About NARFE Chapter 409

Click here to view/download the online version of Chapter 409’s informational brochure.

Our History

National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE), Chapter 409, Frederick, Maryland, has provided service since 1967 to retired and active Federal employees living in Frederick County and the surrounding areas. Chapter 409 was organized on December 7, 1967, in order to join with other federal employees in protecting hard-earned benefits.  We met first in members’ homes, then, as our membership grew, meetings were moved to a local fire house and then to local service clubs. Currently, meetings are held at Golden Corral.

Our Vision

 To ensure that

  • NARFE is recognized as the association devoted exclusively to serving and protecting the earned entitlements, rights and benefits of all federal retirees, employees, and survivors
  • Great work is done to help preserve those rights and benefits
  • Members receive the highest quality services and products
  • All members are left with the knowledge and understanding that their needs and wants are being taken to the highest levels of government for resolution

Our Mission

  • To support legislation beneficial to current and potential federal annuitants and to oppose legislation contrary to their interests
  • To promote the general welfare of current and potential federal annuitants by advising them with respect to their rights under retirement laws and regulations
  • To cooperate with other organizations and associations in furtherance of these general objectives

Our Bylaws

Please click here to view the Bylaws.

NARFE chapter 409 Presidents through the years

  • Miriam W. Feely*               1967-1968
  • H. Robert DeRose*            1968
  • Ralph F. Martz*                  1968-1970
  • Mary S. Motherway*         1970-1972
  • Jurgen G. Piper*                 1972-1974
  • Oliver H. Keefer*                1974-1977
  • Roderic Frederickson*      1977-1980
  • Richard A. Killmeier*         1980-1983
  • Carl F. Darner*                   1983-1985
  • Chris R. Tyree*                   1985-1987
  • George E. Dredden, Jr.                1987-1989
  • Larue Swomley                            1989-1991
  • Howard A. Lutz                            1991-1993
  • Gilbert B. Monck*                        1993-1995
  • Ralph F. Knisely                            1995-1997
  • Eldon I. Nowstrup*                     1997-1999
  • Joseph N. Shrader*                     1999-2000
  • Gilbert B. Monck*                        2000-2001
  • Henry F. Walter                            2001-2003
  • Joseph N. Shrader*                     2003-2004
  • Orley Bourland*                          2004-2005
  • Joseph N. Shrader*                     2005-2006
  • Orley Bourland*                          2006-2007
  • Ted Jensen                                    2007-2010
  • Mary Lou Blessing                       2010-2013
  • William Elsen*§                            2013-2014
  • Kathy Siggins§                              2013-2015
  • Elinor Abrell                                  2015-2024
  • Scott Darby                                   2024-

*=Deceased    §=Acting and/or Co-President