RAFINO

RAFINO Report
ISSUE 23 - Winter 1999
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TAPS

The below listed members of our Finance Family, whether members of RAFINO or not, are only those about whose death we have been notified since the publication of our immediately previous newsletter, i.e., the Fall 1998 issue.  We regret to announce the passing of these good and old friends and pray that they may rest in peace.

Day is done, gone the sun, from the lake, from the hill,  
from the sky. 
All is well, safely rest. God is nigh.
Thanks and praise, for our days, 'neath the stars, 
'neath the sky.
As we go, this we know, God is nigh.

ADAMS, George B.   LTC 17 Apr 99
BANG, John D. COL 28 Oct 99
DUFF, Carl L. COL 11 Oct 98
DUFF, Alice K. Widow of COL Carl L. 17 Nov 99
DYSON, Nannette Beloved Wife of COL Wm. E. 26 Apr 99
ERDMANN, Robert E. LTC 5 Aug 99
FISCHER, Wilbur H. LTC 23 Jul 99
GENTRY, Zoe Beloved Wife of MAJ Marion 11 Jan 98
HANEKE, William C. MG 31 Oct 99
JARDON, Margaret J. Widow of LTC Eldo (Red) 3 Jul 99
JETMORE, Clinton N. LTC 12 Dec 99
SCRUGGS, Jack H. COL 22 Mar 99
STRIDER, Nicholas S. COL 7 Dec 99
THOMSON, John W. MAJ 26 Aug 99

   
  

By now most of you have heard from one source or another that the last of our long line of "Chiefs of Finance", Major General William C. Haneke, has passed away.  Bill Haneke was buried the morning of 9 November 1999.  As we had all prayed -- the weather was kind for the occasion, being a beautiful fall day.  Bill's family, plus a great many, friends and comrades--including a good representation of RAFINO members -- gathered in the old chapel at Ft. Myer for the solemn religious services held there that morning.  The chaplain recounted Bill's military service, accomplishments and awards.  Those of us who knew him during our active duty days could have cited much more in the accomplishments part.  Those of us who knew him well appreciated that he was a "people oriented" general and gentleman, some of whose accomplishments were often known only to the ones he helped.

It was with great pride in our Army that those of us in attendance were able to participate in the rendering of final military honors to our departed comrade.  At first the band sounded ruffles and flourishes.  Then came the final salute of 13 rounds of cannon fire honoring this two star being laid to rest -- followed by the bugler's soulful sounding "taps."  With the presentation to Marion of the reverently folded National Colors -- which had covered his casket -- it all seemed to sum up a "well done, Major General Bill Haneke", last CoF. Marion, Bill's help mate of so many years, graciously invited and received those of us in attendance to a reception she held in The Fairfax retirement facility on the outskirts of Ft. Belvoir, Virginia.

TRIBUTES TO BILL HANEKE

Upon learning of the passing of Bill Haneke, your RAFINO staff used the most expedient means of disseminating that information and the funeral arrangements to the only members of RAFINO whom we could reach immediately in time to participate in the funeral services.  Most of course, could not make it from distant points to attend.  However, in poured via the internet expressions of condolence and praise for a great leader.  A few examples of these are as follows:

"He was deeply loved and respected by both Marie and me. (Mike Elias). . . What a great guy he was and Marion such a wonderful lady.  (Donna Keyes). . . I was Chief of Plans in OCF under General Haneke in 65-66.  I had great admiration for him as our CoF, as a general, and as a man.  It was a great privilege to know him.  (George Shepard). . . . He was a neat man and one I always respected. (Bob Gordon). . . . To the family of General Haneke:  Janice and I and all members of the US Army Finance Family in Fayetteville, NC, express our deepest sympathy.  Our thoughts are with you.  God Bless. (Andy & Janice Drekhahn).

All of the condolence notes sent to Secretary Phil Anderson for Marion Haneke, were forwarded to her.  Her thank-you note reads as follows:  "I'd like to thank the RAFINO for its kind notes offering sympathy on the death of my dear husband, General Haneke, as well as assistance if I may need it.

Yes, it is a difficult time, but the kindness of friends like you make life much easier.
 
I appreciate your keeping me as an honorary member of RAFINO.  I consider it a privilege.  Again, I thank you all.

Sincerely,

- Marion Haneke