Local chapters are the lifeblood of the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA). Spread across the state, these chapters host meetings that foster community, camaraderie, knowledge, and voting power. Chapter fall meetings are just around the corner! To kick off your local chapter’s 2025–26 year, here’s a poem from the Copperas Cove RTA in District 12, written by John Gallen.
The 2025 TRTA Story
Let me tell you a story about some wonderful folks
They like to have fun and tell a few jokes
They maybe retired but are still on the move
You want to join and feel the groove
The groove of being a member of TRTA
We’re pushing 100,000 strong, wanting more every day
We have joy in being in this great organization
By building bridges within the best state in the nation
We live life as if it was our very first day
We’re on the TRTA express train which leads the way
The achievements of the organization are strong
From a COLA, supplemental pay (13th check), to repeal of WEP & GPO which treated us wrong!
Our leader is the honorable Tim Lee
Who was instrumental in our achievements for all to see
Our leadership at the top is “a” number one
They are a great group and get much done
Done for the members and those just ahead
For active teachers when they retire, so they have little dread
Dread worrying about their pension from TRS
That organization works hard and we need to bless
Bless the work they have done to preserve and protect our annuity
Defined benefits, they work with much acuity
There are 500,000 retirees on TRS rolls today
Hey, you 400,0000 who aren’t members of TRTA, join us we say
We say, get in the express train known as TRTA
Come on and sign up, it’s so easy today
So, let’s continue to build bridges across the divide
Come on over to TRTA and get on our side
Membership has many options for you
From at-large status to chapter member for you to pursue
At less than $3.00 per month for dues
That’s a real bargain for what you get, so now is the time to choose
Choose the story of TRTA today
Come join us, have fun and joy, that’s all there is to say!
By John Gallen
Retired teacher
TRTA District 12
Copperas Cove Chapter
