomb, Brian Whiteville Howard, Kathleen Raeford Huddleston, Richard Siler City Huffines, Terry Brown Summit Lineberry, Barbara Carthage Little, James Winterville McDougald, John Clarkton Mitchell, Elma Red Springs Nichols, Bonnie Connellys Sprg Phillips, Billy Bear Creek Pinkham, Dorothea Newport Rich, Harold Asheboro Rogers, Clarence Durham Rouse, Murray Kinston Russell, Archibald Rougemont Saunders, Frankie Burgaw Setzer, Keith Iron Station Sink, Henry Lexington Stone, Trisha Hope Mills Summey, Patricia Old Fort Taylor, George Roxboro Thornton, Debra Denver Weddington, Benn Mooresville West, Terry White Oak Williams, Pamela Apex Woodroof, Richard Roanoke Rapids

North Dakota Gray, James Stanley Johnson, Jerry Cooperstown Knapp, Donald Binford Oxton, Samuel Finley Rivinius, Caryn Gackle Stroh, Keevin Venturia Torkelsen, Arthur Cando Wolff, Christ Forbes

Nebraska Baker, Warren Scotsbluff Buchli, Kandy Daykin Claflin, Shirley Gothenburg Cooney, Sharon Omaha Dowling, Mike Randolph Hawley, Ryan Alma Jackson, Danny Superior

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SUPPORTER $25 - $49 — MARCH 2009 Johnson, Pam Stromsburg Meyer, Cindy Nora Ruzicka, John Saint Paul Schwarten, Betty Wakefield Thoene, Alton Hartington Thomas, Robert Callaway

New Hampshire Allain, Tasca Fremont Bissonnette, Ralph Laconia Eighmey, Duane Dover Hansen, Donna N Haverhill Kelly, Linda Derry Merry, Brian Westmoreland Weaver, Roy Canaan

New Jersey Cox, Kristine Clarksboro Dobozynski, Anna Flemington Easley, Jathor Neshanic Stn Hassler, Mary Salem Santangelo, Robin Absecon Surati, Dharmendr Absecon Tomasello, Lee Hammonton Villaruz, Augusto Robbinsville

New Mexico Durand, Joe Dexter Martinez, Mary Albuquerque Palmer, Laverne Lovington Pierce, Alice Texico Taylor, Ronald Farmington

Nevada Dujmovich, John Minden Locanas, Emmanuel Las Vegas Simer, Virginia Pahrump

New York Bliven, Robert Oxford Brady, Myron Constable Bub, Walter Lodi Camenga, Carl Norwich Campbell, Myra Bradford Cunningham, David Pawling Deminski, Stanley E Syracuse Dicker, Henry Verbank Dinehart, Robert Branchport Dower, John Chestertown Dubois, Laurence Chatham Eckler, Frederick Richfield Spg Enstine, Everett Ithaca Fisher, John Fulton Fletcher, Harold Shortsville French, NancyHammondsport Gaffney, Loretta Lancaster Gage, James Sherburne Gardella, August Oneonta Gould, James Dunkirk Graff, Dale Medina Green, Marguarite Frankfort Havens, Robert Victor Heffer, James Caledonia Herne, Thomas Akwesasne Honey, William Randolph Hughes, Kenneth Edwards Jean-Charles, Ramona Dix Hills Johnston, Robert Findley Lake Knight, Ada Hancock Lampert, Heidi Porter Corners Lewis, Nancy Randolph Mc Donald, Patricia Ava McAuliffe, Gerald Hoosick Fls Meaker, Brenda Palmyra

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Nesterowicz, Cynthia Munnsville Oltz, John Willseyville Pritchard, Olin Oswego Renskers, Wilbur Clymer Renskers, Wilbur Clymer Rist, Joseph Garrison Romagnoli, Dewey Canastota Schumacher, Jeanne Marathon Silliman, Helena Dundee

Ohio Achor, Judith Hillsboro Badenhop, Donald Defeance Beckett, Pauline Jacobsburg Burkle, Elsie Eaton Christmas, Melvin New Carlisle Crew, Clifford Massillon Crouch, Melva Bloomingdale Cunningham, Danny Guysville Cycyk, Pamela Geneva Dirksen, David Bradford Eckert, Edwin Stockport Edmonson, Edward Nelsonville Englehart, Roberta Paulding Erwin, Robert Gallipolis Eubank, William Wheelersburg Eyerman, Paul Grove City Gallwitz, Deborah Warsaw Gamerdinger, Misty Chillicothe Goodbar, Thomas Xenia Green, Peggy Chillicothe Hanefeld, William Continental Herr, Robert Cairo Honsberger, Larry Elmore Jennings, Greg Edgerton Keeran, John Findlay Leskovac, Kathleen McDonald Lindeman, Lois Wapakoneta Lint, Susan North Lawrence Lucas, Joy Claysville Meyer, John Hamilton Michael, Patricia Hillsboro Millisor, Clyde Bremen Moody, John Carroll Morehart, James McCutchenville Murphy-Vogt, DebbieWindsor Norman, Russell Kenton Parker, Terry West Union Pendergrast, Elaine Antwerp Peter, Max Hicksville Pirinen, Jean Dorset Plybon, Julia Crown City Reese, Robert Findlay Richwine, Rebecca Mansfield Ridener, Teddy Blanchester Rinehart, Helen Mansfield Schwab, Ellen Willard Seaman, John Peebles Shaffer, Leeanne New Paris Smith, Charles Woodsfield Smith, Verlin Piketon Snider, Daphne Barberton Spidell, Edwin Dover Supplee, Walter Jefferson Taylor, Glenn Lyndon Teutsch, Marjorie Cridersville Van Beveren, Joyce Sycamore Williams, Ruth Ironton

Oklahoma Bailey, Robert Wellston Cochran, Robert Sentinel Cockrum, Charles Chickasha Gay, Kathleen Adair Haltom, Angela Stillwater Hutson, Emett Haskell Kamp, Vernon Laverne Lipscomb, Brenda Temple Mullen, Bert Inola Nelson, Jeanie Chelsea Rice, Willie Wagoner Robbins, Mike Glenpool Romine, Leslie Ochelata Stover, Vicky Wanette Vorel, Paul Yukon Witty, Wanda Oakwood

Oregon Duree, Andrea Tygh Valley Elliott, Janett Portland Fisher, Leon Wallowa Hutchinson, Douglas Mulino Johnson, Norman Dayton Koch, John Milwaukee Larson, David Jacksonville Lieder, Robert Dallas Osborne, Wesley Bandon Smith, Gerald Mcminnville Swigart, Elwin Molalla

Pennsylvania Almes, Mary Jamestown Armstrong, Marcy Dayton Boyd, Viola Quakertown Brown, Jillian Morrisville Dickey, Jeanne Slippery Rock Dominick, Jack Pittsburgh Eddy, Kimberly Edinboro Frantz, Richard Maxatawny Frederick, Viola Sewickley Gaus, Raymond Amity Greenough, Robert Columbia Cross Roads Guffey, David Towanda Harclerode, Robert Everett Herman, Clyde Selingsgrove Kearns, Jacqueline Hummelstown Kelly, Ruth Johnstown Kilmer, George Auburn Kuchinic, Cathy Venetia Lichtenfels, John Johnstown Mondanaro, Valerie Dingmans Ferry Morrow, Gretchen Hookstown Pieninck, Frances Green Lane Pilipovich, Frank Masontown Resh, David Walnutport Rex, Mary Shippenville Rosborough, Mildred Shelocta Ruggles, Ralph Hanover Smith, Rae Saylorsburg Stollar, Jean Claysville Stouch, Charles Red Lion Vallies, Gerald Dayton Van Wert, George Indiana Yingling, Donald Roaring Spring

Puerto Rico Cedeno-Vazquez, Daniel Bayamon

Rhode Island McCullough, George Tiverton

McElroy, Robert N Providence Paparella, Lynn Charlestown

South Carolina Bowers, Bill Six Mile Costenbader, Sheila Winnsboro Dix, Cecil Aynor Gibson, James Westminster Healey, Edward Murrells Inlet Jones, Carlisle Pamplico Larsen, Dawn Seneca McSwain, William Murrells Inlet Miller, Jimmie Salters Nichols, James Saluda Osborne, Harry Salters Queen, Milford Jonesville Ragin, Wayne Sumter Ray, Tina Easley Rector, Jerry Fountain Inn Riser, Joy Bowman Smith, Teressa Johns Island Son, Wanda Little Mountain Sullivan, Isaac Kershaw

South Dakota Anderson, Herbert De Smet Beebe, Linda Worthing Bentley, Pat Huron Bunn, Billie Rapid City Ernesti, James Sioux Falls Gullickson, Donald Hayti Halverson, Eugene Madison Hoskins, Parke Wolsey James, Francis Lily Jensen, Dana Sherman Morrisette, Rene Florence Nelson, Peggy Wakonda Parks, Floyd Dell Rapids Peterson, Elwood Huron Rath, Clarence Whitewood Redmond, John Watertown Reker, Raymond Sioux Falls Wiedmann, Larry Dixon Young, Crystal Loomis

Tennessee Akins, Nathan Bethpage Autry, Max Milan Bigbie, Coda Olivehill Branch, David Knoxville Branch, Melvin Strawberry Plains Breeden, William Trenton Britton, Sidney Chuckey Buckner, Nona Tullahoma Cooper, J Jellico Dunning, Little Gleason Foster, Robert Franklin Gentry, Gene Cleveland Gilpin, Joseph Harrogate Graves, Doris Maynardville Greenway, Cynthia Dayton Griffin, Mary Church Hill Grizzle, Kathye New Market Gunn, Carl Mount Juliet Hall, Richard Millington Hannah, Rebbecca Bartlett Harrison, Marion Pulaski Hulse, Beulah Kingsport Jones, John Pinson Jones, Lloyd Waverly Lack, Russell Sparta Lane, Carolyn Friendsville Lewis, Phyllis Spring Hill

Medley, Edith Powell Mullins, James Mulberry Neese, Lester Paris Payne, Kathy Rockwood Redmon, Terri Big Rock Rieder, Timothy Decherd Roberson, Cynthia Collinwood Roberts, Minnis Maryville Rowe, Judith Bristol Simerly, Terry Maryville Smith, Kelvin Knoxville Smith, Spencer Spring City Squibb, John Jonesboro Stavely, Dennis Dover Webb, Mavis Dayton Wilkinson, Joe White House Williams, Peggy Piney Flats Winn, Joe Clarksville Wolfe, Edward Butler Yap, Kim Crossville

Texas Bales, Claudia Talco Bates, Olive Gilmer Bell, Elvin Pattonville Blankenship, Inetha Quitaque Boccard, Kathy Mansfield Britt, Jimmie Collinsville D'Alessandro, Christinia Sachse Davis, Wilburn San Augustine Dickey, Loyd Grapeland Eben, Ada Cat Spring Emerson, Denise Krum Fitzgerald, Carol Montalba Franke, Arthur Victoria Hinton, Martha Nacona Hodges, Belinda Conroe Howell, Willard Decatur Jordan, Dottie Kerrville Joyner, Mary Omaha Kam, Billy San Antonio King, Jonathan Houston Klesel, Deanna Yoakum Leal, Joe Lyford Maxwell, Deborah Valley Mills McCarley, Soney Blue Ridge McDaniel, Carolyn Vidor Mellor, George New Braunfels Merritt, Norma Hermleigh Millikan, Robert Temple Morgan, Cheryl Valley Mills Nunez, Shirley Baytown Parker, Harold Alto Petrey, Henry Miles Scott, Tanya Bryan Sell, Erwin New Braunfels Simmons, James Victoria Smith, Ronda Brownwood Stennett, Gary Tahoka Thomas, Brenda Lufkin Thomas, Debra Buffalo Tolonen, Kimberley Lubbock Turner, Ralph Hico Weidman, Arthur Schertz Weigel, Dorothy Grandview Young, Melinda Pittsburg

Utah Davis, Lola Vernal Erickson, Jan Hooper Kojima, Deborah Sandy Mills, Vernon Spanish Fork

The National Rural Letter Carrier

SUPPORTER $25 - $49 — MARCH 2009 Nielson, Peggy Sutton, Viki Woffinden, Raleen

Monroe Kaysville Lehi

Virginia Barber, Dorothy Gate City Carter, Lee Bedford Durrer, Ellis Ruckersville Firebaugh, William Roanoke Goard, Jimmy Patrick Springs Kitts, Debra Wytheville Martin, Graydon Gladstone Matney, Donald Keen Mtn Petrie, John Stephens City Phillips, Douglas Mt. Jackson Roberson, Ray Stuart Scott, Ralph Marion Sewell, Kenneth Floyd Stanley, Gladys Mechanicsville Thompson, Warren Max Meadows

Wright, Andrew

Martinsville

Vermont Bell, Joseph Fairfield DiCantio, Joy Whitingham Dikeman, Darlene Bomoseen Estes, Henry Fairlee Fitzgerald, April Wolcott Gile, Bryant Richmond McKirryher, HarlandRochester Molleur, Cassandra Woodbury Morse, Norman Groton Morse, Terry Whitingham Starr, John North Troy Taylor, Adelord Barton

Washington Abbott, Michael Snohomish Brammer, Jane Duvall Brower, Leon Chehalis Brynildsen, Benhart Lynden

Day, Jodee Everson Ferrier, Chester Lacey Iversen, Charles Auburn Leidig, Edna Arlington Mitchell, Billy Kelso Norris, Dolores Bellingham Olsen, William Bothell Otterson, Wilmer Battle Ground Peringer, Barbara Oakesdale Sharp, Joseph Spokane Valley Teas, Frank Curlew Yockey, Virginia Twisp

Wisconsin Berns, Philip Sister Bay Bilgrien, Donald Iron Ridge Bonn, Timothy Holcombe Bukowski, David Green Bay Cassellius, Daniel Glenwood City Delawyer, Timothy Shell Lake

Dey, Jennifer Oconto Diamond, Martha Butternut Duncanson, Randy Mondovi Erdmann, Gary West Bend Fijalkiewicz, George Greenwood Frey, Milo Cambridge Frisk, Donald New Lisbon Hall, Wilfred Edgar Helgerson, James Soldier Grove Jacobson, William Hammond Kavajecz, Charles Edgar Kolpin, Clinton Westfield Krszjzaniek, Lavern Osseo Langer, Teresa Edgerton Lecker, Amy Hortonville Lee, Marvin Westby Mabie, Linda Kennan Marshall, GeorgeRichland Ctr McDonald, James Gays Mills

Patterson, Edwin Centuria Remus, Andrea Ettrick Rittman, Earl Lake Geneva Ruzga, Zigmund Mosinee Schmidtbauer, Barbara Tomahawk Schreiber, Gene Randolph Schuette, Orville Curtiss Smith, George Downing Starr, Clarence Portage Worthen, Sheila Columbus Yaroch, Ted Randolph Zentner, Matthew Richland Ctr Zimmer, Herbert Rice Lake

West Virginia Cecil, Floyd Proctor Cline, Harold Mineral Wells Midkiff, Timothy Princeton Tingler, James Grafton Walton, Monika Rock Cave

NRLCA Longaberger Baskets Now Available

A Longaberger TVTime basket with the lid engraved with the NRLCA logo and dated 2009 is now available. Baskets will be numbered and may be signed. Profits from the basket will go to the NRLCA PAC fund. The TVTime basket dimensions are 8” (W) x 6.25” (D) by 5.25” (front) and 7” (back height). The basket is warm brown in color with a primary trim strip of medium blue and a secondary trim strip of red. The trip strips are accented by eagle tack covers with an attached buckle. The cost of the basket is $110 ($100 for OH residents) and shipped by Priority Mail. If a protector is desired, add an additional $10 per basket (including OH residents). Make checks payable to Raymond Nichols and mail to: Raymond Nichols, 20915 Nichols Ln., Freeport, OH 43973. I would like to order: _____ baskets (Ohio) @ $100 each = _______ _______ baskets (all other states) @ $110 each = __________ _____ protector if desired @ $10 each = _________ (Shipping & tax included) Total: $_________

May 2009

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N ATIONAL A UXILIARY

A Program of Blessings 2008 - 2009 Officers of the Auxiliary of the NRLCA President Pat Gunnell 305 East Sycamore Street Galveston, IN 46932-9782 Tel: 574-699-7507 Vice President Rick Fox 49501 Hughes Road Alva, OK 73717 Tel: 580-327-1206 Secretary Joyce Newman 2935 150th Street Clarinda, IA 51632-4006 Tel: 712-542-8014 Treasurer Katie DeMeritt 6040 Metcalf Road Jeddo, MI 48032-3707 Tel: 810-385-4808

Executive Committee Chairman Barbara McAdams P.O. Box 66 Millport, AL 35576 Tel: 205-662-4258 Secretary Lucretia Nobles 230 McDilda Drive Lyons, GA 30436-5603 Tel: 912-526-6753 Member Kay Carter 80 White Oak Lane Plymouth, NC 27962-9556 Tel: 252-793-2313

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“My Wish” by Rascal Flatts Karleen Williams, Georgia Auxiliary President

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n choosing the song, “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts, our National President Pat Gunnell knew that the words could describe one’s service as an Auxiliary member. Quoting the song, “I hope you never look back but you never forget all the ones who love you and the place you left, I hope you always forgive and you never regret and you help somebody every chance you get.” By serving as an Auxiliary member, I have been privileged to meet people from throughout the nation who work hard and are very supportive of their rural carrier spouses. By joining with them I have learned more about the stresses and also the joys of being a carrier. In order to work with others, whether at the post office or in the Auxiliary, we learn to forgive and to help others. Our charitable project each year is also a great example of helping others. By purchasing project items from an Auxiliary member, we are helping children with life-threatening illnesses realize their dreams at the Give Kids the World Village. Another way to help someone is to be an organ donor. That is certainly an example of love and begins with registering with your state donor agency, designating yourself as a donor on your driver’s license and signing a donor card. The words of the song also say “I hope you help somebody every chance you get” and this really describes one who chooses to be an organ donor. Toward the end of the song you find the words “Always give more than you take” and this is what we as Auxiliary members must do if we expect to have a strong, united group. Many changes are coming for our group and we must remember the words in the song that speak of helping and loving others, of having our dreams stay big and our worries stay small. In closing, I quote the words of the song, “If one door opens to another door closed, I hope you keep on walking till you find the window, if it is cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile” and by remembering these words, I believe we will remain a united group working for the good of all.

The National Rural Letter Carrier

N ATIONAL A UXILIARY

Shelba’s Story: The Gift of Life Shelba Kruse, Kansas Auxiliary Vice President

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y “Gift of Life” came August 27, 1997! In California, a dying 16-year-old’s family made a decision that gave me a most precious gift…the gift of life! In 1995, a developing health problem resulted in a diagnosis and prognosis of two very poor lungs, three years to live and complete oxygen dependency. Following tears, my husband and I concluded this was totally unacceptable. Exploring options for a better life, free of the horrible mental and logistical burden of oxygen tanks was a priority for me! Extensive testing began a 12-year-long relationship with the University of Colorado’s Medical Center transplant team. As a lung transplant candidate, I went on the “list.” My health failing, I moved up the list. Waiting on that call to mobilize was tortuous! On August 26, 1997, an 11 p.m.

phone call brought me one family’s selfless gift of life, a new lung! My doctor flew to California for the lung and we were in Denver within three hours. Surgery was early the next morning. After being hospitalized for five days, and an outpatient for 2 months, I returned home to begin my renewed life. What has this gift of life made possible? A mother’s most heart-felt moments have become mine. I was in the audience for high school and college graduations. I’ll be sitting in the front row at my daughter’s wedding this June. And, the most precious gift of all was to hold my first grandchild, Gabriel! Irreplaceable moments all, made possible by a family’s selfless donation. My letter was written to the donor family and, now, this article is in your hands for action. Please use it to make organ donation a consideration as your future “Gift of Life”!

President Gunnell’s Program Barbara Hutchinson, Louisiana Auxiliary Member

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was so happy when I learned of President Pat’s program. I have taken care of children for most of my life. I had a daycare center for about 25 years. I had the privilege of watching the children as they grew and changed before my eyes. I have a nephew and a great-nephew that were diagnosed with leukemia. They are in remission now, thank God, so I know a little about lifethreatening illnesses. It is so great that someone loves children so

May 2009

much and wants to see them filled with laughter and having fun. It’s wonderful for them to have a safe place to stay and for their families to be able to relax and lose some of the stress that they live with constantly. Now is the time for us to make this project a priority in our lives. If you are blessed with healthy children or grandchildren, then let us work together so that the “Give Kids A World Village” will remain and many other children will be able to enjoy it.

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Route Vehicle Sales & Mutual Transfers Advertisements Advertising in this column is available to NRLCA members in good standing for transfers or route vehicle sales only. The charge for each insertion is $25, which is non-refundable, with a maximum of 25 words. We reserve the right to edit your ad if it exceeds 25 words. Make check or money order payable to the NRLCA and send with your ad to NRLCA, 1630 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314-3467. Ads are published on a first-come, firstserved, space-available basis. The contents of the transfer ads below do not necessarily reflect the contractual language of the agreement between the USPS and the NRLCA.

Mutual Transfers Need someone from OH-Akron, Canton, Alliance, Massillon, Canal-Fulton, Wooster area to move to Charlotte, NC area to complete 3-way transfer. Nancy, 704-526-8492 Bellevue, NE (Omaha, Offut AFB area) to within 100 mi. of George West, TX. 42J with growth. 402-2987344 and leave msg. Gainesville, FL to Western Orange County, Orlando area. Winter Garden, Ocoee, Clermont, etc. Want to be with new husband. [email protected] or 352514-5397 if interested. North Aurora/Chicago area to Tampa/Clearwater, FL. Great office, LLV, 48K, need to be near family. 773-706-7280 or [email protected] Indpls. IN to within 80 mi. of Wash, DC area. High growth area, all routes have LLVs, husband working in DC. 317-363-6869 Portland, OR area to Idaho: Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, Emmett, Mtn Home, Ontario, OR or anywhere in the vicinity. 503-841-4349 or 208-353-0308 Stuart, FL to Southern/Central ME, 46K w/LLV, DPS. 772-871-7018 or [email protected] Kirklin, IN to Maysville, Paris, or Alexandria, KY, Georgetown or W. Union, OH. Nice, 2 route office. 606-375-0211 or [email protected] Elfrida, AZ, 116-mi. route, 252 boxes to within 50 mi. of Phoenix, AZ area. Desperately need to get out of area. 520-508-5844 El Reno, OK to Enid, OK or any surrounding area, very nice office to work out of. We have 5 reg. rts and 1 aux. LeaAnn, 405-295-6403 or leaannpar@ msn.com

Vehicles for Sale 1982 DJ5 mail Jeep, 115K, 4-cyl, rebuilt Jasper trans. @ 77K, Dana 44 rear w/Posi, heavy duty strobe, many new parts, $2,000 OBO. 804-633-4429 or [email protected] -Milford, VA 1983 DJ5-new engine 10K, new trans, most parts are new. $3,000 OBO, 2006 Kia conversion kit, $500 used about 2 months. 913-433-6582 1988 fact. RHD Wranger 4x4, has extra set of rims & tires. Retired. 719-530-0607 -Salida, CO 1989 RHD Jeep Cherokee, white, 4WD, auto, 200K, runs good. $2,000. 770-924-4731 -Woodstock, GA

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1993 RHD Mazda MPV AM/FM mail tray new engine & trans. $3,900. Lee, 404-819-6362 -GA 1993 Jeep Cherokee for route use w/Bright dual system. Also ‘92 parts Cherokee w/motor & trans. Call for details. Both $2,500. 205-486-7692 Haleyville, AL 1994 RHD Jeep Cherokee, red, 4WD, 2-dr, 6-cyl, mail tray, PW, AC, 198K, well-maint, ready for work! $3,000. Rec’d LLV. 606-784-8843 -Morehead, KY 1995 RHD Subaru Legacy AWD, red, 142K, new head. Comes with spare parts car, 2 extra tires. $3,000 or take over payments with APCU. Got LLV. 845-292-8398 -Upstate NY 1995 Dodge Van, RHD conv., white w/red & blue stripes, new trans, brakes, tires, in good cond, mail tray. $7,000. 804-321-5711 -VA 1995 RHD red Jeep Cherokee Sport 4x4, 4-dr, 75K, loaded, import from Japan, asking $8,995. 724-282-0648 -W PA 1995 RHD Jeep Cherokee 4x4, 77K, good cond, new tires, $8,500. 1999 RHD Saturn SWP, 308K, runs, $900. 402-759-0589 1996 fact. RHD Jeep Cherokee, red, 165K, new tires, AM/FM. $3,000. 386-788-7130 -FL 1996 Subaru Legacy RHD, white, 160K, looks great, runs great. Over $2,000 in new parts. Price $4,500. 606-246-1903 -KY 1997 fact. RHD Jeep Cherokee, green, 4WD, 50K, never been on rt. $10,800, can email pics. 269-876-6264 -Niles, MI 1997 RHD, AWD Subaru Legacy, 210K, runs great, well-maint, good shape, new tires, new trans, 130K, $3,300, one owner. 434-454-7407 -VA 1997 RHD Subaru Legacy AWD, runs great, needs work, $1,700. 517-652-4259 -Quincy, MI 1998 RHD Subaru Legacy, 128K, well-maint, $4,500. 302-740-4821 -New Castle, DE 1998 Jeep Cherokee 4x4, RHD, green, 240K, well-maint, $3,000. 715-257-9162 -Central WI 1998 RHD Cherokee 4x4, 217K, good cond. Rebuilt trans, replaced engine, $4,500. 609-9095026 1999 RHD red Jeep Cherokee 4WD. Been taken very good care of, carrier deceased, 155K. $4,000. Debbie, 704-663-1267 or 704-662-4905 (cell) Mooresville, NC 1999 RHD Subaru Legacy Wagon, 100K, excellent cond., $8,900. 570-439-2258, leave msg. -PA 1999 RHD Jeep Cherokee, brown, 4-dr, AM/FM/cass, exc. cond. 82.5K, well-maint. $6,000. 703-853-3702 or 703-853-3703 -Manassas, VA 1999 Jeep Cherokee, mail tray, 179K, 20K on trans. One owner, route ready. $8,000. 205-6882203 or [email protected] -Central AL 1999 RHD Saturn SW, PW, PL, AC, 133K, 1/2 route miles. Exc. cond. Rt. ready. Retired. 517767-4505 -So. MI 2000 RHD Jeep Cherokee, red, 145K. Wellmaint. Runs great, good cond. $7,500. Sunday, 586-202-5444 -Warren, MI 2000 fact. RHD Jeep Cherokee, white, 175K, good condition, one owner, mail tray, retiring. $5,000. 850-997-4604 -Monticello, FL 2000 fact. RHD Jeep Cherokee 4x4, 4-dr, all power. White. 148K, mail sign/tray available.

$5,000 OBO. 304-676-1615 -WV 2000 fact. RHD Cherokee, white, 4WD, auto, heated mirrors, AC, well-maint, have mail shelf. Newer tires, recent brakes, $6,500. 831-6334126 -Central CA 2000 Jeep Cherokee RHD, 4WD, auto, air, cruise, 4.0 V6, PL, PW, 2 sets tires & wheels, looks & runs great, only 65K. Well-maint. Office got LLVs. 541-621-8389 -So. OR 2000 RHD Cherokee, 4-dr, 75K, 4WD, gold, new seat, new computer tray, weather shade, well-maint. $9,500 OBO. 573-286-0339 -MO 2000 RHD Jeep Cherokee 4x4, 156K, lots new parts, 56K on new trans. Clean & wellmaint. Records available. $7,200. 660-4765708 evenings or [email protected] -MO 2000 RHD Jeep Cherokee, white, 4-dr, 4WD, excellent shape, many new parts, 130K, $6,500. -304-937-3180 -WV 2000 fact. RHD Jeep, 6-cyl, 4x4, 141K, maint. records, $10,500. 417-257-7815 -MO 2000 fact. RHD Jeep Cherokee, 59K, new trans. You name it, it’s been replaced. Got LLV. $8,000 OBO. 843-446-6327 -Myrtle Bch, SC 2000 RHD Cherokee, exc. maintenance, homemade mail tray, many extras, 4 new tires, call for details. $4,100. 417-998-6431 -MO 2001 RHD Saturn Wagon, AM/FM/CD & XM, runs good. 14K, $3,250. 203-675-6836 or [email protected] 2003 fact. RHD Jeep Wrangler, 56K, $9,000. 4WD, white w/black HT, AM/FM/XM/ cass, great cond. One owner, must sell. 828736-8665 2004 red 4x4 Blazer, 4-dr, dual controls, auto start, keyless entry, PL, PW, AM/FM/CD, AC, 70K, good cond. Dealer maintained. $7,950 OBO. Mike, 314-799-7950 -St. Louis, MO 2004 Jeep Wrangler RHD, silver/blk HT, AM/FM/CD, exc. cond. 50K. $13,000. 815482-7881 or 815-634-2723 -IL 2004 Jeep Liberty 4x4, RHD conversion, 93K, V6, red, gray cloth, new trans, $9,000. 712486-2598 or [email protected] -SW IA 2004 Jeep Wrangler, 4x4, RHD, HT, white/black, 108K, air, AM/FM/CD, tow pkg. New tires, exc. cond. 706-699-0622 -GA 2004 Jeep Wrangler 4x4, RHD, 6-cyl, 86K, air, AM/FM/CD, $11,000 OBO. Great cond. 315-705-4420 or tazzy559@yahoo. com Norfolk, NY 2005 Grand Caravan Stow-n-Go, dual controls, 85K rte miles, 17K family miles, pics avail. to email. $7,500. 618-869-2840 -Claremont, IL 2005 RHD Wrangler, 4WD, AM/FM/CD, air, cruise, mail ready, 41K, excellent cond, many extras, one owner. $13,500. 574-8497194 2005 Jeep Liberty, black, true RHD by Leisure, tray, 4WD, 6-cyl, AC, AM/FM/CD, 31K, new brakes, exc. cond. $14,500 410-429-4049 Balto. Co, MD 2005 dual control Jeep Liberty. 34K, tray platform, price reduced to sell. $11,000. LLV assigned. 860-354-6760 -CT 2005 Honda CRV-LX, dual controls. Auto, PS, PW, AC, AM/FM/CD, 70K, 50/50 rte. mi.

The National Rural Letter Carrier

Exc. cond. Great gas mileage. 478-957-9386 GA 2006 Jeep Wrangler Sport, RHD, $15,500 or offer, 36K, red w/blk interior, 4WD, new tires, CD player, air, HT, great cond. automatic. 952212-8955 2006 RHD Jeep Wrangler 4x4, 25K, white w/blk HT, exc. cond. V6, AM/FM/CD, AC, $13,500. Received LLV. 706-654-3768 -GA 2006 RHD Jeep Wrangler Sport, 4WD, AC/FM/AM/CD, 35K, $13,300, runs great. Amie, 508-360-3998 -MA 2006 RHD Jeep Wrangler, 4x4, 41K, light khaki, well-maint, records avail. $13,000. Flo, 803-222-4811 or [email protected] 2006 RHD Jeep Wrangler, 4x4, 6-cyl, black HT, exc. cond., AC, radio/CD, cruise/tilt, $12,000. 207-853-4851 -Perry, ME 2006 RHD Jeep Wrangler, 4WD, red w/blk HT, cruise, air, CD, new tires & brakes, 32K. $15,000 OBO. 850-819-6553 -Omaha, NE 2006 Jeep Liberty RHD, 35K, 4WD, $15,000. 732-961-3345 -NJ 2006 RHD Jeep Wrangler Sport. 4x4, 6-cyl, new tires, AC, CD, white w/black HT, 28K, exc. cond. $15,500. 727-734-2853 -Dunedin, FL 2007 RHD Jeep Liberty 4x4, 42K, dual controls, trail rated, silver, $17,500. Rachel, 618639-0797 or 618-535-7400 -IL 2008 RHD Jeep Wrangler 4x4 silver w/Freedom hardtop, CD, AC, 2” receiver hitch and weather shade, 48K, $19,500. 715985-2578 -Independence, WI

#1 Right-Hand Drive Jeep Dealer on the West Coast!

Jim Manning Dodge Chrysler Jeep Factory-Built New & Used Jeep Wranglers 194 W. Tulare St. Dinuba, CA 93618

559-591-4910 www.jimmanningdodge.com The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association reserves the right to accept or reject any advertisement submitted for the Association’s publication “The National Rural Letter Carrier.” The Association does not attempt to investigate or verify any of the claims made in advertisements appearing in the Association’s publication. The appearance of any advertising in the Association’s publication in no way implies endorsement or approval by the Association of any such advertising claims or of the advertiser, its product, or services. The Association disclaims any liability whatsoever, including but not limited to direct, proximate, consequential or other damages, in connection with claims, products or services resulting from advertising appearing in its publication.

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BRAND NEW Jeep Wrangler RHDs Loaded with all the goods. Best Prices Around! Call for yours today! (931) 247-1369 • Dusty

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The National Rural Letter Carrier

Custom Dual Controls for more than 60 models, 18 hr. turnaround Call Donna at 706 - 486 - 4578 www.myspace.com/donnajr2008

Dual Controls Installed in Most Vehicles JOHN BARDIN LLC Pine Bush, NY (845) 744-3835 BELT’S AUTO SALES Kentucky 2007 Jeep Liberty Sport 4x4, 26K, white, was $15,900, now $14,900 2007 Jeep Liberty Sport 4x4, drk blue, 46K, was $14,900 now $13,900 2005 Jeep Liberty Sport 4x4, red, 48K was $13,900, now $12,900 2002 Jeep Liberty Sport 4x4, 110K, green, was $8,900 now $8,400 We Deliver!

Tel: 270 - 988 - 3388 270 - 559 - 0738 270 - 519 - 7352 www.beltsautosales.com

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URGENT — Time Value

2009 Leave Replacement Health Benefit Plan Open Season Ends May 31 Don’t Miss Your Opportunity to Enroll! Call 1-877-817-4805 for an enrollment kit and don’t forget to visit www.bja-associationbenefits.com to view an online presentation on how this plan works.