A Message from the President

ISSUE 2 2005

Colorado/

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT PRESIDENTS LETTER Dear Fellow Retirees, I recently sent the letter below to all retirees who have an e-mail Qwest recently announced that the 2005 Annual Meeting will be in Denver on May 24, address, and for those of you 2005 at 10 AM at the Denver Center of Performing Arts. Proxy ballots and the Annual who do not, I am including the Report will be mailed to stockholders on about April 14, 2005. letter in this newsletter. Retirees are sponsoring two proxy proposals that will be voted on at this meeting and we are asking that if you own Qwest stock that you vote your shares to support these Retirees sometimes ask why as proposals. an organization do we get in- volved in proxy proposals at the The first proposal, Stockholder Proposal No. 4, requests the Board adopt a policy to Qwest Annual Stockholder meet- seek shareowner approval for future Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans ing, and the answer is fairly (SERPs) for senior executives. straightforward. We know that all of us have a highly vested The proponents are asking for this approval because of the excessive pension benefits stake in Qwest remaining finan- that accrue to senior executives over and above what is accumulated in the regular em- cially viable, and this requires ployee pension plan. Under this plan Dick Notebaert, Chairman, and Oren Shaffer, Chief Financial Officer, would accumulate an estimated lump sum payout of $12.1 good corporate governance. The million and $3.1 million, respectively, assuming that they stay with the company until issues that we select to submit age 65. reflect areas in which we feel that the Qwest Board of Direc- This level of retirement compensation is unwarranted, and therefore we ask you to vote tors have not sufficiently listened your shares FOR this proposal to put some checks and balances on the Board Compen- to stockholders in implementing sation Committee and the outlandish retirement benefits granted to senior executives. sound practices, and we craft proposals to address those per- The second proposal sponsored by retirees is Shareholder Proposal No. 5 which received deficiencies. Many other quests that the Board adopt a policy that in the event there is a substantial restatement stockholders seem to agree with of earnings, that all legal remedies will be pursued to have performance-based compensation and bonuses paid to those executives recovered for the benefit of the company. us, based on the number of shares that have been voted FOR The proponents believe that compensation should be closely tied to actual financial our proposals in the past and performance-and that the Company should seek to recover for shareholder any per- those we anticipate will be vot- formance-based compensation that is awarded due to fraudulent or erroneous financial ing with us this year. If you are a results. In other words, if you didn’t really earn it, you ought to be required to return it! Qwest stockholder, please take Please cast your votes FOR this proposal. the time to vote your shares FOR our proposals as well. Thank You. Mimi Hull Mimi Hull, President of the Association of US West Retirees

Retiree Guardian Page 1 2005 issue 2 Colorado/Wyoming Activities AUSWR Brochure for 2005 Other Visits with Retirees On pages 9 and 10 of this newsletter is a copy of the We also would like to visit with the retirees in the new brochure for 2005, describing the benefits of Cheyenne Area during June if possible. We are belonging to the AUSWR and NRLN. There is also hoping we can join a Pioneer meeting there and have an application blank for a friend who is currently not been talking with Bill Foy, Area Representative. a member. We urge you to cut out this page and to use this information. Another version of the Qwest Pioneeer Website Report on Deaths and brochure will be available in the future from the Retirements Area Representatives. Since September of 2004, the Qwest Pioneer organization has taken over the reporting of all Visit to Colorado Springs Area Retirees retiree deaths and current retirements, when this Recently Betty Moore, Harvey Hoffman, Jack Ott report was abandoned by Qwest Human Resources. and I traveled to Colorado Springs to visit retirees at Their website address for this is a Pioneer luncheon meeting. Jack Artman, Area www.qwestpioneer.org/about/deathsandretirements.a Representative arranged this visit. In addition to the sp. They provided the last four months of 2004 by delicious buffet luncheon they had prepared, we State and Month of occurrence. were allowed to speak to the group about our organization and to answer their questions. We also However, the report for the first three months of signed up some new members. We thank the 2005 is shown for the total quarter, with no month Colorado Springs Pioneer retirees for their gracious given for these listings. Retirees have been hospitality. receiving this information regularly and it has meant a great deal to them. The people listed were the Pueblo Area Visit Planned employees they worked with and were friends with On May 27th a group of us will travel to Pueblo at for many years. This information is important to the invitation of Jane Gray, Area Representative, to them. We really urge the Pioneer organization to meet with retirees in her area. separate this information by state and month, as previously reported. Hazel Floyd

CHANGES TO ADDRESS, TELEPHONE NO., OR E-MAIL ADDRESS

If you have a change in your postal address, telephone number, or e-mail address, please use the form ( An- nual Dues Payment or Notification of Change) at the top of the inside back page of this Newsletter to no- tify us. Please send the changed information to the address shown at the bottom of the form.

ALSO, your membership expiration date is included on the mailing address of this Newsletter. If you see that your expiration date is near, please use the Top Form to submit your annual dues, unless you have already done so.

IF YOU KNOW any prospective members who have not yet joined the Association, please make the bottom form (New Member Application) available to them.

IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION

The Association of U S WEST Retirees CO/WY is authorized as a nonprofit tax-exempt organization under Section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. However, dues and donations are NOT DEDUCTIBLE on your personal tax return. Records are available via written request at P.O. Box 27027, Denver, CO 80227. A portion of your dues and donations goes to support the National Retirees Legislative Network (NRLN) in Washington, D.C.

Retiree Guardian Page 2 2005 issue 2 A VIEW FROM WASHINGTON

A.J. (Jim) Norby President NATIONAL RETIREE LEGISLATIVE NETWORK, INC. As I’m sure you all know by now, the Plan assets to be allocated through transfer NRLN’s mission is to do whatever we can out of the pension plans for other uses at the Congressional level to promote leg- have eroded the strength of pension plan islation that protects retirees from the en- assets. Clearly, the intent of Congress in croachment of our incomes while in retire- enacting ERISA was in large part to assure ment. We have interpreted this to include that Plans and their assets were to be used pensions that we earned and health care solely for the benefit of Plan beneficiaries. benefits we were promised. Even though Unfortunately, many exceptions have been our charter, in the strictest interpretation, carved away from the assets in one way or does not include Social Security and Medi- another. (e.g. Congressional action and care issues, we have decided to at least court decisions.) Additionally, and unfor- study, debate, and arrive at a position on tunately, it is permissible to allow a pen- the Social Security issue. This process has sion fund to pay for “early outs” and their just begun. In the next issue of the NRLN monetary enticements. Also, pension newsletter, The Focus, will be an article funds have been tapped for voluntary lay- that discusses the history of Social Secu- off bonuses, sometimes amounting to as rity. We, at this point, take no position on much as a year’s salary or wages. This the many proposals made on Social Secu- cost is normally paid for from corporate rity. We have, however, formed a committee of outstanding, operating expenses. And, finally, such added payments are not well-read retirees who, in a bipartisan way, will study and moni- accounted for in the calculation of the liabilities and, thus, are tor the debate. Later, the NRLN and its Board of Directors will understated. Surplus pension funds also may be used to establish carefully consider alternate positions. This is going to be a con- health care Trusts 401(h). This has the effect of lowering the tentious, perhaps divisive issue, but we must step up to the plate pension fund base which makes it more vulnerable to under and take a stance. funding and less able to weather a financial market turn down. The company reaps the benefits of dual advantages of offering I would like to discuss in this issue of “The View” a legislative retiree health care while not having to contribute current reve- initiative that the NRLN has undertaken. The reason that so nues to pay for it. many of us find that we’re in a financial bind is that while we were tucked away in retirement tending to our grandchildren, The plot thickens. Under current law the company is not re- our family and gardens, our former employers were off to quired to report detailed information on how it calculates its Washington to see how they could change to their advantage the funding status. No one, then, including the Federal Govern- rules set down in a law that was to protect our pensions. The ment, can verify with accuracy the worth of the Fund. Employee Retiree Income Security Act was passed into law in 1974. It took eleven years to wind its way through Congress. There are serious flaws and omissions today in the practice of Its fundamental intent was to protect retirees’ pensions. Since discharging the fiduciary responsibility by the Pension Plan that time, there have been scores of amendments, maybe hun- Trustees and Advisors. The ERISA statute (Section 1103) states dreds, to the original bill. None of these amendments, that we that “a fiduciary shall discharge his duties with respect to the know of, enhanced the protection of retirees. All, in one form or Plan solely in the interests of participants and beneficiaries….” another, took something away that in the final analysis favored Something has been clearly lost in the current diluted concep- our former employers. What we have left, I’m prone to say, tion of “fiduciary” under ERISA. Let me share just a few of the resembles a piece of swiss cheese. It’s full of holes! Therefore, many examples: we think it’s time, maybe past the time, to render a series of amendments to the act that will restore some of the damage and • According to a study in 2002, about 69% of corporate prof- plug some of the holes. its reported in 2001 were “derived” by companies including into their bottom lines inflated estimated gains in value of their pen- As I write this (mid April) the NRLN staff in Washington is sion funds. Additionally, it has been estimated that 2001 corpo- busy writing a platform on which to base a Bill to be introduced rate profits, some $150 billion, did not really exist. This speaks into Congress. This will require a great deal of time and effort – volumes about how ERISA fiduciary responsibilities have been without guarantees – to get members of Congress to act on these corrupted. changes despite opposition from the steady stream of lawyers and lobbyists acting on behalf of corporations. Nevertheless, it ERISA’s main goal was to assure adequate funding of de- is imperative that we make the effort. • fined benefit pension plans. Yet, according to published sources

as announced by the United States Treasury Department, Let’s examine a few of the leading elements of our proposal. “American pensions are under funded by some $300 billion” –

Court decisions and congressional action enabling money and (Continued on page 4)

Retiree Guardian Page 3 2005 issue 2 LEGAL ACTIVITIES EEOC’s Proposed Rule to Allow Discrimination Against Older Retirees is Stricken Down; Before that rule or regulation could take effect, AARP and Is There a Fox Guarding the Chicken House? four of its retiree members filed suit in Philadelphia Federal In recent years, many corporate employers providing health Court requesting an injunction prohibiting the EEOC from care benefits for retirees, have been looking for ways to de- implementing the rule. A month later, federal Judge Anita B. crease the cost of this “legacy liability.” Employers have con- Brody, issued a 14 page ruling that strikes down the proposed sidered plans to either reduce or completely eliminate em- rule or regulation. This ruling directly affects millions of retir- ployer sponsored health care for retirees who are age 65 and ees. older and, thus, eligible for Medicare. But, engaging in that Judge Brody found the EEOC’s proposed regulation directly type of action would constitute age discrimination; specifically conflicted with a 2000 decision by the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court forbidden by the federal law Age Discrimination in Employ- of Appeals that explicitly barred such a practice. In Erie ment Act (ADEA). Therefore, corporate employers heavily County Retiree Association v. County of Erie, the 3rd Circuit lobbied the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission held that allowing employers to give retirees who are 65 or (EEOC) to do them a favor - implement a rule or regulation older health benefits that are inferior to the health benefits that would exonerate any employer who did the dirty deed given to younger retirees violates the ADEA. and, accordingly, cut or eliminated employer sponsored health care coverage for persons who are Medicare eligible. The In the case before Judge Brody, the EEOC argued that without EEOC was happy to help out. the exemption, employers will reduce or eliminate health benefits for all retirees, no matter what their age, because re- On April 22, 2004, the EEOC approved the following rule or tiree health benefits are becoming so expensive that employers regulation that provides the following exemption under the cannot afford to give the same level of health benefits to all. ADEA: With the exemption, the EEOC said, employers could afford “(b) Exemption. Some employee benefit plans provide health to offer greater health benefits to its retirees under age 65. benefits for retired participants that are altered, reduced or Since those over 65 are eligible for Medicare, it argued, they eliminated when the participant is eligible for Medicare health have less need for employer-provided health benefits. benefits or for health benefits under a comparable State health benefit plan, whether or not the participant actually enrolls in But, Judge Brody said the EEOC, may not issue regulations, the other benefit program. Pursuant to the authority contained rules or exemptions that go against the intent of Congress and in section 9 of the Act [the ADEA], and in accordance with the ADEA. In a written decision issued on March 30, 2005, the procedures provided therein and in § 1625.30(b) of this Judge Brody ruled the EEOC’s proposed rule or regulation part, it is hereby found necessary and proper in the public was invalid. Judge Brody said the EEOC was trying to interest to exempt from all prohibitions of the Act such “issue a blanket exemption for illegal behavior,” and she coordination of retiree health benefits with Medicare or a com- “permanently enjoined [the EEOC] from publishing or other- parable State health benefit.” wise implementing the challenged regulation.”

Stated simply, the EEOC’s proposed rule or regulation would EEOC Chair Cari Dominguez issued a statement that she create an exemption to allow employers, without restriction, to would ask U S Justice Department lawyers to appeal Judge reduce or terminate retiree health benefits when the retiree Brody’s ruling to the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals. reaches age 65. Curtis L. Kennedy

(Washington Continued from page 3) rowed from an accumulation of work done by a committee of in other words, some $300 billion short of paying the legal legal experts. The Lucent Retiree Association quarterbacked the promised pensions according to the ERISA law. data gathering and included the solicitation from legals and other experts throughout the country. As mentioned before, the • There are a number of peculiarities of ERISA that combine accumulated data, along with recommendations, is now in the to render it virtually impossible for pension plan participants to hands of the legal staff in Washington (NRLN). When the plat- acquire any meaningful trust or verifications to the assertion that form is written, it will be reviewed and voted on by the NRLN the pension plan is “secure”. Board of Directors. At that point, we shall endeavor to find a Other issues, such as audits, timeliness, and actuarial assump- courageous Congressperson and Senator to introduce the bill tions need to be addressed in any plan for amending the ERISA into Congress. We shall, once again, call on the necessary grass law. roots support to get the measure passed, and, believe me, given the present composition in Congress, that will not be a “walk in This review is by necessity a very brief overview of some of the the park” – it will be a “dog fight”. Somehow, someway, we short comings of the present ERISA law. It may be boring, but must prevail. it impacts us all financially; and is, therefore, worth studying. My comments have been lifted, plagiarized, and otherwise bor- God speed and good luck.

Retiree Guardian Page 4 2005 issue 2 RETIREE ADVOCACY Health Care Claims Progress Report on Affordable Healthcare

If you are a pre-91 retiree on Medicare and have Retiree Health For the past four years, NRLN has pursued legislation entitled Care Medical Plan 1, here is what you need to know about the “The Healthcare Restoration Act of 2001”, HR1322. This relationship between Medicare and United Healthcare legislation, introduced by Congressman John Tierney of reimbursements. When you or any of your eligible dependents Massachusetts, would require corporations to restore retiree become eligible for Medicare, claims should be submitted to healthcare benefits that were in effect at the time a person Medicare first. Once you receive the Medicare Summary retired. This would have been a great deal for most retirees as Notice, you can then file with United HealthCare by sending in many corporations have been reducing healthcare benefits for a copy of the Summary Notice. Your Medicare Summary retirees for the past decade. Unfortunately, the Bill has not Notice includes your social security number but I recommend garnered the needed support for a vote in the House of you add your UHC ID and Group numbers to the Medicare Representatives and a Senate sponsor has not been found. Form. Last year, NRLN decided to explore other options for healthcare The Medical Plan states that "To determine the amount payable reform. A team was formed, with John Kotson (IBM Retiree) as after Medicare's payment, benefits that would be available in the chairman, to conduct a survey of other organizations to absence of Medicare are calculated first. These benefits are then determine if a consensus existed on what an affordable reduced by any benefits payable from Medicare, whether or not healthcare program should contain. While the responses were you actually apply for benefits from Medicare. Your combined limited, a representative cross-section was obtained from payment from Medicare and the Plan will never exceed the healthcare advocacy groups, industry, labor unions, retiree amount available under the Qwest Plan alone". There are two organizations and insurance companies. The results were categories of claims with Medicare: Assigned Claims and reported in The Retiree Guardian, 2004, Issue 4..

Unassigned Claims. The Medicare Summary Notice indicates The team recommended that NRLN select an approach that whether the claim is assigned or unassigned. An Assigned emphasized the areas of agreement about what healthcare Claim means that the Doctor has agreed to accept the Medicare reform should encompass, but also could accommodate the approved amount. Once you meet the annual Medicare areas of disagreement. The National Coalition on Healthcare deductible, Medicare will pay the Doctor 80% of the approved (NCHC) Specifications for Reform was selected as the approach amount and you will pay the 20% balance. Since the Qwest that best fit these recommendations. This document entitled Plan would also pay the same 80% (after the Qwest deductible “Building a Better Healthcare System” and can be viewed on has been met), you would receive no reimbursement from the website www.nchc.org. The NRLN Board of Directors agreed to Plan. endorse this approach.

Doctors who do not accept assignment are allowed to charge A healthcare sub-committee was established by NRLN with you 15% above the Medicare approved amount. In this case, Mimi Hull, AUSWR President as its chairman. The committee you can generally file with UHC to be reimbursed 80% of the has established several objectives and is actively working them. additional 15% the doctor is allowed to charge. For example, if the Medicare approved amount for an office visit is $100, First, we are continuing a dialog with NCHC to determine their Medicare would pay $80.00 or 80% of the $100.00 approved future plans, whether they intend to propose legislation to amount. The doctor would bill you $115.00. Per the Plan implement their proposal and when. Second, we are identifying quoted above, UHC would calculate your reimbursement at 80% the many healthcare reform proposals that have been published. of the $115.00 or $92.00. They would then subtract the Third, the committee is starting to evaluate some of the Medicare payment of $80.00 and reimburse you $12.00. The healthcare proposals against the NCHC Specifications for Medicare payment of $80.00 and the UHC payment of $12.00 Reform. Fourth, we are sending letters to Congressional totals to $92.00 which is exactly the reimbursement that you Representatives requesting that they evaluate the NCHC would have received from UHC prior to being on Medicare. specification to determine if they would support this approach UHC will still base the overall allowance on "reasonable and for affordable healthcare. Finally, we are attempting to gain customary charges" or the "limiting charge" as UHC now refers insight into the costs associated with medical practices including to it. In most cases, when a doctor does not accept assignment prescription drugs. and charges the 15% above the Medicare approved amount, that The committee’s goal is to have a recommended healthcare amount will still be less than the reasonable and customary reform approach to NRLN in time for the next BOD meeting in charge so you should receive reimbursement from UHC as early 2006. John R Kotson, IBM retiree calculated above. In many cases, UHC employees have tried to treat "unassigned claims" the same way as they treat "assigned John R Kotson is Chairman of the Rocky Mountain Action claims" and have denied retirees their proper reimbursement. I Coalition understand UHC has now clarified this issue in their

instructions. Monte Shriver

Monte Shriver is a Pre-91 retiree and is the Retiree Advocate for New Mexico

Retiree Guardian Page 5 2005 issue 2 Just What Is AUSWR Doing In Health Care For Post ’90 Retirees? If you are like me, the increased co-pays for doctor visits, and legal challenge option.” definitely the monthly payments for medical insurance, and pre- Note: That attachment is available on the AUSWR website scription medications are making a significant impact on your www.uswestretiree.org or www.qwestretiree.org. Click on financial situation. “Benefits”, then “Health Care”. If you do not have access to the internet yourself and want to see the long version, I suggest you Following is a summary of the status of post ’90 retiree health- ask a friend or family member to pull it up for you. care. What can and is being done. What can’t be done. What you can do to help. Curtis continues to monitor Qwest’s actions to make sure that they don’t try to get away with something that can be challenged. Legal: As a reminder, on October 11, 2004, AUSWR staff attorney Cur- Retiree Advocates: tis Kennedy released to the leadership and general membership of These diligent volunteers have “resolved many cases for post ’90 AUSWR the following document: retirees when the plans are violated or misinterpreted by United- Healthcare. We have also helped many who did not receive the “Re: Post-1990 Qwest Management Retirees Health Care Costs proper treatment with their pensions” according to Howard Rick- man, Ombudsman Retiree Advocacy Program for AUSWR. The Dark Side of ERISA” Howard further reports that some of the most active and success- ”In September 2003, Qwest Communications International, Inc. ful Advocates across the 14 states are post ’90 retirees and they announced it had made dramatic changes to its employee benefit work very hard to ensure that their peers receive the treatment plans providing potential benefits to retirees. In particular, the and coverage they should. company announced that it would begin requiring management retirees who retired after January 1, 1991, to pay a portion, at At the National Level: least 20%, of the annual costs of the premiums to provide heath Your AUSWR leadership recognized some time ago that the care coverage. The changes caught many by surprise, as they had healthcare issue is not unique to Qwest and its retirees. It is expectations Qwest would continue to provide free health care much larger than that. As a founding member of the National benefits, like historically provided by U S WEST, Mountain Bell Retiree Legislative Network (NRLN), AUSWR has been ably and the former Bell System companies. Every week, I continue represented on their board of directors by Nelson Phelps and now to get many emails about this issue as many post-1990 manage- Mimi Hull. Mimi now chairs the NRLN Affordable Health Care ment retirees wonder whether or not a legal challenge can be Committee. made.” Susan Olson, Past President, Arizona TRA-AZ

“The short answer: No. The attachment is a ten page report in A Progress Report on Affordable Healthcare appears on Page Adobe PDF file format explaining the reason there is no viable 5 of this publication. IN THE MEDIA US West retirees suing Qwest for death benefit Qwest moved to eliminate the benefit in fall 2003 but delayed the Litigants concerned successful MCI bid could end decision when the Association of US West retirees opposed it. program The retirees argue in their suit that Qwest's predecessor telephone companies have a history dating from shortly after World War II By Jeff Smith, Rocky Mountain News of promoting the death benefit, which is paid from pension trust March 23, 2005 fund assets. Qwest acquired US West in 2000.

US West retirees have sued Qwest Communications in Denver The suit is being filed now because of concerns about what will federal court to try to preserve a benefit they fear they will lose if happen if Qwest prevails in its effort to buy MCI. the company succeeds in its bid to buy MCI Inc. Qwest has been touting the cost-savings of the potential merger, The proposed class-action complaint filed last week by Colorado already pledging to cut 12,000 to 15,000 jobs from a combined retirees Edward Kerber and Nelson Phelps seeks to preserve a 80,000-worker entity. "death benefit" payable to the surviving spouse when a retiree "Many are very concerned that, should there be a Qwest-MCI dies. merger, there is the strong possibility that the combined company leadership will look to ways to cut retiree benefits," the retirees' Qwest spokesman Robert Toevs said the company doesn't discuss attorney Curtis Kennedy recently wrote to members. pending litigation. The benefit is equal to a retiree's 1993 salary or, if the person Kennedy said in a letter Tuesday to a Qwest attorney that the retired before then, the annual salary at the time of leaving the concern has only heightened after Qwest increased its offer for company. (Continued on page 7)

Retiree Guardian Page 6 2005 issue 2 (Media Continued from page 6) MCI to nearly $8.5 billion last week. Qwest management would not comment on the charges except to He said he hopes the two sides can reach an agreement outside say that the charges related to events from "many years ago" and court proceedings that can be incorporated into a possible Qwest- "The company is focused on the future." Back in 2000, Nacchio MCI merger arrangement. and his executive team swooped into Qwest's headquarters in The retirees said they resorted to filing the lawsuit after Denver and swore to transform the smallest of the nation's four exhausting the administrative procedures to address the issue. Baby Bell telephone companies into a 21st century powerhouse Those included an unsuccessful letter and e-mail campaign by using fiber-optic technology. Employees said he was arrogant, roughly 1,000 retirees requesting that Qwest guarantee the aloof and unreasonable, someone who out of hand dismissed benefit. advice from phone-company veterans.

In one such letter in September 2003 to Qwest's then-senior vice For a time, the stock soared, but when the telecommunications president of human resources, Phelps wrote that "most spouses bubble burst in 2001, Qwest plunged in value, taking down with are counting on this financial benefit to help them when that it the personal retirement accounts of thousands of Qwest difficult financial time arises." workers and retirees who owned the stock, said Tim Lovaasen, president of the state Communications Workers of America Following are excerpts from the news media. To read the entire Council. article, go to qwestretiree.org Qwest, and predecessors U S West and Northwestern Bell before Area workers remain bitter it, had matched employee contributions to personal retirement Qwest employees saw savings ruined accounts using company stock. The stock's share price soared in the late 1990s into the low $70s, but after the merger, Qwest's stock dropped to under $2. It now trades at under $5 a share. By Leslie Brooks Suzukamo St Paul Pioneer Press "They saw their savings completely annihilated," Lovaasen said. Wednesday, March 16, 2005 Neuman is one of those people hurt by the company's change in Mary Ann Neuman's reaction was immediate and heartfelt when fortune. When Qwest's stock price peaked after the merger at she heard that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission had about $51 a share, her portfolio was worth more than $220,000. filed fraud charges Tuesday against former Qwest At Tuesday's closing price, it was worth less than $17,000. Communications International chief executive Joseph Nacchio and six of his ex-lieutenants. The difference is more than $200,000.

"There is a God!" the 59-year-old Qwest retiree from New Hope "That's what Joe owes me," she said. said. Leslie Brooks Suzukamo covers telecommunications and As she heard the names of the former Qwest officials who were technology and can be reached at [email protected] charged, including former Chief Operating Officer Afshin or 651-228-5475. Mohebbi, Neuman said, "Oh good, they're getting all his cronies." Qwest to sell N.M. land lines

"He just raped and pillaged the company," Neuman said. "You By Tom McGhee, Denver Post Staff Writer just felt violated." Saturday, April 9, 2005 The depth of Neuman's anger against Nacchio may seem unusual, but in Minnesota, where 4,600 people still work for Qwest, many Qwest plans to sell about 2,400 phone lines in New Mexico to past and present employees are still boiling mad at their former Sacred Wind, a rural telephone company formed to serve the boss. Navajo Nation, where most residents are without phones.

In their eyes, Nacchio dismantled a once great company and put The land lines would be incorporated into a wireless system that their jobs and retirements in jeopardy. Qwest, in part because of Sacred Wind wants to build on the 25,000-square-mile actions under Nacchio's tenure, skirted bankruptcy a couple years reservation, said John Badal, a consultant with Sacred ago and is still hobbled by more than $17 billion in debt. Wind. Terms of the deal are expected to be worked out by the end of the month, he said. Qwest's weak finances are hurting its present struggle to woo long-distance giant MCI away from the much larger Verizon The companies haven't announced a sale price for the lines. The Communications. Qwest is offering $8 billion in stock and cash number to be sold is too small to improve the financial condition for MCI, but the MCI board hasn't budged from its deal to be of debt-strapped Qwest, which owes $17.2 billion, said Janco acquired by Verizon for $6.75 billion, saying Verizon is stronger Partners analyst Donna Jaegers. financially than Qwest and presents a better long-term partner. (Continued on page 13)

Retiree Guardian Page 7 2005 issue 2 Legislative Activities Following is a letter written by a Qwest retiree, Roger Sanger higher return investments, similar to the proposed individual of Scottsdale, Arizona to his Representative in Washington, accounts. We should start investing surplus funds and some D.C. regarding his position on Social Security and Retire- of the trust fund money in higher return investments this ment proposals in Congress. year. (Surpluses will run until 2018) (Funding increase) *Ideas of Robert Pozen should be considered such as March 25, 2005 “progressive indexing” on payouts and wages. (Benefit re- Honorable Representative J. D. Hayworth ductions) U.S. House of Representatives *Senators Lindsey Graham and Senator Chuck Hagel need to Washington D.C. 20510 be heard on their proposals. *Increase retirement age and make adjustments to reduce Dear Representative Hayworth: yearly benefit increases for retirees but not dependants and disabled. This will also create a need for more jobs for older Subject: Social Security Proposals and Proposed Retire- workers. (Benefit reductions) ment/Savings Changes *Other new ideas not listed. Congress must take the leadership role to assure that Both of these topics and the proposed changes are critical to “bedrock security” is maintained in Social Security now and current and future generations to assure the living standards for future generations. (Our children and their children, my for our retirees and senior population. Myself, and many of highest priority) It is a very complex process but the public my retiree associates give these issues NUMBER ONE PRI- must be fully informed on all the related issues before any ORITY for congressional action. I also view the circum- changes are enacted and have adequate time to respond. We stances relative to both topics as necessary but not critical to need your help to stay informed! the extent that we cannot take the time for a thorough study and bipartisan evaluation of all options so that we “fix it once Retirement/Savings Changes: and for all” the first time. The Arizona Republic article on this topic on March 6, 2005 was the first I have read on these proposed changes but the Social Security: limited information did sound like excellent ideas. Senator In my letter to you on this topic on February, 2, 2005 I stated Craig Thomas has sponsored Senate bills for some of the my opinion that Social Security provides the “bedrock secu- ideas in President Bush’s budget proposal. I would like to rity” for 48 million people – retirees, dependants, survivors track this legislative information but have had a hard time of deceased workers and the disabled. My opinion is that the finding the up to date information. proposed “individual, personal, private accounts” for Social Security do not fit in the insurance concepts of the Social Per the Arizona Republic article the proposals follow: Security program but can be covered in the Presidents pro- “Retirement Savings Accounts would work much like Roth posals to streamline retirement/savings programs as de- IRAs do today.” scribed in the Arizona Republic on March 6, 2005. I will “Employer Retirement Savings Accounts would be the suc- expand on that later in the letter. cessors to 401(k), 403(b) and similar workplace plans.” “Lifetime Savings Accounts would let people pursue a broad There are numerous other changes proposed by AARP, Con- range of savings goals.” gress and other +organizations that will fix the problems and “Individual Development Accounts would cater to low- need to be spotlighted for public education, analysis and income Americans.” In my opinion, these accounts should evaluation. So far in this dialogue, individual accounts, cover “individual savings needs” not Social Security ac- which will not fix the funding problems, seem to be the only counts. topic for discussion, while other proposals that can fix the funding problems are not given the same or equal priority. I know we need changes in the Social Security program; I Improving finances is paramount. What can be done by you support a mixture of those items listed above, but not individ- and members of Congress to change this? ual accounts. I also support the need for changes for retirement/savings with individual savings provisions. I am very Other Proposed Social Security Remedies: interested in discussing these issues and look forward to your *Raise the cap on taxable wages from $90,000 to $140,000. ideas and support. AARP estimates this change would lower the projected short- fall by 43 percent. (Funding increase) Sincerely, *Increase the payroll tax by one fourth percent for both employees and employers. (AARP) (Funding increase) Roger Sanger *Diversify trust fund investments to get a higher return is 8223 E. Roma another AARP suggestion. It was suggested during the Clin- Scottsdale, AZ 85251 ton administration to invest surplus Social Security funds in Retiree Guardian Page 8 2005 issue 2 National Retiree Legislative Network (NRLN)

AUSWR members are also members of the National Retiree Legislative Network (NRLN) which represents more than two million retirees. They include retirees of BellTel/Verizon, Lucent, Southern New England Telephone, IBM, Western Union, Prudential, General Electric, General Motors, Johns Manville, Continental Tire, Raytheon, Boeing, Monsanto, and others.

The NRLN opposed the Medicare Prescription Drug Bill and plans to recommend an amendment to eliminate the possibility of corporations taking away promised healthcare benefits of retirees.

The NRLN has established a Legislative Network in each of our fourteen states watching out for your interests. Members of the Association are a part of this network.

The NRLN retains attorneys specializing in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and Se- curity and Exchange Commission (SEC) matters. We also rely on NRLN’s attorneys for additional counsel.

Benefits of AUSWR Membership

Membership in the Association of US West Retirees offers solid benefits that are musts in today’s environment of increased threats to retirees. Here are some great reasons to join.

1. Solidarity Through effective 14-state networking, some 18,000 current members are achieving positive, constructive dialogue with Qwest leadership, and, when necessary, protesting and fighting for our rights. You can help build our strength in numbers, and bring even more credibility with politicians, regulators, community leaders and news media. Because we are large, credible and straightforward, news media contact us so that “the company line” is not the only one seen and heard.

2. Quarterly Information As a member, you’ll receive “The Retiree Guardian”, an informative, highly respected quarterly newsletter with 16-to-20 pages of news, thoughtful commentary and retiree and management feedback on critical retiree issues. Each Guardian lists Officers and Representatives for members to contact.

3. E-mail Updates If you have access to the internet, you’ll receive critically important updates on retiree benefits and other issues obtained by the Association from Qwest, news media and other sources. Our new website www.uswestretiree.org or www.qwestretiree.org provides all these updates plus more.

4. Retiree Advocate Program This innovative, highly effective program enlists retiree experts who will help you navigate through problems with benefits and related issues. The service continues for your loved ones, in the event of your death or incapacitation.

5. Legal Options, Negotiations From its very beginnings some years ago, our Association has pledged to support and work toward a healthy, financially sound company; for our benefit as well as to that of shareholders (which many of us are). We are proud of Qwest’s “Spirit of Service” that we originated. We have achieved much through open, objective dialogue with Qwest’s top management, but when we feel we are not being properly heard, the Association’s highly effective legal team goes to bat for us. Great progress has been made in regard to concession service, Healthcare, Pension Death Benefit and other crucial areas. Again, we sincerely want the company to succeed, but not at our expense. We have more than paid our dues, with no raise for many years, take-backs from post-1990 retirees, and more.

6. Input An October Annual Meeting affords members from all of Colorado and Wyoming the opportunity to hear knowledgeable speakers, elect officers and set the major policies and direction of their Association. Dues can be adjusted at this meeting and are paid annually. Retiree Guardian Page 9 2005 issue 2 ASSOCIATION OF US WEST RETIREES We were the operators and repair clerks, the WE ARE installers and linemen, the engineers and network planners, the craft and management BUILDING employees of every description who brought telecommunications to the homes, businesses, and institutions of 14 states. Now we are A STRONG united in our commitment to preserve and

enhance the retirement benefits promised to us AWARE and to those who follow us as today’s active employees. FUTURE

Association of US West Retirees Colorado/Wyoming Membership Application (New Member)

______Last Name First Name or Names if Dual Membership (e.g., husband and wife)

______Street Address or PO Box No.

______City State ZIP Code

______Telephone No. Fax No. E-mail Address for News and Updates

______Company Retired From Retirement Date QWEST Stock Owner? (Y or N)

I am willing to provide help in the following areas: Area Representative ___ Membership ___

Financial ___ Legislative ___ Media Relations ___ Other (specify) ______

Remittance: (Dues $10.00 per year per member) $_____ Donation $_____ $5

Please make out check to AUSWR

Mail completed Form to: AUSWR CO/WY, PO Box 27027, Denver, CO 80227-0027

Retiree Guardian Page 10 2005 issue 2

AUSWR COLORADO/WYOMING OFFICERS & REPRESENTATIVES

TITLE NAME HOME PHONE FAX PHONE E-MAIL Colorado President Hazel Floyd 303-455-1535 303-455-1988 [email protected] Wyoming President Vacant Vice President Bill Himmelmann 303-778-6707 [email protected] Vice President Betty Moore 303-936-7917 [email protected] Secretary Barbara Wilcox 303-377-5761 [email protected] Treasurer-Rcts/Bdgt. Jack Ott 303-985-8452 [email protected] Treasurer-Disbs. Jaclyn Prokesh 303-344-2901 [email protected] Audit Chairman Jack Beattie 303-329-6080 [email protected] Legislative Representative Joe Halpern 303-761-7529 [email protected] Membership Kathy Rodwell 303-694-6508 303-721-6339 [email protected] Database Manager Dale Thompson 303-439-8796 303-439-8745 [email protected] E-mail Editor Bill Alsdorf 303-659-4189 303-659-2636 [email protected] Newsletter Editor Bill Pittman 303-773-0238 303-773-6549 [email protected] CWA Retiree Representative Harvey Hoffman 303-733-1955 303-733-2855 [email protected] Retiree Advocates: Jim Heinze 303-442-1831 303-442-7537 [email protected]

COLORADO AREA REPRESENTATIVES

AREA NAME HOME PHONE FAX PHONE E-MAIL

Arvada Nancy Crossland 303-422-6703 Aurora Shirley Eyre 303-695-6064 [email protected] Boulder/Longmont Verna Newman 303-652-2822 Broomfield Ann Bengtson 303-666-7711 [email protected] Castle Rock/Monument Charley Heard 303-660-9593 [email protected] Colorado Springs Jack Artman 719-597-4791 [email protected] Denver East Linnie Redding 303-691-2778 [email protected] Denver North John Roberts 303-252-0703 [email protected] Denver Southeast Robert Wiswell 720-859-7641 [email protected] Denver Southwest Jim Hodges 303-798-3213 [email protected] Englewood Ken Meulemans 303-770-4574 [email protected] Fort Collins/Loveland Irvin Troudt 970-203-0801 [email protected] Golden Bonnie Carter 303-279-6902 Grand Junction/Durango Jack Brophy 970-242-4628 [email protected]

Greeley/Fort Morgan Mary Reed 970-265-3681 John Jump 970-867-7221 [email protected] Lakewood Don Hinkley 303-988-0095 [email protected] Littleton (20-22) Ed Dinkins 303-794-6625 [email protected] Littleton (24-26-28) Tom Spall 303-768-9454 [email protected] Littleton (23-25-27) Janice Smith 303-978-1537 [email protected] Middle Park/Palisade Shirley Willis 970-468-0277 [email protected] Parker/Sedalia Elaine & Jim Corso 303-903-4417 [email protected] Pueblo/South Park Jane Gray 719-544-0145 719-543-5821 [email protected] Thornton/Brighton Kay Lambert 303-287-4223 303-287-9523 Westminster/Wheat Ridge Alice M. Peterson 303-424-7609 [email protected]

WYOMING AREA REPRESENTATIVES:

Lander-Riverton Jim Reddon 307-856-6833 [email protected] Casper Area Mike Helms 307-436-7185 [email protected] Cheyenne Area Bill Foy 307-632-2809 [email protected]

Retiree Guardian Page 11 2005 issue 2 MILESTONES Trujillo, Leroy Hill, Rowland D Frentress, Robert Cowley, Marie B The following information Turner, Dorothy R Holt, Charles M Graves, Geraldine M Dunkin, H K was obtained from the Van Zandt, Bruce Robert Kruse, Evelyn C Hall, Patrick H Ewalt, E A Qwest Pioneer Website: Vogel, Danny R Mackey, Mildred H Hammerlind, Gerald O Goudge, Laverda J www.qwestpioneers.org/about/ Walter, Sheryl Mccarty, Kenneth V Hansen, Harold Hayes-Cook, Russell A deathsandretirements.asp. Weatherford-Smith, Raborn, Patricia J Hilber, Edward J Heiberg, Marian RETIREMENTS Marilyn Roberts, Helen P Homan, Emogene K Housley, R V 1st Quarter 2005 Willie, J S Thayer, Steven R Johnson, Bonita Huston, George F State Winings, Daniel K Trevithick, Richard A Juenemann, Mary V Jones, J F Colorado Yule, Roberta J Vance, James E Litterick, Irene R Kenny, Emmett F Alegria, Carol Waymire, Clifford E Mueller, Mary K Kinyon, Charles B Alex, Robert J Wyoming West, Cleo J Nelson, Floyd A Krog, W Bell, Anna M Belanger, Kenneth P Woodruff, Dwight A Nelson, Mildred F Lewis, Lynn B Boyce, John L. Dow, Robert W Young, Judy E Nelson, Rose S Mason, Ethel E Bristow, Gary Lynn Elwood, Margaret J Olson, Eunice N Mcafee, Donald M Burt, Dennis W Hall, Dennis L Florida Owens, Thomas P Willhoft, James O Carmer, Richard G Johnson, Kevin E Johnson, Donald Schmidt, Kathleen S Zellner, Fran Casper, Vickie L Lucero, Albert E Scherer, Gene E Shoultz, George L Claussen, Gary D Rosendahl, J Douglas Shull, Aurora B South Dakota Colberg, Janet I Swenson, Max L Georgia Simmons, Richard Wayne Hall, Ethel H Elder III, Guy E C Werbelow, John M Dayson, Elnora D Smith, Blanche A Harter, Bertha I Espinoza, Elvira R Thielen, Norma E Koerner, Mabel H Fletcher, Eileen M DECEASED Iowa Voss, Donald M Voels, Dawn Fox, Robert L 1st Quarter 2005 Brekke, Marjorie H Wallstedt, Ruby T Funk, Michael B Arkansas Buff, Harriette P Wengeler, Dolores F Texas Gallegos, Ralph Albert, John A Carlson, Virginia R Zimmerman, E Lucille Ashby, Carolyn K Garrett, John H Hassel, Lester L Clement, Dorothy O Beddo, Kathy Gayman, Diane M Davis, Richard H Missouri Breidenstein, Blanche M George, Elaine M Arizona Demarce, Ethel C Klamen, Jeff B Finley, Laverda Gettman, Deborah L Burig, Beatrice M Donohoe, Mary H Gamm, Donald L Giron, Peggy D Carruthers, Phyllis M Eggleston, Rebecca T Montana Greeno, Sandra L Colee, Ruby F Ellsworth, Oreen F Cowles, Maurice G Utah Groomer , Linda S Contreraz, Timothy R Farris, Jack Dufresne, Louis H Allred, Patricia A Hane, Christine M Corbett, Ann M Hilmer, Albert D Fanning, Michael M Brown, H Ann Hess, Sandie M Davis, C G Janssen, Donald P Freeburg, Lester V Carver, Helen C Kaufman, John D Duffy, Edward L Jurgens, Cynthia A Nelson, Engar A Corbeil, Manda M Lacy, Suzanne E Ertz, Betty H Keating, Leone A Talmage, William H Dubois, Richard Ling, Susan Rose Franklin, Jerald R Krafka, Edward J Wandler, George F Jachmann, Lydia J Marquez, Janice S Greer, Blanche Poole, Vern B Johnson, Ethel R Martin, Richard M Heller, Geraldine D Selix, Virginia R North Dakota Justice, Shirley V Martinez, Wilford J Holifield, Rosie M Taft, Betty J Hanson, Florence E Kerr, Lorraine S McConnell, James Jarvis, Harold L Tetmeyer, Margaret A Rader, Robert H Lamph, Jane C McElroy, Mark R John, Gerald A Thompson, J C Wasylow, Patrick J Mcintire, Brigham O McMahan, Michael R Jones, Marion L Till, Regina E Myerhoff, G Raymond McNa, Susan K Lemon, Patricia R Vanwoert, Alice T Nebraska Roundy, Iona Nelson, Frederick A Miller, Patricia L Borre, Junior W Saunders, Fern Leon Nelson, Richard S Miller, Ronald V Idaho Burton, Kenneth D Wallace, Anna B Norris, Jeff M Mossinger, Jacquelyn Allen, Lee R Gindt, Daniel Novoseletsky, Emil M C Nicodemus, Rosemaire Booth, Sherman C Hopkins, Nevin W Washington Pavilanis, Ed Rains, W Glenn Coleman, Ethel R Vanzago, Walton M Adams, E T Phillips III, Sherman W Reistad, Loren E Fields, Ardella G Barber, D M Piatek, Zbigniew S Shimerdla, Teresa L Goddard, Robin Nadine New Mexico Barth, William K Pierce, Elizabeth K Wagner, Thurston Kropp, Ted C Gallegos, Patricia C Bell, J N Plumb, Sidney R Parris, Janet E Horton, Willie W Benjamin, E Richardson, Dorothy Sue California Pridmore, B Lois Kuenstler, Murrell J Benson, A G Riley, Kristen K Mccarn, George B Venn, Andrew G Shaw, Neva J Bishop, H L Roberts, Judith A Bones, H T Royer, Kit L Colorado Minnesota Boothby, Frances Ryan, James E Oklahoma Anderson, A Franklin Bauman, Arthur C Clark, Patricia J Brathovde, Patricia I Sango, Candus S Anderson, Le Roy K Benson, Borghild F Smith, Reba M Burns, M Scotty, Richard Andrus, James I Colford, Jeanne Carlson, Phyllis J Sena, Mary Ann Aspinwall, Darrell D Craddock, Harold R Carmichael, Miriam Shober, Charles F Oregon Becker, Rose Marie Dahl, Louise M Clark, Myrtle M Sims, Diane A Alexander, Donald L Donahoo, William C Deziel, Helen N Crosby, Brian P Starley, Larry R Bailey, Jerry D Eye, Joan M Dimaio, John Cummings, Earl A Suiter, Lonnie P Baldwin, F B Fox, Dennis C Ecklund, Howard E Tolar, Mark S Bryson, H (Continued on page 13) Hill, Gordon Felty Sr, John D Christenson, G A Retiree Guardian Page 12 2005 issue 2 (Continued from page 12) (Media Continued from page 7) Desmarais, Albert H There is presently $15 million of that money Dixson, Florence G But Qwest will rid itself of lines on Navajo land available. The New Mexico legislature recently Douglas, B R where the population is small, spread out and passed a bill that would allow Sacred Wind to Dubois, Kenneth E costly to serve. use between $4.5 million and $5 million of that Elliott, Todd K Qwest spokesman Vince Hancock said he to pay for the lines. The bill, if signed by the Fielder, R F Fingerhut, M H W couldn't comment on the proposed sale. governor, also would cut the amount Qwest must Froehler, Ronald earmark for the fund from $2 million to $1 Girard, Wesley S The line sale would be the first by Qwest since million annually. Hager, G M 2001, when the company sold 35,000 access lines Hansen, E L in Utah to a consortium of small Utah phone Badal said the greatest number of people waiting Harrison, James H companies for $90 million. for phone service in the state are on the Hawkins, Margaret L reservation, where 60 percent of the 210,000 Hicks, Lillie M Regulators who are members of the Qwest residents have no phone. Hutchison, M L Regional Oversight Committee asked company Jess, S L Koenig, Janet D representatives at a recent meeting if Qwest was But Republican state senate leader Stuart Ingle Kriss, Helen A planning to sell more lines in its 14-state region, said he fears the legislation will cut down the Lavalle, C U said Tony Clark, a North Dakota regulator who is amount of money available to help provide phone Lee, Geraldine E chairman of the committee. service for those who live elsewhere in the state. Leonhard, George H Lindquist, Francis V "They didn't indicate any interest in selling lines Staff writer Tom McGhee can be reached at 303- Mcginley, Mary L anywhere else in the region," he said. 820-1671 or [email protected] Mckay, Gretchen A Mulligan, Robert J Funding for the Navajo reservation deal would Odem, Jean I Peterson, Frank T come from money the state requires Qwest to set Roselle, Robert S aside to help provide phone service to rural Schroeder, John L residents. Seal, Anna Smith, Patrick R Legislation that was designed to help fund the Thorsen, H G sale has raised the hackles of some New Mexico Velder, Donald E lawmakers. Williams, J B Wooten, Ellen L Since 1987, long before Qwest purchased US

West in 2000, New Mexico has required the Wisconsin Hedeen, Lois C company to set aside $2 million a year to help provide phone service to rural residents. Wyoming Cisneros, Amelia Those who live further than 1,000 feet from Haldeman, Mae Qwest equipment and who want a land line can Herbert, Ralph A draw up to $15,000 from the fund to defray the Juvan, William C cost of installation. Van Dine, N Louise

This cartoon is from the April, 1948 issue of The Bell Laboratories Record

Shortly after this cartoon appeared the July 1948 BLR reported that a taxi cab driver with a mobile phone reported a stuck car on a railroad crossing, thus saving the broken down car and its motorist from disaster. Possibly the first radio-telephone rescue of its kind. This incident happened at a "grade crossing of the Nickel Plate Railroad at Dunkirk, New York."

Retiree Guardian Page 13 2005 issue 2 AUSWR CO/WY Special Assessment

In a recent issue of the Retiree Guardian payment. Dates without an asterisk indicate (4th Quarter 2004), we announced the that we have not yet received nor credited $5.00 per member Special Assessment that your $5.00 per member ($10.00 for dual had been approved at the 2004 Annual memberships) Special Assessment. Mem- Meeting. We provided a small cut-out form bers have the option of mailing in this pay- for members to use to submit their contri- ment using the form below or, alterna- bution. Since then, we have received sev- tively, by including the special assessment eral hundred of these contributions. We with your annual dues payment. also allocated $5.00 from any other normal donations made by members since October NOTE: This $5.00 per member Special 11, 2004, such as donations made with an- Assessment does NOT replace the $10.00 nual dues payments, as satisfying this spe- per member normal annual dues pay- cial assessment. ment, but is an additional payment approved by the membership for this year In the address block for this newsletter, only. Members who submitted only a we have included the date that your annual $5.00 payment in lieu of their normal an- membership dues have or will be expired. nual dues payment have been credited for Dates that are followed by an asterisk (*) the Special Assessment but not for their an- indicate that you have already been cred- nual dues. ited with making the special assessment

SPECIAL ASSESSMENT FOR YEAR OCT.2004 TO OCT. 2005

Name:______

Address:______

City:______State:______Zip:______

Mail to: AUSWR CO/WY PO BOX 27027 Denver, CO 80227-0027

Please Cut Along Dotted Line and Submit with Your Special Assessment of $5.00

Retiree Guardian Page 14 2005 issue 2 AUSWR CO/WY ANNUAL DUES PAYMENT or NOTIFICATION OF CHANGE

CHECK ONE: (New members please use the form below) Annual Renewal ____ Change Only ____

______Last Name First Name or Names if Dual Membership (e.g., husband and wife)

______Street Address or PO Box No.

______City State ZIP Code

______Telephone No. Fax No. E-mail Address for News and Updates

********************* I am willing to provide help in the following areas: Board ____ Area Representative ____ Other (specify) ______I own and use a personal computer: _____ I have remembered AUSWR in my Will _____

Annual Dues: ($10.00 /$20.00 dual membership) $______Donation $______NOTE: Neither dues nor donations are tax-deductible

Mail completed Form to: AUSWR CO/WY, PO Box 27027, Denver, CO 80227-0027

AUSWR CO/WY NEW MEMBER APPLICATION FORM (Existing members please use form above)

______Last Name First Name or Names if Dual Membership (e.g., husband and wife)

______Street Address or PO Box No.

______City State ZIP Code

______Telephone No. Fax No. E-mail Address for News and Updates

*******************

I am willing to provide help in the following areas: Board _____ Area Representative _____ Other (specify) ______I own and use a personal computer: _____

Annual Dues: ($10.00 /$20.00 dual membership) $______Donation $______NOTE: Neither dues nor donations are tax-deductible

Mail completed Form to: AUSWR CO/WY, PO Box 27027, Denver, CO 80227-0027

Retiree Guardian Page 15 2005 issue 2 A Quarterly Publication Year 2005 issue 2 of 4 We were the operators and repair clerks, the installers and linemen, the engineers and network planners, the craft and management employees of every description who brought telecommunications to the homes, businesses, and institutions of 14 states. Now we are united in our commitment to preserve and enhance the retirement benefits promised to us and to those who follow us as today’s active employees.

Newsletter of the U S WEST Retiree Association Retiree Guardian Now Brin gingP Yagoeu 1N6e w s From As socia tion mem bers I n All 14 U S W E20S0T5 iSsstuaet e2s !