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Protecting Your Earned Benefits at TSCL - From Skeptic to Ardent Advocate: TSCL Secretary Ralph McCutchen By Patty Gaul, Director of Legislative Affairs, TREA Senior Citizens League When Ralph McCutchen joined the TSCL Board of Trustees in August 2002, he was, in large part, unfamiliar with the work that TSCL did on behalf of seniors. He was, at the time, intricately involved with TREA (The Retired Enlisted Association) and its work with respect to retired military issues, but faced a learning curve on seniors� issues and the work that TSCL is able to do through the donations of our members and supporters. It was a learning curve that he and I would, to a certain extent, go through together as I joined the TSCL staff a few short months later. TSCL provides a baptism by fire, if you will. Mr. McCutchen � current Secretary of the TSCL Board � soon became knowledgeable about the Notch problem and other issues on which TSCL lobbies. He also continues to be a voice for retired military before Members of Congress and their staffs. Now very involved with seniors� issues, Mr. McCutchen is probably the Board member (outside the Chairman) with whom I have the greatest contact. He sends articles and calls me up to mention what is playing in the news in his home city of Colorado Springs. He�ll mention bills and issues that seem to fit in well with the TSCL mission. The TSCL mission is, based in part, on a five-year plan diligently crafted by the TSCL Board of Trustees. The five-year plan relies on the expertise and cohesiveness of the BoT and it is essential that we retain the leadership of each member. Mr. McCutchen, for example, brings to the Board a curiosity that shows through his raising of issues that TSCL might consider supporting and, thus, contributes legislatively in our service to supporters and members, including those who are retired military. After growing up on ranches in Washington and Oregon, Mr. McCutchen joined the United States Air Corps in 1947. He retired at rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Ralph served in the Air Force for some 22 years and completed five overseas tours, including Panama, Great Britain, Libya, Turkey and an isolated tour in Alaska. Mr. McCutchen lives with his bride of 50 plus years, Lily. When the TSCL Board of Trustees joins the legislative staff for meetings on Capitol Hill, Lily is often right by his side. TSCL members and supporters should be aware of this tremendous partnership, and the wonderful job they both do for the organization. May 2004 | ||||||||
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