Dear Sgt. Shaft:
I read with interest your article in the Washington Times of June 26, on the utilization of military service time for federal retirement benefit. I believe the article to be technically correct, but not fully correct. In order to utilize military service time for federal retirement benefit accreditation you must first have five years of civilian federal service before the military time can be credited. There is also a requirement that the military service time during which federal retirement contributions were not withheld has to be "bought back" by paying a sum of money calculated upon the time and dates of service.

I am a former federal civilian employee who has "bought back" his military time in service. However, I am not eligible for any federal retirement benefits as I have five months less than five years civilian federal employment. I have tried for several years to get a federal job for that amount of time to no avail, so I lose the entire retirement benefit.

If the situation has changed I would certainly appreciate knowing about it, but the last time I checked the five year civilian service rule still applied.

John R.
Northern Virginia

Dear John:
OPM folks tell the Sarge that, under both the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), an employee needs to have a minimum of five years civilian service to qualify for an annuity. The only situation in which an employee could qualify for a monthly annuity benefit with a minimum of 18 months is for disability retirement under FERS.

Under certain circumstances, an employee can purchase additional years of service, either civilian service for which no retirement deductions were withheld or military service, to enhance the amount of the annuity benefit to which he or she may be entitled. An employee need not complete five years civilian service before making a deposit for military service. In fact, because no interest is charged on a military deposit during the first two years of retirement-covered service following the military service, it is to the employee's advantage to pay any such deposit within that time frame.

If the employee does not complete five years civilian service before separation from federal service, the employee may elect to leave his or her retirement contributions in the Retirement Fund (including any deposits for military service) in anticipation of future federal employment. Alternatively, the employee could elect to take a full refund of retirement contributions plus interest. Before doing so, the employee needs to consider the consequences of taking a refund. Under CSRS, the employee would be eligible to repurchase credit for the service covered by the refund by redepositing the withdrawn contributions, with interest, if reemployed in the federal government, subject to retirement coverage. Under FERS, withdrawal of the retirement contributions terminates all retirement benefits associated with the service and there is no opportunity to redeposit those monies even upon reemployment.

Shaft Kudos

Proud of those people at Sharing and Caring Inc., who will once again open their hearts to Pennsylvania's vets. The organization will conduct, for the 15th year, their annual boat rides and a day in the sun for nearly 1,000 of hospitalized veterans from the western Pennsylvania VA Medical Centers, State Veterans Homes, and private nursing homes. America's true patriots will be entertained with a three-hour sail on Pittsburgh's three great rivers, plus a hot buffet lunch, gifts, prizes, dancing, contests, and good old fashioned camaraderie away from the hospital environment. This therapeutic recreation provides these worthy vets with documented medical benefits not attainable using any known medications.

It has been brought to my attention that there is a special tribute to a special friend, Everett Alvarez. In 1995, a high school in Salinas, California, was named after EV, the first U.S. aviator shot down and taken prisoner during the Vietnam War. With its mission to support students in the development and improvement of personal and academic skills in an environment of trust, respect, and care, school leaders actively encourage students to engage in fun and inquisitive learning experiences from the classroom to the library and from the playing fields to the community at large. Students are required to take career preparation courses designed to help them to understand a pathway toward success in a variety of careers. Partnerships with local businesses and area colleges help students determine the skills needed to develop in pursuit of a particular career. Projects, ideas, and multicultural experiences are used to prepare students to attain excellence in the areas of communication skills, use of technology as a tool, and in decision-making and problem-making skills ... all leading to healthy, meaningful and successful living within a global community.

This innovative and notable school is now turning to the community at large to help raise funds for some important supplies, equipment, and furniture. An Everett Alvarez Hall of Fame has been established to recognize those who have contributed and will contribute to this worthy school. Companies, businesses, and corporations that donate $500 or more will top the Wall of Fame, as Eagles of Esteem. Corporate donations of $250 to $500 will be noted as Eagles of Honor; business donations under $250 will be called Eagles of Flight. Families who donate $250 or more will top the Wall of Fame, as Eagles of Esteem. Donors will be able to earmark specific programs for funding: athletics, classroom needs, technology, and visual and performing arts. One hundred percent of all donations go entirely to Everett Alvarez High School. Those wishing to contribute to this worthy project may make checks payable to Everett Alvarez High School, c/o Everett Alvarez, 6858 Old Dominion Drive, Suite 200, McLean, VA 22101.