National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association

American Stories

Share your own story below.
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George R. Wilken

National Weather Service, Retired

Deadly thunderstorms and tornados can strike when people least expect it. Today, thanks to the hard work of federal employees like George R. Wilken, a former meteorologist for the National Weather Service, people have more time to prepare for these storms to better protect themselves and their families.

During his nearly 40 years of civil service, Mr. Wilken trained meteorologists on Doppler radar, computer systems, and meteorological forecasting techniques. Constantly aware of new advances in meteorology, Mr. Wilken's training provided younger meteorologists with the most up-to-date techniques and technology to better predict weather patterns. It also helped to dramatically increase the lead time for which people can be notified of approaching deadly storms like tornados, from 2 to 30 minutes. This larger window was credited with saving the lives of hundreds of people in Arkansas, when a tornado destroyed an empty – thanks to a larger lead time – school gymnasium in 1997.

Mr. Wilken, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, retired to Maumelle, Arkansas with his wife Virginia, where he volunteers at his church and talks at local schools about meteorology.

A group of active and retired federal employees talk about their government service as part of the "Protect America's Heartbeat" campaign.
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Robert E. Muller

National Weather Service, Retired

During the Cold War, Americans feared one thing above all – nuclear war. But with the help of federal employees like Robert E. Muller, a Missile Range Forecaster for the Nike-Zeus anti-missile project in the Marshall Islands, the U.S. was able to begin developing technology to remove the very real threat of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs).

During his 34 years of civil service, Robert E. Muller also worked as a meteorologist for the National Weather Service where he was instrumental in providing accurate weather forecasts that not only helped to save civilian and military lives, but also helped to protect national security. As an Aviation Weather Forecaster, Mr. Muller issued aviation warnings and alerts, severe and winter weather warnings, and marine advisories; as well as, daily forecasts for the Fire Weather Forestry Service, marine and aviation departments and the general public. These forecasts included alerts for deadly storms like hurricanes, tornados, and blizzards that the public depends on for their safety.

In 1990, Mr. Muller retired to South Carolina where he continued his distinguished career or service, working as a volunteer in local community groups.

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Linda Kurz

Veterans Affairs, Retired

Veterans risked their lives to protect America. Sadly, for many veterans, when one battle ended abroad, a new one began at home – the battle to gain access to quality health care. Americans made a commitment to veterans. That's why federal employees like Linda Kurz, the former Director of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in St. Louis, Missouri, have devoted their lives to ensure we honor it.

After growing tired of watching veterans fall through the cracks, Mrs. Kurz embarked on a mission to create clinics for veterans in Marion, Illinois and the Greater St. Louis Area. With her 37 years of leadership, wounded veterans in Marion and Greater St. Louis gained access to quality health care services including, primary and tertiary care, long-term and home care, as well as, family support.

Ms. Kurz retired to Lonedell, Missouri where she is active in her community, working with Habitat for Humanity and veterans groups.

SHARE YOUR STORY

Are you an active or retired federal employee who dedicated your life to protecting America's heartbeat?
We want to hear from you! Tell us:

  • Where are you from? What is / was your position? For how long have you served / did you serve as a federal employee?
  • How would America be different if there weren't people serving in your position?
  • What's your proudest contribution to your country/community during your service?

Retired federal employee Michael Teefy tells his story of service as part of the "Protect America's Heartbeat" campaign.
National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association