Gretchen Thal

TVA Retirement System Board of Directors

The TVA VETERANS ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZES GRETCHEN THAL

Tennessee Valley Authority Veterans Association (TVA VA) Jointly recognizes the TVA and TVA Retirement System boards

Nashville, Tn. Summer 1998: Gretchen Thal was presented the TVA VA cap as a symbol of appreciation during the summer of 1998 in Nashville by the Veterans Association at a recent board meeting. Recent agreements and resolutions now allow veterans (who are not drawing other government pensions and who purchase their military time) to count this time toward the rule of 80 and may help some get to the maximum pension factor earlier.

When interviewed Gretchen commented, "I was very happy that we were able to remove the cliff from the pension factor (beginning at age 45). Moving from a pension factor of 0.85 to a pension factor of 1.3 over even monthly increments the last 7 ½ years prior to reaching the rule of 80 is a vast improvement over the instant increase only at the exact moment the rule of 80 was reached. This is simply a way of helping allow our retirement system members to have the pension they have earned. I think it is a fairer method (in my opinion) than the previous one, for those who have to leave their TVA job prior to reaching the 80 points.

I, for one, can not imagine the toll that fighting in a war, and on foreign shores away from family, jobs, friends, homes, etc. could take, and I was pleased that these actions might help our veterans in some small way. Many veterans had already reached the rule of 80, and straightening the curve to the rule of 80 helps many others sleep better at night. For Many of our veterans it was more of an honor than a monetary boon. I feel that it is well earned in either case. Additionally, because of the extra wear and tear on body and soul that often occurs to an individual, he or she may want or need to retire early with less than 80 points. They can retire early, if they are 45 or older and have 65 or greater points, without having to give up an unfair portion of their TVA pension.

Gretchen also said, "My brother was in the paratroopers during the Vietnam era, and although we were very fortunate during this timeframe, it was a tremendous source of concern to all of my brothers family, but especially his wife and my Mom and Dad. I am proud to be a part of this improvement for all our employees, and the veterans hat I received is particularly meaningful to me. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you!"

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Copyright © 2002 Gretchen Thal
Last modified: July 31, 2002 10:27:48 PM