Camille Gieck
Pre-Retired

Background
I'm a technical staff assistant at the Community College of Rhode Island in Warwick. I'm in my 26th year, and my job today is to help students learn computer skills. I've been a local Association president and an NEA Rhode Island higher education vice president.

Why I'm Involved In NEA-Retired
NEA-Retired is very active in Rhode Island, and they do a great job with the Children's Fund. The Children's Fund operates the Ginger Bread Express, which is my sweetheart. We round up sponsors for needy kids so that they'll have holiday presents. The sponsor not only learns the age and sex of the child, but exactly what the child would like as a gift. Last year, I was able to find sponsors for 250 kids, and the program overall got sponsors for several hundred more throughout the state. So why did I get involved? I'm selfish. It makes me feel good!

Bobbie Duncan
Recently Retired

Background
I taught for 43 years, 27 of which I spent teaching home-bound children in Odessa, Texas. I've been a local and regional Association president, chair of the Texas State Teachers Association, member of the NEA Board of Directors, and delegate to the founding meeting of Education International in Sweden

How I'm Spending My Time
The Association gave me so much training that I wanted to keep paying back when I retired. I hoed they'd have work for me. That wasn't a problem. I've kept busy making building visits, recruiting new members, working on the newsletter, handling grievances, and helping to lobby for public education, which is having a very hard time in Texas. I talk to my state representative from Odessa regularly and try to do whatever else I can do to protect our education budget. I have time to share, and I want to stay as active as I can.

Ernest Holley
Active Retired

Background
I had a 34-education career in Staunton, Virginia, first as a science teacher and then 22 years as a guidance counselor. I've been a local and district Association president, a Virginia Education Association board member and state director, and a member of the NEA Board of Directors.

My Advice To Retirees
Balance your time between staying active and relaxing. Work with the NEA-Retired and your local retired group--it's rewarding--but don't be afraid to say "no" when you need time to kick back. I have a lot of leadership experience, and I enjoy working part-time as a guidance counselor back at my old school. It's a joy to be around kids, and they need our support. But I also devote more time to my hobbies--mainly singing in three choirs. My retirement high point was when I sang the National Anthem at a Washington Redskins football game. I've also sung the Anthem at two NEA Representative Assemblies, including the most recent RA in New Orleans.