america west airlines

I worked for America West Airlines for over 7 years. When they laid off their mechanics in Dec 1995 I was in the maintenance training department as a clerk tracking the mechanics training.etc. I was also released from the company. At that time I was verbally promised by the HR department that they would make a special deal for me and I would receive my retirement flight benefits. I signed my release papers to reflect lifetime flight benefits. I have never received them. I have written numerous letters asking for them, but have been denied each time. I worked at awa thru all the crap they gave us. I went thru the bankruptcy, stock loss,etc. At the time we were let go the paperwork we received stated that we were not eligible for rehire. Now they say that we are eligible for rehire but we have to start as new hires. Please help me get my benefits.