August 9, 2005

Dear ONE members,

I regretfully resign as the President of ONE. ONE was established in 2002 by Sandy Cesnik and myself to be a recognizable entity to those we have to work with and a team consisting of affected nurses and our supporters. The main emphasis and goal has been to obtain legislation to resolve our pension issue. Because of the dedication and hard work of many of our ONE members, we surprised many people by securing the passage of PL 107-135 so soon after reorganizing the pension restoration efforts (thanks to Mary Ann Mackin's letter in NARFE's Retirement Life in April 2001).. In time, I believe that legislation will restore the pensions to the retired nurses. Our perseverance is legend in some offices in Washington and they recognize our group's name! If ONE members decide that legislation is unobtainable, then other means can be attempted. Personally, I recommend concentrating on legislation for a few more months.

Early in the project, people who work in the field of legislation and in Washington, told us that getting legislation passed is a slow, slow process. In the words of a congressional office worker- "Drip, drip, drip- but don't quit!!". Those nurses who have worked so hard on this since the 1980's, are understandably frustrated that this has gone on for so long, I am too, yet the results of the trip to Washington are not known yet. Congress is on recess in August, however, there are many people still there for us to contact. My trip to Washington with Sandy resulted in 13 office visits in US Senate and Representative offices in four days. We were running an adrenaline to make the most of the opportunity, but it was worth the effort to be in face to face meetings to discuss how to get a law passed.

If members want ONE to survive as an effective organization, teamwork is synonymous with ONE. The strength of our teamwork has been extremely impressive, especially because we are spread so far apart across the country! We deserve to be very proud of what we've accomplished in terms of working together towards a common goal. However, it is time for someone else to step in as President of ONE- and with the members, assess ONE's strengths and weaknesses, then plan strategies for the future. If ONE is not viable, so be it.

My sincere thanks to Mary Ann Mackin and Sandy Cesnik for all the hard work they have done. It's been more than a full time job for some of us, but definitely for someone who wants to learn new skills, be creative and put in long hours, this is the job for you! Also, to the nurses whose names are so familiar to me though we've never met face to face, thank you for all the work you've been doing and for the support you've given me since the unexpected death of my husband, Rich. The calls went out for your help over the past 4 years and you responded with letters, calls, emails, faxes, petitions, research, new members for NARFE, etc. I am very grateful for everything you've done to show Washington that we deserve our pensions and that we won't quit until we get them!

Please continue to contact Sandy Cesnik and Mary Ann Mackin.

Debbie McKown

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