I’m Pleased and Proud to Protect Your Earned Benefits

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I’m Pleased and Proud to Protect Your Earned Benefits

By David Funderburk, Ph.D., former US Ambassador & former US Congressman

Recently I started working with TSCL as part of your legislative team. I thought I’d share why I am so pleased and proud to be working with America’s third largest seniors’ organization. I feel especially fortunate to have the opportunity to help advance the cause of America’s seniors, especially Notch babies. They spent lifetimes sacrificing and working for America and at the very least deserve our gratitude and a fair shake from the rest of us.

My father served in the US Army, Pacific Theater, in World War II, and because of his military service and WWII stationing, I was born at Langley Field AFB, Virginia. My mother-in-law, Hilma Swaim of Pinebluff, N.C., is a Notch baby who was born in 1921. As a widow her Social Security checks are meager and made even lower because of the year in which she was born.

Having lived for a total of six years in a communist country, I came to appreciate the freedoms we have in America. Other travels gave me a special appreciation for the uniqueness of the United States and the strength of its diverse peoples with all of their special attributes, talents and contributions. I served as the US Ambassador to Romania having been appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

When I returned to the United States, wanting to do what I could to help preserve our freedoms and the democratic system of government, I ran for Congress from the 2nd District of North Carolina. After serving one term in Congress, I returned to college teaching and consulting work.

In meeting Congressmen with TSCL Chairman George Smith, I saw firsthand that some of the most special assets of the organization are the hard-working Board of Trustee Members and Chairman who enthusiastically represent your interests. I’m very happy to be working on the Legislative Team for TREA Senior Citizens League to protect your earned benefits—and especially to do everything possible to help achieve Notch Reform and a fair COLA.

March 2003