News

[February 05, 2012] Google Check Out up and running

Google Check Out appears to be up and running again.  For the 222 members who have not yet paid your dues, you may use this again to pay your dues only, effective Sunday 2/5/2012

[January 30, 2012] AFSA emails may be getting blocked by your ISP

[January 30, 2012] New Scholarship Fund Established in Memory of Jim Howe

James F. Howe, Sr. AFSA Scholarship Fund- Jim Howe was an AFSA member and worked for Madison Associates Inc. Jim passed away on August 15, 2011 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. AFSA is pleased to announce, that in remembrance of Jim, William R. Schroeder, the President of Madison Associates Inc., has generously donated $10,000 for AFSA to administer a scholarship fund for law enforcement candidates. This will be in addition to the Frank L. Smith AFSA Scholarship Fund.

We are working on the criteria for the new fund and are revising the criteria for the existing fund, including expanding the eligibility of candidates. This will be completed by 2/29/2012 and will be posted on the AFSA website along with links for the forms at that time. Nieces and nephews of member/sponsors will now be eligible, but only one person may be sponsored by a member per year. Eligible candidates will be able to apply to both scholarships, but may be awarded only one. However, there is a difference in the criteria, so all candidates may not be eligible to apply for both scholarships.

We are proud that Bill Schroeder has chosen AFSA to administer the James F. Howe, Sr. AFSA Scholarship Fund and thank him profusely for his generosity. Said Mr. Schroeder: " All of us at Madison Associates Inc. are extremely saddened by Jim's untimely death. His enthusiasm for and dedication to the goals of law enforcement will be sorely missed. Jim joined Madison Associates following his retirement from IRS-CI to work as a Financial Crimes Consultant with the FDA-OIG. Jim was highly respected by those with whom he worked. Jim demonstrated integrity, competency and professionalism in his work and relationships. He exemplified the high standards that Madison Associates has come to expect from retired IRS-CI agents and indeed, relies on to continue to grow in providing contract services to Federal law enforcement agencies."

"Madison Associates, Inc. has worked with the AFSA-IRS Executive Board to create an educational endowment in Jim's name that will help instill the integrity and character that Jim showed throughout his career to others interested in law enforcement as a career. It is my hope that with this scholarship fund, Jim's dedication will continue to be recognized and his personal exemplification of those high standards will be a model for those who follow him in Federal law enforcement careers."

[January 09, 2012] Passing of former member E. Wayne Pack, Sr.

[January 04, 2012] Passing of Member Edward G. Bourguignon, Jr.

AFSA learned today from Mary Ruiz that Ed passed away on July 31, 2011. Ed was living in Ormond Beach, FL. He had been an agent in Austin from 1979 -1999.  He served as the representative to the TX Department of Public Safety as part of HIDTA.  Ed was an avid reader and a great advisor.  He moved to FL to take care of his mother after retirement.

[January 03, 2012] Julio LaRosa, Director of Field Operations- Eastern Area

Julio LaRosa passed away 1/3/12 unexpectedly apparently from a massive heart attack.

Julio La Rosa’s family is making the final arrangements for his service and funeral, which will be in Miami in the coming days. A special law enforcement funeral will be part of the arrangements.

Julio joined CI’s family as a Special Agent in Florida in 1994. Julio successfully worked large OCDETF investigations and quickly became a respected expert in money laundering and asset forfeiture. In 2000, Julio was selected as a supervisor in the Miami Field Office. After Julio completed his SSA tenure, he was assigned to CI Headquarters as the law enforcement liaison to the Department of Treasury. He also worked as an Assistant Director of Financial Crimes following his time at Main Treasury.

Julio then served as the ASAC and SAC in the St. Paul Field Office, He headed CI's new International Operations Division in 2010 as the Deputy Director. When CI re-organized in October of 2011, he was  selected as the new Executive to oversee operations in the East as the Director of Field Operations.

Julio is survived by his wife, Penelope (Penny) and two sons, Benjamin, 11, and Julian, 14.For those wishing to send a card to his wife and children, the address is:

 18411 Bright Plume Terrace

Boyds, MD 20841

 Julio is also survived by his mother, Maria Elena La Rosa. Her address is: 1821 S.W. 14^th Street

Miami, FL 33145

[December 07, 2011] State of Michigan to begin Taxing Federal Pensions

[November 27, 2011] Former AFSA member James H. New passes away

<!-- New,, James Harvey, --> NEW, JAMES HARVEY,
01/13/1946-11/18/2011, Jim was born and raised in Greencastle, IN. After graduating from Greencastle High School, Jim served honorably in the U.S. Navy. While working for the I.R.S. he graduated from IUPUI in Indianapolis. He later retired as a Special Agent in the Criminal Investigation Division after 25 years of service. For the past ten years, he has worked for the Florida Department of Agriculture. He was survived by Carolyn New his loving wife of 41 years; his three daughters Tammara, Natalie, and Mariah; his mother Mary New; siblings Noble, Ruth, Robert, John, and Linda; grandchildren Ian, Brianna, and Alyssa. He was preceded in death by his father Woodson New. A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 26, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Winter Park Christian Church, 760 N. Lakemont Ave., Winter Park, FL 32792 with funeral services following at 11 a.m. Burial will follow the service at Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Winter Park Christian Church. Arrangements are entrusted to COLLISON FAMILY FUNERAL HOME &
CREMATORY (HOWELL BRANCH CHAPEL) 3806 Howell Branch Road, Winter Park, FL 32792
(407) 678-4500.
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[November 04, 2011] On line course available re: HR 218

Understanding H.R. 218: LEOSA Rights & Responsibilities

Description: This four hour seminar is a MUST for all current and retired LEOs and explores the 20 plus court decisions which impact the rights and responsibilities of qualified current and retired LEOs under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004 (commonly known as "H.R. 218" or "LEOSA") as amended by the Improvements Act of 2010. Attendees will reduce their off-duty risk of being arrested and their on-duty risk for civil liability by learning who can carry, what firearms can be carried, when firearms can be carried, where they can and cannot be carried, why they may be carried, and how firearms must be carried under LEOSA.

The seminar is taught by Steve Mannion. He is a practicing attorney, served as law enforcement defense counsel for Essex County, NJ for five years, has been a police legal advisor for sixteen years and a part-time federal LEO for six years. Mr. Mannion has participated in eight of the known twenty LEOSA decisions and is the only attorney who has been successful with LEOSA issues in state and/or federal courts in New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Massachusetts and Illinois. He was even listed as a LEOSA expert witness in the case of People of Illinois v. Drew Peterson.

Seminar Materials

Can’t attend? Order our exclusive seminar materials today! Updated materials as of October 2011 now available. Covers recent LEOSA legislation
[read more]

Thus far, this seminar has been taught to current and/or retired LEOs from federal agencies (U.S. Secret Service, FBI, U.S. Customs & Border Protection, U.S. Coast Guard, etc...); bi-state agencies (Port Authority of NY/NJ OIG and Waterfront Commission of NY/NJ), New Jersey agencies (NJ Attorney General’s Office, NJ Transit Police, Rutgers Univ. Police, Hudson County Prosecutor, etc...); New York agencies (NY State Dept of Corrections, New York City Police, etc...).... [see more]

Live Seminar Price: $50 Advanced Registration online or $60 CASH ONLY at the door. Personal checks are NOT accepted.
Payment by municipal purchase orders MUST be approved by Sheepdog Academy in advance of the course date and is not eligible for the advanced online registration price. $60 registration fee will apply.
Contact us for group discounts for 10 or more persons paid in advance at $40 per attendee.

Registration Closes at Midnight before a Seminar/Webinar or when Seminar is sold out.

Cancellation Policy: Requests to cancel a course registration and receive a refund must be received by Sheepdog Academy email no later than 15 days prior to course convening date. Once approved, refunds will be charged back to the original payment method (credit card) minus a $3 processing fee. Please do not cancel the credit card charge. NO refunds will be given for no-shows.

Sheepdog Academy reserves the right to cancel a Webinar or Seminar due to insufficient enrollment. Sheepdog Academy will notify enrolled students of cancellation and will issue a refund within 10 days of the course date.

Class time: Door registration begins 30 minutes before seminar start time. Each seminar runs approximately 4-5 hours, depending on student participation and questions.

Go to site below:  (Note, this is not endorsed by AFSA but is provided by AFSA as a courtesy for those who may be interested.

http://hr218leosa.com/?page=courses

[October 31, 2011] Passing of Member - William H. Parker, retired out of HQ in 1972

[October 29, 2011] Luncheon on 11/4/11 in Santa Fe Springs, CA

Just a reminder that we are having the luncheon on Nov 4 at Maggie's Pub in Santa Fe Springs. If you are intending to go, please email me back at

[October 06, 2011] New Member Bonus Time

It's that time of year again.  If you have NEVER been a member of AFSA and join now, your dues will cover the rest of 2011 and all of 2012. This does not apply to previous members who allowed their membership to lapse.

[September 27, 2011] Passing of Member Gregory Polvere

AFSA learned last week from Howie Mann that Greg Polvere passed away on June 28. Greg retired from the Manhattan District in 1998.

Gregory J. Polvere of Monroe, passed away on Tuesday, June 28, 2011, at Valley Hospital, Ridgewood, NJ. Son of Concetta Polvere and the late Joseph Polvere, he was born in the Bronx on August 20, 1948.

He was a retired Special Agent with the U.S. Treasury Department, Criminal Investigation Division. He was president of GJP Associates and was a Certified Fraud Examiner, Licensed Private Investigator, Enrolled Agent, Member of the Association of Former Special Agents of the IRS, Member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Member of the National Police Defense Foundation, member of the Fraternal Order of Police, and a veteran of the U.S. Navy.  Friends described him as bright, witty and an excellent investigator.

Greg was a caring husband, amazing father, adored grandfather, devoted son, loving brother, and true friend. He is survived by his wife, Angela; his mother, Concetta; his children, Joseph and Tonia Polvere and Lauren and Dennis Perpetua; his beloved grandson, Tyler Polvere; his brother, James Polvere; his sister, Maryanne Lauria and her husband, Dominick; his mother-in-law, Mary Rocco; his brother-in law, Jerry Rocco and wife, Arline; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Joseph Polvere.

Visitation was at Smith, Seaman and Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home, 117 Maple Ave., Monroe, NY. A Funeral Mass was celebrated Saturday, July 2, at Sacred Heart Church, 26 Still Rd., Monroe. Interment was at  St. Anastasia Cemetery, Harriman.  Arrangements by Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home; 845-782-8185 or www.ssqfuneralhome.com

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Father's Kitchen c/o Sacred Heart Church, 26 Still Rd., Monroe, NY 10950 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142

Condolences may be sent to his wife Angela at PO Box 981, Harriman, NY 10926.

[September 13, 2011] Passing of Member Thomas E. Eaton, Sr.

AFSA learned of Thomas' passing today, see below:

[September 06, 2011] Member Charles H, Moriyama to be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal

[August 31, 2011] James F. Howe Sr. Corrected Obituary

Here is the corrected obituary for James Howe, Sr., who passed away on August 15, 2011.

James F. Howe Sr., age 63 of Naperville, IL, peacefully passed away Monday, Aug. 15, 2011, on the Feast of the Assumption, at home surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Cherished husband of Catherine M. (Lahey) Howe, for 41 years; beloved father of Holly M. (Mark) D'Angelo, James F. (Jessica) Howe Jr., and Joseph E. (Katie) Howe; loving grandpa of Brianna and Angelica D'Angelo, Joey Howe and his fourth grandchild due Jan. 2012; fond brother of Pat Turen, Ed, John, Bob and Mike Howe; dear son-in-law of Angela Lahey. Preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Armella Howe and father-in-law, James Lahey. Jim was a loving son, brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, and friend to many. Jim lived in Naperville for 31 years and was a dedicated member of SS. Peter & Paul Church and School. He retired in 2005 as a Supervisory Special Agent with the Internal Revenue Service, and Criminal Investigation. Jim was also actively involved in Naperville Little League and Youth Baseball. Jim loved spending time with his family on Crooked Lake. Jim was a classic car enthusiast who enjoyed an occasional pint of Guinness. In lieu of flowers, memorials to NCH-Foundation-Pancreas Center, 3060 W. Salt Creek Lane, Arlington Heights, IL 60005, 847-618-4260. Visitation: 3 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, 2011 at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville, IL 60540. Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, 2011 at SS. Peter & Paul Church, 36 N. Ellsworth St., Naperville, IL 60540. Interment to follow at SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Naperville, IL. For more information, please call 630-355-0213 or www.friedrich-jones.com <!-- -->

[August 30, 2011] Passing of Member Harvey Borak on July 30, 2011

[August 15, 2011] Member Robert L. Browne passes away

<!-- Robert Browne --><!-- FH = Keates-Plum Funeral Home -->Robert Browne

AGE: 86 • Brigantine

Robert, 86, of Brigantine, passed away on Friday, August 12th, 2011. Bob was born in Camden. He was raised in Collingswood and was a graduate of Collingswood High School. Bob served in the US Army during World War II and received a Purple Heart for being wounded during The Battle of the Bulge. He completed night school at Temple and earned a BA while beginning his over-30-year career at the IRS. While working at the IRS, he met and then married his wife Lydia, and they enjoyed a 61-year marriage. While working in the Baltimore office of the IRS, he began an investigation into local corruption that eventually led to the indictment and resignation of Spiro Agnew, the Vice President to Richard Nixon. He eventually retired from the IRS in 1980 as Assistant Regional Commissioner, Intelligence Division, for the Mid-Atlantic Region. He then worked for five years for the Division of Gaming Enforcement in Atlantic City. Bob was an avid golfer in his retirement, both in Brigantine and in Florida.

Bob is predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Lydia (nee Hubner). He is survived by his son, Bob Browne and his wife, Laura. He is predeceased by one sister, Elizabeth Thorn, and two brothers, William and John (Jerry) Browne. He is survived by five nieces and three nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Bob's Life Celebration and Viewing on Wednesday evening 6 to 8 PM and Thursday 9 to 10 AM at Keates-Plum Funeral Home, 3112 Brigantine Ave., Brigantine, NJ. Mass of Christian burial Thursday, 10:30 AM, at St. Thomas Church, Brigantine, NJ. Entombment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Mays Landing, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob's name to the <!-- Begin AdTech Script --> [removed][removed] [removed][removed] American Heart Association <!-- End AdTech Script -->1 Union Street, Suite 301 Robbinsville, NJ 08691 or the American Kidney Fund 6110 Executive Blvd., Suite 1010 Rockville, MD 20852. To share your fondest memories of Robert visit www.lifecelebration.com

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[August 07, 2011] Passing of former Member and Chief of Intelligence, Indianapolis District Joseph Hilgenberg

Joseph C. Hilgenberg

| Visit Guest Book

<!-- Hilgenberg, Joseph C., -->

Joseph C. Hilgenberg

95, passed away on August 2, 2011. Born in Indianapolis on June 4, 1916, he was the son of Harry and Elizabeth (Lichtenberg) Hilgenberg.

In 1934, Joe graduated from Cathedral High School and, in 1939, from Indiana University. He then married the love of his life, Marjorie Nell McDonough, on August 23, 1941. He enlisted in the US Navy on March 9, 1943 and proudly served in the Pacific Theatre aboard "The Minnie" - USS Minneapolis (CA-36) until December, 1945.

For almost 30 years, Joe worked for the IRS as a criminal investigator in the Intelligence Division, retiring as Division Chief of Intelligence in 1975.

He was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church for over 60 years, the American Legion, Alpha Tau Omega and the Society of Retired Executives.

Joe is survived by his children Joseph M., Christianne, John C. (Cinthia), Robert S. Hilgenberg and Theresa L. (Mike) O'Rourke. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Margie, his parents, his son Jimmy and his granddaughter Rachael.

Visitation will be Friday, August 5, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Feeney-Hornak Keystone Mortuary . A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, August 6 at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, preceded by prayers at 9:30 a.m. in the mortuary. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church or to the <!-- Begin AdTech Script --> [removed][removed] [removed][removed] Alzheimer's Association <!-- End AdTech Script -->. Memorial tributes may be offered at:

http://www.feeneyhornakkeystone.com

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Published in the The Indianapolis Star on August 4, 2011

[August 06, 2011] Passing of former member and Brooklyn Chief Harvey Borak

Harvey Borak, a former Chief of the Brooklyn District passed away July 31.  Condolences may be sent to his wife, Joan, and children, Gary and Cheryl care of Joan Sweeney Borak @ 11 Winged Foot Blvd.
Bloomfield, CT 06002 . See obituary at : http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/hartfordcourant/obituary.aspx?n=harvey-l-borak&pid=152824593&fhid=4131 in the Hartford Courant for July 31.

[July 27, 2011] Member David A. Ostrager passes away

[July 13, 2011] Convention update news

The registration forms are now posted on the Convention sections in both the non-member's section and the Member's section (which includes the schedule).  It has been updated to reflect generally lower prices for activities due to different vendors and things.  Remember to register before 8/1 to get a $20/discount per person.  You must be staying at the Grove Park Inn to get this discount.

[June 15, 2011] Member Lee Williams has book published

Member Lee Williams is a published author. If possible, please publish
the below information regarding his latest novel in a future e-message
to the membership.

For more info on Lee and his books, visit his website:  leejwilliams.com



Lee Williams' new novel, "Sins of the Father" is now available in
paperback and as a kindle
ebook on amazon.com.

Here's the description of the plot. Its 1968 in rural Mississippi,
Beauford Tisdale's ancestors were emancipated from slavery over 100
years ago. Now he finds himself plunged into a world of terror,
assassinations and corruption that has made his life a chasm of shame,
lies and secrets.....

[June 13, 2011] Two AFSA Members Recipients of the Presidential Rank Award

Recipients of this prestigious award are "strong leaders, professionals, and scientists who achieve results and consistently demonstrate strength, integrity, industry and a relentless commitment to excellence in public service." This year CI has two recipients of this prestigious award: Director of International Vicki Duane of MD (retired) and Director of Operations Mike Thomas of SC (retired). Both Mike and Vicki will receive a certificate signed by the President along with a monetary award. Congratulations

[June 06, 2011] Passing of former member James G. Murphy

Jim Murphy passsed away June 3, 2011 after battling pneumonia for two weeks of heart failure in Lake Placid, FL.  He is survived by his wife, Anita. He retired     out of Traverse City, MI in 1986.  For complete information go to link:  http://record-eagle.com/obituaries/x9781836/James-Galen-Murphy

[June 01, 2011] Passing of Long-time Member Louis J. Moriarty

It was recently reported to us that "Louie" Moriartypassed away unexpectedly on Dec. 24, 2010.  Louis was a member of AFSA since 5/5/89.  He left the Intelligence Division in 1950 after obtaining his law degree in 1949 and went on to practice law for over 50 years.  He was an agent in the Minnesota.  He is survived by his wife, Audrey and a son, daughter and step-daughter.  See http://www.davidleefuneralhome.com/obituaries/details/1623.  Condolences may be sent to the family care of :  Audrey Moriarty, 175 Gleason Rd., Wayzata, MN  55391-1314

[May 19, 2011] Former Phoenix SAC James B. Collie passes away

Jim passed away 5/11/2011 from kidney cancer.  See obituary for full information:

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/azcentral/obituary.aspx?n=James-Collie&pid=151114425

[April 12, 2011] Frank L. Smith Scholarship Applications - Changes and due date

The application for the Frank L. Smith Scholarship is officially closed with the exception of certified transcripts for applications on hand, which must be submitted by 5/15/2011.

[February 24, 2011] Former Member Joe Sadler Passes away

Former Member Joseph A. "Mickey" Sadler  passed away on 2/22/2011:  AFSA found out yesterday Joe passed away.  Joe worked at HQ upon retirement.  On Tuesday, February 22, 2011 of Silver Spring, MD. "Mickey" Joseph E. Sadler of Washington, DC. Beloved husband of Vanessa Bachman Sadler; devoted son of Estella Sadler Paulin. He is also survived by a host of other loving relatives and friends. Friends may call at HINES-RINALDI FUNERAL HOME, 11800 New Hampshire Ave., Silver spring, MD on Friday, February 25 at 10 a.m. where services will begin at 11 a.m. Interment fort Lincoln Cemetery, Brentwood, MD. Memorial contributions may be made to Kimmel Cancer Institute, Weinberg Building, 401 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231. Please view and sign the family guestbook at  Joe Sadler at HinesRinaldi Funeral Home

[January 14, 2011] Manuel Godinez passing, updated 1/18/2011

Member Manny Godinez passed away on January 12, 2011.  Arrangements are listed below, as from Manny's wife, and also or contact email and mailing address for condolences.  

[January 13, 2011] Passing of member, Charles Spears, Jr.

[January 06, 2011] Exclusion of FERS or CSRS healh plan payments from Gross Pension Amounts

 
Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA)
2007 was the first tax year that Section 845 of the PPA was effective. Section 845 allows a retired federal law enforcement officer, fire fighter, and members of certain other small groups to exclude up to $3,000 of their FERS or CSRS benefits from federal income taxes for amounts paid for health insurance or long-term-care premiums. A covered retiree may exclude only premiums paid by OPM out of your benefit directly to your FEHBP carrier and premiums paid to LTCFEDS. This provides the same benefit as premium conversion that active federal employees may choose.

The most current OPM ruling on this matter is dated June 2007 (Benefits Administration Letter 07-201). Do not be confused by earlier OPM memos which were incorrect. This benefit absolutely applies to retired series 1811 agents. This is a self-identify and self-report item. On Line 16 of Form 1040, you merely subtract up to an additional $3,000 from the taxable portion shown on the 1099 and write PSO next to line 16. PSO stands for Public Safety Officer.  Some software programs have this built in.

[December 28, 2010] Current AFSA member and official, Gerard Dupczack credited in 12/23/2010 CI Bulletin

Gerard is mentioned in the bulletin above for a training program he had developed when SSA/CIS.  Please see the 12/23/2010 Bulletin and look for the yellow highlighted section.

[December 28, 2010] Passing of Jim Kelly, AFSA member and Regional Rep 12/26/2010

KELLY, James James Ray Kelly age 71, of Lawrenceville, GA, passed away on Sunday, December 26, 2010. He was born in Itta Bena, MS December 3, 1939. Jim leaves behind a wife of forty five years, Suzanne Wheat Kelly, a Daughter, Shan (Robert) Rivers, and granddaughters Delilah Ray and Ruth Anne Rivers. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Lee Kelly and Mary Wilson Kelly, two sisters, Mavis Kelly Goss, and Amy Kelly Lee, and brothers, Roy Lee Kelly, Jr., Preston Kelly, Sr., Mervin C. Kelly, and Billy Mack Kelly. He is survived by Wife, Daughter, two Granddaughters; and one brother Robert O. (Bob) Kelly of Aberdeen, sisters-in-law Fairy Wilson Kelly of Itta Bena, MS, Jean Dodd Kelly of Schlater, MS, Hannalore Habicht Kelly of Flora, MS, Rose Mimms, of Greenwood, MS, Patricia Colson of Gulfport, MS, and Rebecca McLarand of Newport Beach, CA. Brothers-in-law Alton Goss of Greenwood, MS, Doyle Lee of Greenwood, MS and Joseph Wheat of Savannah, GA and many nieces and nephews. Jim was a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and enjoyed his annual spring reunion with fraternity brothers every spring. He was a retired special agent of the US Treasury Department. He enjoyed tennis, gardening and spending time with his family. Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Close friends and family knew of his kindness, love of life and his endless sense of humor. Jim was very respected and loved by those who knew him. Those desiring may make contributions to the Michael J. Fox foundation for Parkinsons research. A Memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 29 at Chamblee First United Methodist Church in Chamblee, Georgia with Dr. Reverend Royeese Stowe officiating. The family will receive friends after the service in the Fellowship Hall. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, LLC, Snellville Chapel, 770-979-3200

[December 14, 2010] Newsletter available on line in member's section/dues notices

The Fall Newsletter is now available on line in the Member's section of the website.  Dues notices have been mailed to you and are due by January 1, no later than January 31st.

[December 01, 2010] Potential Retiree Benefit Cuts

NARFE Legislative Hotline, number 738, released Wednesday, December 1^st, 2010.  This edition urges all NARFE members to act immediately before the Fiscal Commission votes on December 3^rd.  The next scheduled Hotline is set for Friday, December 10^th. (525 words; 3:21)

Fiscal Commission Co-Chairs’ Proposal:  The final report of the Fiscal Commission issued December 1^st contains proposals to cut federal civilian and military retirement by 70 billion over 10 years, shift health premium costs to federal retirees, freeze federal pay and reduce the federal workforce by 10 percent.  The final report, including the federal retirement and health benefits cuts, will be voted by the 18 Commission members on Friday, December 3.  Several Commission members have announced plans to vote for the report, a few to oppose and others remain undecided.  Because of the unfair cuts to federal retirement and health benefits and employee compensation NARFE President Joseph Beaudoin asks each NARFE member, especially those who acted recently, to contact their own Representative and both Senators.  Due to the urgency we must employee electronic mail and telephone calls.  President Beaudoin urges members to use the Legislative Action Center to deliver an updated message.  The NARFE TOLL FREE number for the Capitol switchboard is listed below with a brief message to be delivered to every Member of Congress.

Legislative Action Center:  The Commission Report, more draconian than the Co-chair’s proposal, will receive expedited consideration in the Senate and House during the December “lame duck” session if it gets 14 of the 18 Commission votes.  With such high stakes, NARFE President Joseph Beaudoin implores each NARFE member to immediately send NARFE’s just updated message to the current Members of Congress.  The Legislative Action Center allows this to be done easily.  The link to use is: http://capwiz.com/narfe/issues/alert/?alertid=19504726

[October 08, 2010] Chicago Chapter update and correction

Quarterly Luncheon, 3rd Friday of Jan. April, July and Oct, 12:00 Noon

Emmet's Ale House, 5200 Main Street, Downers Grove, IL. For further information contact Gerard Dupczak, 773-316-0893 or e-mail
gdupczk@attglobal.net

[June 11, 2010] New Links- retirement info and IAAR link

I have added two links, one is Tammy Flannagan's National Institute of Transition Planning which has dealt with many Federal retirement issues.  This is under the retirement links. 

The other is a link to the International  Association of Asset Recovery.  This link also includes information about an upcoming seminar in London and one in Las Vegas, with special rates for AFSA members.  This is in the Professional Organizations section.

[June 03, 2010] Changing your member profile

When you change your member profile it is submitted to the executive director and will not appear to be changed until it is reviewed and approved.  We are implementing a change that will state that your profile change was submitted on the website and will generate an email to your primary registered email address when it is approved.  Until then, no need to put it in over and over, be patient, I'm getting to them as quickly as possible.