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Hope everyone is enjoying your spring wherever this finds you.  Spring for the Finance Corps means the annual celebration of the May 7th activation of the Finance Regiment.  The Finance School of the Soldier Support Institute held the annual Regimental Week hosting active duty Finance Corps soldiers from around the world.  As in the past, this week included a meeting of the Council of Colonels and Command Sergeants Major to help solve the pressing issues facing the Finance Corps today; selection board for the prestigious award of Finance Corps soldier and NCO of the year; and culminating with the elaborate Finance Regimental Ball.  This year the activities were held at the Adams Mark hotel in downtown Columbia, SC.  Many will remember that our RAFINO Reunion in 1998 was held in that hotel.  Approximately 500 attended this year’s Regimental Ball, making it probably the largest since the Regiment was activated.  The ceremonies as always included the posting of the colors by a Finance Corps Color Guard, traditional toasts, and of course the ever popular Finance Corps Punch Ceremony mixed by the Basic Course and initially consumed by the most junior expendable officer (he barely survived).  Colonel WALKER, School Commandant and Regimental Commander and the Finance School staff and students were again superb in orchestrating the weeks’ events.

Some of the lesser known, but still very important, events are the Commandant’s Regimental Run and the annual golf tournament.  The weather was perfect for both events.  The golf tournament was won by BG Edgar STANTON, COL Tim ROBERTSON, LTC (Ret)  Nick DIENER and CSM Bob JOHNS.  I also participated but my “A” player didn’t show up (that is another story).  However, one of my playing partners was Mark POMEROY who is the current British Army exchange officer.  He fits the stereotype of a fun loving Brit that certainly have added luster to our Finance Corps events over the years.  Although the Royal Army Pay Corps is no more (they merged with the Adjutant General’s Corps a few years ago) it is significant the exchange program still exists.  Major POMEROY is posted in Washington DC and works at DFAS Headquarters in Crystal City.

The annual meeting of the Finance Corps Association (FCA) also occurred during the Regimental Week.  Many of us remain members of this organization and membership has increased over the past year.  You may want to refresh yourself with the merits of this organization at www.fincorps.org.

Unfortunately, we in RAFINO are still less than 50 percent in the annual membership renewals.  Dues are payable every year by the end of March!   Remember dues are now $10 per year. 

We are looking for a new data base manager. Bob FLEWELLING’S plate is overflowing and he is going to have to cut back a little bit.  His support of RAFINO over the years on all membership changes and Reunion administrations has been nothing short of incredible.  We deeply appreciate his support and dedication.  Are there any volunteers for the job of Data Master?

As always, please communicate any idea to improve our organization or reports of interest to all our members.  My email address is: MoDenny99@aol.com

Every member-----pay your dues and obtain another member! 

Mo  Denny