LETTER TO MR.(Sanitized) FROM JOHN F. BLAKE

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79-00498A000500160001-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 27
• Document Creation Date: December 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 21, 2000
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: February 12, 1976
• Content Type: LETTER

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DD/A 76-0709
February 12, 1976
Dear
We have received your material concerning George
Bush addressing CIRA on 29 March 1976. happy to do so and will plan to arrive ateappwill e
roxi-
mately 12:15 p.m. for lunch. and will speak immediately
after lunch. I assume he will probably be accompanied
by one Security Aide, but I doubt if any others will
be with him.
These are still rather busy days for us, but at
least we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Hope to see you soon.
Sincerely,
John F. Bla :e
Deputy Director
for
Administration
Distribution:
Orig Adse
DD/A Subject w/References
1 - DD/A Chrono
1 - JFB Chrono
DD/A:JFBlake:er (12 Feb 1976)
(Messrs.
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,SENDER WILL CHECK CLASSIFICATION TOP AND BOTTOM
UNCLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL SECRET
OFFICIAL ROUTING SLIP
TO
NAME AND ADDRESS
DATE
INITIALS
DDA
3
4
5
6
ACTION
DIRECT REPLY
PREPARE REPLY
APPROVAL
DISPATCH
RECOMMENDATION
COMMENT
FILE
RETURN
CONCURRENCE
INFORMATION
SIGNATURE
DDA 76-0709 w /attachments
Remarks:
1. Thought you might like to have the
attached information to perhaps give Mr. Bush
a few groups on the Central Intelligence
Retirees Association.
2. I advised this morning that
Mr. Bush would not arrive until 1315 and that
he will not lunch with the group. I made arrange-
ments to have W. Bush's security escort advise
the Sheraton when Mr. Bush 1 aves the White House.
will meet him at the
entrance to the mote .
FOLD 6 TO URN TO SENDER
FROM: NAME, S AND PHONE NO.
DATE
DDA
29 Mar
UNCLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL
SECRET
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 TO I NAME AND ADDRESS
OFFICIAL ROUTING SLIP
SENDER WILL CHECK CLASSIFICATION TOP AND BO
A Ile se L
1 IMr. McMahon
2 IMr. Blake
E JAN
INFORMATION SIGNATURE
To 2:
Attached buckslip for your signature
forwards OP study on Civilian Separations
to DDO; copies also being sent to DDI,
DDS&T, and A0/DCI
FOLD HERE TO RETURN TO SENDER
NAME, ADDRESS AND PHONE NO. DATE
EO-DDA 7D-26 Hqs. 11/8 76
- --- eas . --
uci~aitf~. I I S~l.H1c7
rui 6io. 237 Use previous editions
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DD/A 76-0657
10 February 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR: Director of Central Intelligence
1. There are three different organizations composed
of retired CIA personnel. Attached is an invitation to
you to speak on Mpnday, 29 arch 1,9.70, at the Central Intel-
., :r.
7~ienceRetirees Associati-5-.111-r. CIRA) . CIRA'is by far the
largest-'bff' f'T`& thra,e organizations and, unlike the other
two, has no particular Agency functional orientation. It is
Washington-based and open to all comers. The majority of
retired Agency senior officers, i.e., Red White, Tom
Karamessines, Larry Houston, et al, are members and active
participants.
2. I believe it would be in the best interest of the
Agency and yourself to accept the invitation and I would
urge you to do so. If you do accept, may I suggest that
Jennifer respond directly to Mr. STATINTL
:John F. Blake
Deputy Director
for
Administration
Distribution:
Orig - DCI w/Orig of Att
1 - ER w/Cy of Att
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February 5, 1976
Hon. George Bush
Director of Central Intelligence
Washington, D. C. 20505
Dear Mr. Bush,
The Officers and Directors of the Central Intelligence
Retirees Association would like to invite you to speak to the
members of our Association at our semi-annual luncheon meeting to
be held at the Sheraton-National Hotel in Arlington, Virginia,
29 March 1976. ...... We would hope to have you tell us something of what you see
ahead for CIA over the next few years, and. allow an opportunity foir
a brief question and answer period.
Tentative plans for the meeting call for a. social hour be-
ginning at 11:30 followed by -a AFat 1nn2 and then our guest speaker.
The schedule is highly flexible, however, an'ff'can easily be a . us ed
to suit your convenience.
Should you wish to bring anyone from the Agency along with
you, they would be most welcome and your entire party would, of
course, be our guests. All others at the meeting will be CIRA
members, about 400-500-of whom are likely to attend. The only
publicity associated with the meeting will be our direct mailings
to CIRA members.
All of us are looking forward eagerly to meeting and getting
to know you and certainly hope you can work our luncheon into your
very busy schedule.
STATINTL Cordially,
arr?~e 0.~'
auto as -
Slay il+~ Sti Lct}
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1 February 1976
The Honorable George Bush
Director of Central Intelligence
Washington, DC 20505
Dear Mr. Bush:
ftecutive Registry
The Central Intelligence Retirees Association
wishes you all success as you assume the duties of
your new post. We stand ready to cooperate with the
Agency in any way compatible with the purposes of
the Association.
Enclosed is a copy of the By-laws of the
Association and a copy of the first news letter
released to all members shortly after the first of
the year. We'll be pleased to include in the next
issue any thoughts that you may wish to express to
those retirres who hold membership in the CIRA.
Sincerely yours,
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 CPYRGHT
Central Intelligence Retirees Association
BY-LAWS
OF THE
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE RETIREES' ASSOCIATION
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for membership. Three will serve for two-year terms, two for
three-year terms, and two for four-year terms. Thereafter the
term for each member will be two years and no member will serve
more than two terms, including the initial one. A quorum shall
consist of four members and all actions will be by majority vote
of those present except as provided in ARTICLE III (PURPOSES) and
except that these by-laws can be amended but only by unanimous
vote of all of the Board. Subject to ratification by a majority
vote of the. Association membership present at the next regularly
scheduled Association meeting, the Board shall fill vacancies in
its membership from among the members of the Association, and
will also elect from the membership of the Association the of-
ficers who will administer Association affairs.
The name of this association will be the CENTRAL INTELLI-
GENCE RETIREES' ASSOCIATION (CIRA).
The address of the Association shall be in the State of
Virginia at such place or places as the Board of Governors may
from time to time select.
PURPOSES
The purposes of the Association are social and fraternal.
It shall pursue other purposes only with the unanimous approval
of the Board of Governors.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership will consist of those former employees of the
Central Intelligence Agency who have retired under either the
Civil Service Retirement System or the Central Intelligence Agency
Retirement Act. Membership will be obtained by notifying the
Secretary-Treasurer that the applicant has so retired and by paying
ten ($10.00) dollars dues. Membership may be retained by payment
of ten ($10.00) dollars in dues each calendar year.
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
The Board of Governors will have basic responsibility for
the affairs of the Association and will set basic policies. The
Board shall consist of seven members designated in the first in-
stance by the Organizing Committee from among any of those qualifying
OFFICERS
Section 1. The officers of the Association shall be
President, Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer, and Corresponding
Secretary to be elected annually by the Board of Governors and to
hold office for one year or until their successors are elected.
Section 2. The President shall be the chief executive of-
ficer of the Association and shall perform the usual duties per-
taining to the office. He may appoint such committees as he deems
necessary for the proper administration of the organization and he
shall be, ex officio, a member of all such committees.
Section 3. The Vice President shall have all the powers
and perform the duties of the President in the latter's absence.
Section 14. The Secretary-Treasurer shall act as clerk of
the Board of Governors and shall record all votes and minutes of
all proceedings in a book to be kept for that purpose. He shall
give or cause to be given notice of all meetings of the Board of
Governors and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed
by the Board of Governors or by the President.
Section 5. The Secretary-Treasurer shall be responsible
for full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursement in
books belonging to the Association, and for the deposit of all
moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit
of the Association, in such depositories as may be designated by
the Board of Governors. He shall be responsible for the disburse-
ment of the funds of the Association as may be ordered by the Board,
taking proper vouchers therefor and shall render to the President
and the Board of Governors at the regular meetings of the Board,
or whenever required, an account of all his transactions as
Treasurer.
Section 6. The Corresponding Secretary will maintain the
records of membership of the Association, will, as directed by
the President, schedule and organize general meetings of the As-
sociation and keep the minutes of such meetings and will perform
such other record-keeping duties and correspondence as the Presi
dent may direct.
Section 7. The funds and other assets of the Association
will be used only for the purposes of the Association and will
under no circumstances inure in any way to the personal benefit
of any Governor, officer, or member of the Association. In the
event of the termination or dissolution of the Association, any
such funds or other assets remaining will be donated to another
Virginia association of similar nature and purposes to be selec d
by the Board of Governors.
Upon application, the Board of Governors may approve the
organization and establishment of local chapters of CIRA composed
of twenty-five or more Agency retirees as defined in ARTICLE IV
(MEMBERSHIP) above and based on a commonalty or compatibility o
former Agency association (i. e., Security, Support) or geo-
graphical location. By-laws of such local chapters as approved
by the CIRA Board of Governors will be in consonance with CIRA
by-laws with such additions as may be necessary for appropriate
local administration. Upon application or on its own cognizant ,
the CIRA Board of Governors may reorganize or consolidate local
chapters in the interest of CIRA objectives or administration.
RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED THIS 20th DAY OF MARCH 1975.
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE RETIREES ASSOCIATION
BOX 1 150 - FT. MYER. VIRGINIA 2221 1
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 A
CIRA
N E W S L E T T E R
STATINTL
January - March 1976
CIRA BACKGROUND
On January 16, 1974, a small group of CIA retirees consisting of
D
TATI TL and had lunch at Fort Myer Officer's Club to discuss this question o
organizing a luncheon for Agency retirees. The longer view was that this might plant
the seed for a retiree's organization. The subject was one that was discussed on
many an occasion, both officially and otherwise, but to date, nothing had materialized.
During the luncheon, everyone was in favor of doing something but the question of
security, involving lists of names and addresses, was a matter of concern. However,
in light of the current revelations by the Press and TV of CIA activities, it was
decided that security would not be jeopardized by a social gathering as planned. The
problem of names and addresses could be resolved at a later date.
The luncheon ended with a decision to telephone as many retirees as ossible
S ~TINTL
attend a luncheon at the Tort Myer NCO Club on February 12, 1974. made e
TATI TL arrangements with the club, and was particularly active in calling re-
tirees and in the planning that preceded the lunch. One such planning session included
Colonel L. K. White in order to have his reaction to forming an organization since he
had been involved in official discussions on the subject, both before and after his '
retirement from the Agency. His comments and observations were most helpful to those
planning the luncheon and in considering future steps to be taken.
The first luncheon at the NCO Club on February 12, 1974 was attended by sixty-
three retirees who had been reached by phone or through the grapevine. The original
group mentioned above and other volunteers assisted in greeting retirees, collecting
money for the luncheon and in securing names and addresses for future use, All who
attended were enthusiastic over this beginning and inspired the continuation of the
luncheons by providing donations to pay for administrative costs involved.
STA INTL The next luncheon on April 16, 1974 was conducted in a similar fashion, except
that sent out invitations based on the addresses collected on the first
occas on and those provided by attendees at the first luncheon. One hundred and
sixty-four were at this affair at the NCO Club, and they again expressed their desire
to continue and once more provided the necessary contributions for future occasions.
THE NEXT CIRA LUNCHEON WILL BE HELD AT
THE SHERATON-NATIONAL HOTEL, ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA ON
March 29, 1976
PLAN TO ATTEND. DETAILS WILL BE FURNISHED
AT A LATER DATE.
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 CPYRGHT-
outhouse, and w.7n.- from a we IT'
, av ng county law on noise pollution.
been lived in continuously by four genera-
tions of the same family from erection until
1940. Heating consists of three fireplaces
around a central chimney. It is, in fact,
a typical farm cottage, known as a 'large
Cape'. We are not attempting to make it a
year-round house - that would require
destruction of many of its oldest and best
features - but to make it liveable during the
summer from May through October. So now we
I am presently engaged in a research
project on air pollution effects on trees
and the effectiveness of trees in
reducing air pollution. This work is
being done with the Maryland National
Capital Park and Planning Commission."
Good work, Sheldon, but fighting air
pollution in Washington is an impossible
task.
have a two-hundred year old house that is Roy Tod from his desert hangout in
almost - not quite - a museum piece. I hope Arizona recently joined the CIRA mainly
any of my Agency colleagues, active or retired, because as he says "In these trying
who may be in the vicinity, will stop and see times, it is wonderful that we now have
us. My address from 1 June to 25 October is
Effingham, Box 325A R. D. Center Ossipee, New
Hampshire 03814."
Helen Allen had to leave the Washington
area for Minneapolis suddenly in September
to be of assistance to her sister who was
taken ill. Because of this and the indefinite
status of her stay in Minneapolis, Helen found
it necessary to resign as the Corresponding
Secretary of CIRA. We appreciate the enthu-
siasm and efforts that Helen put forth in
getting the CIRA established, and hope that
her problems are resolved shortly. We have
learned, in the meantime, that Helen has
closed her Washington apartment and is now
living in Minneapolis,
Ken Addicott, who apent the summer in
Maine working on his "Sky Farm", is the
Chairman of the Committee working on the
Newsletter. Although he doesn't feel he can
be responsible permanently for this activity,
he spent some time prior to retirement working
on this matter and has been most helpful in
getting this Newsletter started. Other
members of the Committee include Chris Freer,
a rally point and something for the
lonely retiree to tie to and keep his
sense of still belonging to our beloved
Company." This was in August and Roy
was on his way to Cape Cod where he
spends his summers.
Nina Sells provided the following:
"In connection with your suggestion of
news items for future news letters, I
thought you might be interested in what
Oscar, my husband, is doing. He has
been asked by the Bicentennial Committee
of the Bethesda United Methodist Church,
of which we are members, to write a short
historical monograph of each state of
the Union. The project will culminate
on July 4, 1976 with one on the selection
and establishment of the District of
Columbia as the Nation's Capitol. One
state is completed each week and placed
in the Sunday bulletin. The project
is generating quite a bit of community
interest. It seems to be a worthwhile
contribution to our 200th birthday
celebration."
Lew Spaeth, Al Ginder and Bob Gaynor. Patricia Olson says she has a fun
job. "I am presently a volunteer Docent
Ross Stokely, who retired a long time ago, (from Latin:Docere:to teach) at the new
has retired a second time from a business Hirshhorn Museum on the Mall. Four
venture having had to discontinue any further months of training by the staff of the
activity for health reasons. However, he
writes that he is alive and well and is
relaxing in the Florida sunshine.
Museum prepared us to guide groups
through the stimulating assortment of
modern painting and sculpture. There
are at least two other Agency retirees
Sheldon Meyers writes "Since retiring, (male) among the Docents. No more
I have received a certificate of recognition applications are to be considered until
and appreciation from the Montgomery County 1977 although other museums in the
Government for services in preparing the first Smithsonian complex have openings for
Docents. It is fun."
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Many retirees are finding new interests
in a wide variety of occupations since retire-
ment. A few known at this time are Keith Reid
as an administrative aide (voluntary) to the
Sheriff of Arlington County; J, Hodges Parker
as National Administrative Director for
Blinded Veterans Asso.; Ray Villamarette is a
Magistrate in the Arlington Court System, and
plans to open his own office in the District
by the first of the year; Dick Drain is
Administrator of the National Cathedral; and
so the list grows. More on this in future
newsletters.
NEWS OF CI RA
Luncheon October 13, 1975
The first social activity of CIRA was a
luncheon on October 13, 1975 at the Sheraton-
National Hotel in Arlington, Virginia, with
three hundred and twenty-six members assembled
to enjoy the occasion. Mr. William Colby made
a special effort to appear as a speaker. He
discussed the trials and tribulations caused
by, the extensive Congressional investigations
and the public revelations of Agency activities.
However, he reassured the retirees that the
Agency will survive, but with lines drawn more
tightly-on the-roles and mission of the Agency.
The Officers of CIRA wish to pay tribute
.to Mary Lewis in the typing and retyping of
address labels and other CIRA memos, and
particularly in organizing and typing and
retyping the newsletter; and Elizabeth Dunlevy,
Mary Kourembis, Mary Wesseley and Eva Popovich
for helping at the luncheon itself. Thanks
very much for your assistance. We also thank
those who have volunteered to help. As CIRA
grows your talents will be utilized.
Change to BY: Laws
It wasn't anticipated that changes to the
By-Laws would be required so soon. However,
in order for CIRAtO achieve tax exempt status,
the Internal Revenue Service suggested the
elimination of the second sentence of Article
III. Because of the importance of the tax
exempt status, the Board of Governors voted
unanimously to follow the IRS suggestion.
This action was reported to the IRS which was
followed by official designation of CIRA as a
tax exempt organization. Article III
will henceforth read: "The purposes
of the Association are social and
fraternal." Members should change
their copy of the By-Laws accordingly.
House Swapping
Would you like to swap your house
in Florida for a short visit to
Washington, California, etc.? Bill
Vance has agreed to assist you. He
has agreed to be a focal point to
assist retirees who wish to travel and
would like to exchange their house or
apartment in their area for housing in
the area to which they are traveling.
The way this would work would be for
those interested in such a program to
write to Mr. William F. Vance, 4845 -
27th Street, Arlington, Virginia 22207.
Bill would maintain a roster of people
wishing to exchange housing for a short
visit and thus be able to get the
interested parties to write to each
other to firm up the details of such an
exchange.
CIRA Travel Service
Quite a few members have asked
about some kind of group travel service.
As an officially established retiree
organization, CIRA now qualifies for
reduced air, sea, land and other travel-
related services.
In order to take advantage of these
benefits, Elio Scotti, a CIRA member
and proprietor of the Bianchi Travel
Service, has agreed to provide informa-
tion on various tours and assist a
member or members in obtaining group
travel rates.
Please address your questions and
request to Mr. Elio Scotti at 2119
Natahoa Court, Falls Church, Virginia,
22043, or to the Bianchi Travel Service,
Inc., 1025 Vermont Avenue, N. W., Lobby
Suite 110, Washington, D. C. 20005.
Page 4
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 CPYRGHT
Income Tax
Appruved Fur MEMO 2002105102 U00 1 -3
Responses to Questionnaire
Income tax time is again upon us.
The average person finds it difficult to
find ways to save money in making out
their taxes. However, some retirees are
not looking closely enough at Schedule R
(Retirement Income Credit). If you have
not received Social Security or Railroad
Retirement benefits, and if you have not
earned in retirement .$2,424 or more, you
have a tax credit coming to you. If you
have not collected in the past, you can
collect for the past three years.
One other area applies to those who
retired for disability from Civil Service
or under CIARDS. You are eligible for a
$5,200 sick pay exclusion up to age 70,
not age 60, as some of our retirees
believe.
Lawyers
The response to-the request for legal
assistance by in his letter to
the membership dated September 24, 1975, was
well received, resulting in more than a half
dozen practicing attorneys responding to
the call. We thank those who volunteered.
The requirement for their assistance has been
somewhat reduced by a decision by the
Department of Justice to provide some legal
assistance in certain cases. Nevertheless,
the response of qualified members to a most
worthy cause lends definite substance to the
fraternal purpose of the organization.
Legislative Action
Several members who retired prior to
October 1969 under the Agency Retirement
System, have inquired as to what is being
done for them to receive the twenty dollars
per month that is being received by regular
Civil Service retirees. Legislation is in
the mill to correct this inequity and it
is anticipated that favorable action will
be forthcoming during the new year.
The reason for the considerable delay
on this particular issue is that legislation
is presented to Congress in a package, rather
than presenting each individual case as it
arises. Thus it had to wait until a
sufficient number of items were accumulated
before presentation to Congress.
A questionnaire was made available
to all who attended the luncheon on
October 13, 1975. Of the 326 present,
31 responded with their comments. The
general response was in favor of having
several luncheons per year, pretty much
as has been done. The question of
including spouses: 10 Yes, 5 No, 5
Occasionally. The question of CIRA-
sponsored sports, i.e., golf, bowling,
etc., was thought a good idea by so few
as to just about rule them out. There
were a few more responses to golf which
might mean a small golf outing might be
possible but will require someone to
organize.
One or two ideas, such as buying a
Country/Golf Club or having such
activities as auto engine repairs, the
operation and running of CO-OPS, and
music appreciation sessions, are a bit
optimistic as endeavors for CIRA to
consider. So for the time being
luncheons will be the main course of
action for CIRA.
American Association of Retired Persons
(AARP)
CIRA members are eligible for the
many programs and benefits of this large
National Organization, which has a
membership of 8 million, and over 2,000?
local chapters. For those who are not
aware of its existence and who are
interested in legislative action for
senior citizens, insurance programs,
cheaper pharmacy service, discounts at
leading hotels and many other important
programs for retirees, write to AARP,
1909 K Street, N. W., Washington, D. C.
20049, for more complete information.
Suggestions, Comments, News
This Newsletter is a beginning.
Another is intended to be released prior
to the next luncheon in March. However,
I have used up all the news to date;
information is needed to keep the News-
letter in business. Let us hear from
you. We particularly need items regard-
ing members and suggestions for improve-
ments of the Newsletter.
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Page 5
 i"he pic t;arc shown below were token, at the luncheon on f tobcr i 5j )/5. ee
r ?> -c for a report on this affair. Gc.,or1e Kin1, unannounced ppeared o1? tae ;core
:wi ch camera in band and took a number of pictures for which w extend oc ? t.h,a
ar;d arr~ t;r u_i for the visual addition ,o our Newsletter. Lease keef~
cl. ~, . brir,; your camera. droop pictures of retirees wi I be publ:i ;Pied i.f
per-,,r i ..es awe -I.!' they are glossy black: and white prints c nple to wi. t a nano - c.
1 ..i Tom K. ; Red White; Bob Gaynor
L=R - Al Gi.nr= r;; Bob Cha ,man;
I)ar?othy 4ortr n
- Ray V i i I ema ret te; John Warner
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 Approved For,Release 2(02/05/02 C t , 000500160001-8
t-u - Dave Pluilips; Lucky Loiacono;
M, g Roney
ao.,I; ?- 1; ,? J,, Smith; Harry Fisher; L-H - Jack. Hasey; Lef Cone.i..n
I'. 1 1.. Vance
COMPLAINT
E'() R IM
M.EASE WRITE YOUR
COMPLAINT IN IBOX BELOW
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REMEMBER NEXT LUNCHEON MONDAY, MARCH 29, 1976
AT THE SHERATON-NATIONAL HOTEL, ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA
CIRA NEWSLETTER
,P. 0. BOX 1150
Ft. Myer, Va. 22211
BULK RATE
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT No. 1378
ARLINGTON, VA.
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 STATINTL Approved For Release 2002/05/02 :
Dear General
r""S'
Thank you for calling my attention to the Central Intelligence'Petirees
Aw.
Association. Your supportive words on their behalf are especially appreciated
as I begin to grapple with the awesome responsibilities of this office.
I hope that in the weeks ahead I will have an opportunity to meet with
some of your membership. With their support and that of the fine people
here, I intend to xj&j&ensure that o'a performance continue,$ to provide
the finest intelligence in the world.
Theattached transcript of my swearing-in ceremony might be of
interest to you and yaxxxtlamyAn%Dcx your CIRA associates.
Sincerely,
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February 12, 1976
e
Dear Bob:
I write informally to acknowledge receipt
of your letter to George Bush making his aware
of the Central Intelligence Retirees Association.
He has seen the let or and i appreciative of it.
S ATINTL Several days later, established con-
tact with us and invited George to speak at the
next meeting on 29 March. lie has accepted the
invitation and I am so notifying Bill by letter
today.
Hope to see you soon.
Sincerely,
on F. Blake
Deputy Director
for
Administration.
Distribution:
Orig .Adse
- DD/A Subject w/DD/A 76-0709 and Referenced Letter
1 - DD/A Chrono w/o Ref
1 - JFB Chrono
DD/A:JFBlake:der (12 Feb 1976)
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 STATINTL
To Director of Central Intelligence
NO. 3837 3 ?ART
NO. 4R87 4 PART
ACCOUNTANTS'
VALLEY STREAM, N.Y. 11582
-8
Dear Bills Here's the___first issue of the CIRA newsletter* -_-We hope that subsequent issues will be more informative and reflect a greater partici-pationon the part of the membership. We invite the reaction of all who
nave received copies.
Please accept our very best wishes.
Sincerely yours,_.
DATE
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TAL
ITT E W S. L E
January - March 1976, Editor
CIRA BACKGROUND
STATINTL
TL
On January 16. 1974, a snall group of CIA retirees consisting of
and i had lunch at Fort Myer Officer's Club to discuss the question of
organizing a luncheon for Agency retirees. The longer view was that this might plant
the seed for a retiree's organ.i.zation. The subject was one that was discussed on.
many an occasion, both officially and otherwise, but to date, nothing had materialized.
During the luncheon, everyone was in favor of doing something bit the question of
security, involving lists of names and addresses, was a matter of concern. However,
in light of the current revelations by the Press and TV of CIA activities, it was
decided that security would not be jeopardized by a social gathering as planned. The
problem of names and addresses could be resolved at a later date.
The luncheon ended with a decision to telephone as many retirees as ossibleT~,TINTL
attend a luncheon at the Fort Myer NCO Club on February 12. 1974. retirees
made the
INTL arrangements with the club, and was particularly active in calling re-
tirees and in the planning that preceded the lunch. One such planning session included
Colonel L. K. White in order to have his reaction to forming an organization since he
had been involved in official discussions on the subject, both before and after his
retirement from the Agency. His comments and observations were most helpful to those
planning the luncheon and in considering future steps to be taken.
The first luncheon at the NCO Club on February 12, 1974 was attended by sixty-
three retirees who had been reached by phone. or through the grapevine. The original
group mentioned above and other volunteers assisted in greeting retirees, collecting
money for the luncheon and in securing names and addresses for future use. All who
attended were enthusiastic over this beginning and inspired the continuation of the
luncheons by providing donations to pay for administrative costs involved.
NTL The next luncheon on April 16, 1974 was conducted in a similar fashion, ex_ccpf
that sent out invitations based on the addresses collected on the first
occasion and those provided by attendees at the first luncheon. One hundred and
sixty-four were at this affair at the NCO Club, and they again expressed their desire
to continue and once more provided the necessary contributions for future occasions.
CTHE
THE NEXT CIRA LUNCHEON WILL BE HELD AT
SHERATON-NATIONAL HOTEL, ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA ON
March 29. 1976
PLAN TO ATTEND. DETAILS WILL BE FURNISHED
AT A LATER DATE.
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CPYRGHT
The third luncheon on October 23, 1.974
at Fort Myer Officer's Club saw the first
step towards formalization. Chris Freer,
who had volunteered to present a proposal
of action to be taken towards organization,
was authorized by the two hundred and
twenty-four retirees in attendance to
select an organizing committee to formulate
a set of By-Laws. Members of `the organiza-
ing Committee chosen by Chris were:
Lawrence Houston, Chairman; Elizabeth
Dunlevy, Kenneth Addicott, Paul Borel and
Frank Van Damm as members.
The committee presented its report at
the luncheon at the Fort Myer Officer's
Club on March 20, 1975. Three hundred and
twenty-eight retirees gave their unanimous
approval to accept the By-Laws as written
and the recommended slate of names to
constitute the Board of Directors and the
Officers of the newly-formed.CIRA. Thus,
the end of this luncheon established the
beginning of CIRA.
A considerable: number of planning
sessions took place between these various
luncheons including a number of small
informal luncheons to discuss the various
aspects of organization. The typing and
retyping of names and addresses by
Elizabeth Dunlevy and Helen Allen to set up
reference files for future use was a big job.
The By-Laws Committee held quite a few
sessions attempting to keep the By-Laws as
simple as possible and to emphasize the
purpose of CIRA to be social and fraternal
as expressed by all who had participated in
the planning and those who had attended the
luncheons.
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Three-year Term Four-year Term
Two-year Term
Lawrence K. White R. J. Smith Dorothy G. Morton
Thomas Karamessines Robert Chapman Harry B. Fisher
Bronson Tweedy
OFFICERS
President
Vice President
Secretary-Treasurer
Corresponding Secretary
PERSONAL ITEMS
Walter Oden of Virginia Beach writes
that he has started two new careers since
retiring in 1972. He brushed off his
law degree and is now working as a crim-
inal prosecutor in the Office of the
Commonwealth Attorney, Norfolk, Virginia.
He states that he would be happy to help
any comrade in his area who needs legal
help. His second career is that of a
"Retiree Papa" since his wife gave birth
to a daughter in 1973,
Bob Bannerman reports from Santa
Rosa Beach, Florida, that he has run
into Ed Korn-Patterson and. occasionally'
sees George Meloon and others in Central
Florida. He, like a number of retirees,
keeps himself busy on h n own affairs as
well as civic programs. (How about,
recruiting some of those Florida retirees
for CIRA?)
Ben Racusin had to miss the October 13
luncheon because he had to appear before
the Beaufort County Council in Beaufort,
South Carolina, in an attempt to persuade
the Council to grant Hilton Head Island
the right to establish some form of self-
government. Best luck to you, Ben, in
your efforts.
Ted Nordbeck may have the answer for
other retirees looking for a vacation home.
He found an 18th Century farm house in
Effingham, New Hampshire (a town with a
permanent population of about 300, includ-
children). "The house was built before
1775 and was still in its pristine condi-
tion (no electricity, no telephone, an
Robert M. Gaynor
William F. Vance
Allen W. Ginder
Helen E. Allen
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outhouse, and water from a well), having
been lived in continuously by four genera-
tions of the same family from erection until
191+0. Heating consists of three fireplaces
around a central chimney. It is, in fact,
a typical farm cottage, known as a 'large
Cape'. We are not attempting to make it a
year-round house - that would require
destruction of many of its oldest and best
features - but to make it liveable during the
summer from May through October. So now we
U. S. county law on noise pollution.
I am presently engaged in a research
project on air pollution effects on trees
and the effectiveness of. trees in
reducing air pollution. This work is
being done with the Maryland National
Capital Park and Planning Commission."
Good work, Sheldon, but fighting air
pollution in Washington is an impossible
task.
have a two-hundred year old house that is Ppy Tod from his desert hangout in
almost - not quite - a museum piece. I hope Arizona recently joined the CIRA mainly
any of my Agency colleagues, active or retired, because as he says "In these trying
who may be in the vicinity, will stop and see times, it is wonderful that we now have
us. My address from 1 June to 25 October is a rally point and something for the
Effingham, Box 325A R. D. Center Ossipee, New lonely retiree to tie to and keep his
Hampshire 03814." sense of sti11. belonging to our beloved
Helen Allen had to leave the Washington
area for Minneapolis suddenly in September
to be of assistance to her sister who was
taken ill. Because of this and the indefinite
status of her stay in Minneapolis, Helen found
it necessary to resign as the Corresponding
Secretary of CIRA. We appreciate the enthu-
siasm and efforts that Helen put forth in
getting the CIRA established, and hope that
her problems are resolved shortly. We have
learned, in the meantime, that Helen has
closed her Washington apartment and is now
living in Minneapolis.
Ken Addicott, who agent the summer in
Maine working on his "Sky Farm", is the
Chairman of the Committee working on the
Newsletter. Although he doesn't feel he can
be responsible permanently for this activity,
he spent some time prior to retirement working
on this matter and has been most helpful in
getting this Newsletter started. Other
members of the Committee include Chris Freer,,
Lew Spaeth, Al Gnder and Bob Ga;Mor.
Company." This. was in August and Roy
was on his way to Cape Cod where he
spends his summers.
Nina Sells provided the following:
"In connection with your suggestion of
news items for-future news letters, I
thought you might be interested in what
Oscar, my husband,, is doing. He has .
been'asked by the Bicentennial Committee
of the Bethesda United Methodist Church,
of which we are members, to write a short
historical monograph of each state of
the Union. The project will culminate
on July 4, 1976 with one on the selection
and establishment of the District of
Columbia as the Nation's Capitol.. One
state is completed each week and placed
in the Sunday bulletin. The project
is generating quite a bit of community
interest. It seems to be a worthwhile.
contribution. to our 200th birthday
celebration."
Patricia Olson says she haf. a fun
job. "I am presently a volunteer Docent
Ross Stokely, who retired a long time ago, (from Latin. Doc ere. to teach) at the new
has retired a second time from a business Hirshhorn Museum on the Mall. Four
venture having had to discontinue any further
activity for health reasons. However, he
writes that he is alive and well and is
relaxing in the Florida sunshine.
Sheldon Meyers writes "Since retiring,
I have received a certificate of recognition
months of training by the staff of the
Museum prepared us to guide groups
through the stimulating assortment of
modern painting and sculpture. There
are at least two other Agency retirees
(male) among the ]Docents. No more
applications are to be considered until
and appreciation from the Montgomery County 1977 although other museums in the
Government for services in preparing the first Smithsonian complex have openings for
Docents. It is fun."
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Many retirees are finding new interests
in a wide variety of occupations since retire-
ment. A few known at this time are Keith Reid
as an administrative aide (voluntary) to the
Sheriff of Arlington County; 4.. Parker
as National Administrative Director for
Blinded Veterans Asso.; Ray:Villamarette is a
Magistrate in the Arlington Court System, and
plans to open his own office in the District
by the first of the year; Dick Drain is
Administrator of the National Cathedral; and
so the list grows. More on this in future
newsletters.
NEWS OF CI RA
Luncheon October 13 1975
The first social activity of CIRA was a
luncheon on October 13, 1975 at the Sheraton-
National Hotel in Arlington, Virginia, with
three hundred and twenty-six members assembled
to enjoy the occasion. Mr. William Colby made
a special effort to appear as a speaker. He
discussed the trials and tribulations caused
by the extensive Congressional investigations
and the public revelations of Agency activities.
However, he reassured the retirees that the
Agency will survive, but with lines drawn more
tightly on the roles and mission of the Agency.
The Officers of CIRA wish to pay tribute
to Mary Lewis in the typing and retyping of
address labels and other CIRA memos, and
particularly in organizing and typing and
retyping the newsletter; and Elizabeth Dunlevy,
Mary Kourembis, Mary Wesseley and Eva Popovich
for helping at the luncheon itself. Thanks
very much-for your assistance. We also thank
those who have volunteered to help. As CIRA
grows your talents will be utilized.
Change to By-Laws
tax exempt organization, Article III
will henceforth read:, "The purposes
of the Association are social and
fraternal." Members should change
.their copy of the By-Laws accordingly.
House Swapping .
Would you like to swap your house
in Florida for a short visit to
Washington, California, etc.? Bill
Vance has agreed to assist you. He
has agreed to be a focal point to
assist retirees who wish to travel and
would like to exchange their house or
apartment in their area for housing in
the area to which they are traveling,
The way this would work would be for
those interested in such a prograp to
write to Mr. William F. Vance, 15
27th Street, Arlington, Virginia 22207.
Bill would maintain a roster of people
wishing to exchange housing for a. short
visit and thus be able to get the
interested parties to write to each,
other to firm up the detaiia of such an
exchange.
CIRA Travel Service
Quite a few members have asked
.about some kind of group travel service.
As an officially established retiree
organization, CIRA now qualifies for
reduced air, sea, land and other travel-
related services.
In, order to take advantage of these
benefits, Elio Scotti, a CIRA member
and proprietor of the Bianchi Travel
Service,h.as.agreed to provide informa-
tion on various tours and assist a
member or members in obtaining group
travel rate.
It wasn't anticipated that changes to the
By-Laws would be required so soon. However,
in order for CIRA to achieve tax exempt status,
the Internal Revenue Service suggested the
elimination of the second sentence of Article
III. Because of the importance of the tax
exempt status, the Board of Governors voted
unanimously to follow the IRS suggestion,
This action was reported to the IRS which was
followed by official designation of CIRA as a
Please address your questions and
request to Mr. Elio Scotti at 2119
Natahoa Court, Falls Church, Virginia,
22043, or to the Bianchi Travel Service,
Inc., 1025 Vermont Avenue, N. W,, Lobby
Suite 110, Washington, D. C. 20005.
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rncomg Tax
Income tax time is again upon us.
The average person finds it difficult to
find ways to save money in making out
their taxes. However, some retirees are
not looking closely enough at Schedule R
(Retirement Income Credit). If you have
not received Social Security. or Railroad
Retirement benefits, and if you have not
earned in retirement $2,424 or more, you
have a tax credit coming to you. If you
have not collected in the past, you can
collect for the past three years.
One other area applies to those who
retired for disability from Civil Service
or under CIARDS. You are eligible for a
$5,200 sick pay exclusion up to age 70,
not age 60, as some of our retirees
believe.
Lawyers
N1 L
The response to_t request for legal
assistance by in his letter to
the membership dated September 24, 1975, was
well received, resulting in more than a half
dozen practicing attorneys responding to
the call. We thank those who volunteered.
The requirement for their assistance has been
somewhat reduced by a decision by the
Department of Justice to provide some legal
assistance in certain cases. Nevertheless,
the response of qualified members to a most
worthy cause lends definite substance to the
fraternal purpose of the organization.
Legislative Action
Several members who retired prior to
October 1969 under the Agency Retirement
System, have inquired as to what is being
done for them to receive the twenty dollars
per month that is being received by regular
Civil Service retirees. Legislation is'in
the mill to correct this inequity and it
is anticipated that favorable action will
be forthcoming during the new year.
The reason for the considerable delay
on this particular issue is that legislation
is presented to Congress in a package, rather
than presenting each individual case as it
arises. Thus it had to wait until a
sufficient number of items were accumulated
before presentation to Congress.
Responses to Questionnaire
A questionnaire was made available
to all who attended the luncheon on
October 13, 1975. Of the 326 present,
31 responded with their comments. The
general response was in favor of having
several luncheons per year, pretty much.
as has been done. The question of
including spouses: 10 Yes, 5 No, 5
Occasionally. The question of CIRA
sponsored sports, i.e., golf, bowling,
etc., was thought a good idea by so few
as to just about rule them out. There
were a few more responses to golf which
might mean a small golf outing might be
possible but will require someone to
organize.
One or two ideas, such as buying a
Country/Golf Club or having; such
activities as auto engine repairs, the
operation and running of COOPS; and
music appreciation sessions, are a bit
optimistic as endeavors for CIRA to
consider. So for the time being
luncheons will be the main course of
action for CLRA.
American Association .of Ret .red Persons
(AARP)
CIRA members are eligible for the
many programs and benefits of this large
National Organization, which has a
membership of 8 million, and over 2,000
local chapters. For those who are not
aware of its existence and who are
interested in legislative action for
senior citizens, insurance programs,
cheaper pharmacy service, discounts at
leading hotels and many other important
programs for retirees, write to AARP,
1909 K Street, N. W., Washingto:n:, D. C.
20049, for more complete information..
Suggestions Comments News
This Newsletter is a beginning.
Another is intended. to be released prior
to the next luncheon in March. However,
I have used up all the news to date;
information is needed to keep the News-
letter in business. Let us hear from
you. We particularly need.items regard-
ing members and suggestions for improve-
ments of the Newsletter..
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The pictures shown below were taken at the luncheon on October 13, 1975. See
page 4 for a report on this affair. George King unannounced appeared on the scene
with camera in hand and took a number of pictures for which we extend our thanks,
and are grateful for the visual addition to our Newsletter. Please keep coming,
George, and bring your camera. Group pictures of retirees will be published if
space permits and if they are glossy black and white prints complete with names.
L-R - Tom K.; Red White; Bob Gaynor
L-R Ray Villemarette; John Warner
L-R - Al Ginder; Bob Chapman;
Dorothy Morton
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L-R - Dave Phillips; Lucky Loiacono;
Meg Roney
L-R - R. J. Smith; Harry Fisher;
Bill Vance
COMPLAINT
FORM
PLEASE WRITE YOUR
COMPLAINT IN BOX BELOW
WRITE LEGIBLY
D
L-R - Jack I3asey;' Lou Conein
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REMEMBER NEXT LUNCHEON MONDAY, MARCH 29, 1976
AT THE SHERATON-NATIONAL HOTEL, ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA
CIRA NEWSLETTER
P. 0. BOX 1150
Ft. Myer, Va. 22211
BULK RATE
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT No. 1378
ARLINGTON, VA.
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