Jonathon Green of Albert Lea recently attended the 32nd iennial national convention of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association from Aug. 26 through 30 in Sparks, Nev., as a voting delegate and serving on the Sergeant-at-Arms Committee, which he has done since 1996.

NARFE, the largest association of federal employees and retirees, is dedicated to protecting their earned rights and benefits. At the convention, NARFE’s legislative agenda and direction for the next two years was determined, focusing on preserving retirement security.

Speakers included John Berry, director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, who spoke about the invaluable contributions of civil servants to the everyday lives of Americans, steps that his office has made in helping federal employees ease into retirement and progress in processing a flood of retirement applications as baby boomers leave the federal workforce.

Harry Johns, president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, also delivered remarks, thanking members for their generosity. NARFE members have donated nearly $10 million to the Alzheimer’s Association to fund needed research.

Elections also were held for members of the National Executive Board, including four national officers, who will guide NARFE over the next two years. Current National President Joseph A. Beaudoin of Virginia was re-elected National President. Paul H. Carew, also of Virginia, was re-elected national vice president. Elaine Hughes of North Carolina was re-elected national secretary, and Richard G. Thissen of Missouri was elected national treasurer. The delegates from Region 5, the Region that Green is in, chose Carol R. Ek again to represent them as their regional vice president on the 14-member NARFE National Executive Board. The Region 5 membership is made up of members from the states of Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. The regional vice president serves a two-year term and may be re-elected.

NARFE is the only membership organization solely dedicated to protecting and preserving the benefits of all federal workers and retirees. Founded in 1921, NARFE’s legacy spans more than 90 years, advocating on behalf of the federal family.