A Farewell, After Nearly 40 Years of Advocacy

Although she has made a career working on issues and legislation important to federal employees and retirees, Park worked only two years for Uncle Sam, at the old Civil Service Commission, and does not receive the retirement and health-care benefits she fought to create and preserve.

She recently had to purchase supplement coverage for her Medicare benefit, and the search for the insurance "drove me crazy," she said, laughing. "I can't imagine what it is like for those poor souls who are confused by the system, because I felt clueless."

Retirements

Jay Cherlow, assistant director for economics at the Government Accountability Office, retired June 3 after more than 30 years at GAO.

Marilyn L. Thomas, human resources assistant at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, retired June 3 after 37 years of federal service.

Congressional Honors

The Blinded American Veterans Foundation will honor Reps. Ike Skelton (D-Mo.), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, and Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.), a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, at the group's 23rd annual congressional awards reception Thursday.

The foundation, which is headed by John Fales and supports research, rehabilitation and reemployment of disabled veterans, also will present awards for media coverage and volunteer efforts on veterans' behalf. This year's corporate volunteer award goes to Health Net Federal Services.

Stephen Barr's e-mail address isbarrs@washpost.com.