Those members in attendance were treated to a wealth of information during the two-hour meeting, in addition to catching up with former coworkers and friends. Many members arrived well in advance of the 1:00 p.m. start time.

In addition to remarks from White and Duhamel, members were greeted by a special guest from the U.S. Congress. Kim Hildred, who is the chief-of-staff for the House Subcommittee on Social Security, had readily accepted our invitation to speak.

Hildred is the key aide to the Committee's powerful chairman, Representative E. Clay Shaw (R-Ft. Lauderdale). She has been with the Subcommittee since the Republicans regained control of the House in 1994. Hildred had previously served fifteen years with the Social Security Administration.

In addressing our members, Hildred explained the origins of both the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), which our Association has been fighting to repeal or modify. She went on to detail the various issues in repealing or otherwise modifying either law, as well as what Chairman Shaw's approach to the issues has been.

"We are very appreciative that Kim took the time out of her busy schedule to travel to Florida and meet with our members. I think that everyone came away from the meeting with a better understanding of the problems we face," said Duhamel. "I have been working closely with Kim over the past year and have found her to be very understanding of our position. It is great that she got a chance to meet our members, look them in the eye, and now has a better understanding of what we are all about."