Family Updates
This page of the website is for sharing notable events in the lives of our RAFINO members.
Bob Speer is Principal Deputy
Assistant Secretary of the Army (Financial Management and Comptroller).
In October 2009, Mr. Robert M. Speer was
designated as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Financial
Management and Comptroller) (PDASA (FM&C)). As the PDASA, he advises the ASA,
and through the ASA, the Secretary and Chief of Staff, on all matters related to
Army financial management. He shares with the ASA (FM&C) the development,
formulation, and advocation of the Secretary of the Army, Secretary of Defense
and administration policies, procedures and programs for improving the
efficiency and effectiveness of overall resources in the Department of the Army.
He assists the ASA in planning, organizing, and directing the activities of the
OASA (FM&C). He acts for and performs the duties of the ASA (FM&C) in his or her
absence or disability and as otherwise directed. He is responsible for preparing
and presenting periodic analyses of the performance of the Army enterprise and
oversees Army finance and accounting activities and operations. He is also
responsible for Army policy and technical direction of all cost and economic
activities.
Prior to this assignment, Mr. Speer served as a Managing Director for
PricewaterhouseCoopers Public Services, where he led their Defense and Army
business. He has been significantly involved in Department of Defense financial
management solutions and defense related professional organizations throughout
his career. His position with PricewaterhouseCoopers followed nearly 28 years of
experience and progressive responsibility in Department of Defense /Federal
comptrollership, budgeting, finance, treasury, accounting, program management,
and federal financial management systems.
CHRONOLOGY:
* Managing Director, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Federal Practice lead for Defense
and Army business, McLean, VA, December 2005-October 2009
o Engagement Director, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller),
Audit Readiness Support, October 2008-October 2009
o Engagement Director, Defense Finance and Accounting Services, Enterprise Risk
Management and Business Activity Monitoring, October 2006-October 2009
o Program Manager, US Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works 2006 Financial
Statement Audit, March 2006-November 2006
* U.S. Army and Department of Defense
o Commandant, U.S. Army Finance School, July 2002-November 2005
o Comptroller, Program Management Office for the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction
Fund (IRRF), January 2004-July 2004
o Executive Officer, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Financial Management &
Comptroller (ASA(FM&C)), July 2000-June 2002
o Commander, Defense Finance & Accounting Service (DFAS) Operating Location, San
Antonio, Texas, July 1998-June 2000
o Program Manager, Joints Chiefs of Staff, Chief, Joint Intelligence
Architecture and Technology Division, Director for Intelligence, July 1997-June
1998
o Executive Officer, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Financial
Operations, (FM&C), July 1995-July 1996
o Finance Branch Chief, Personnel Command, Alexandria, VA, July 1993-June 1995
o Commander, 82d Finance Battalion, 82d Airborne Division, June 1991-June 1993
o S3, 18th Finance Group, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, NC and Desert
Shield/Desert Storm, Southwest Asia, July 1990-May 1991
o Executive Officer, Information Systems Software Command, Fort Belvoir, VA,
February 1988-June 1989
o Commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Information Systems
Engineering Command, Fort Belvoir, VA, September 1986-February 1988
o Chief of Pay and Exam, 39th Finance Section, Hanau, GE, August 1980-June 1983
o Chief of Disbursing, 30th Finance Section, Fort Sill, OK, January 1979-August
1980
o Deputy Chief of Central Accounting Office, 30th Finance Section, Fort Sill OK,
October 1978-Decmber 1979
COLLEGE:
* MS, National Resource Strategy, Industrial College of the Armed Forces,
Washington, DC, 1997
* MBA, Management of Information Systems, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN,
1985
* BBA, Accounting, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 1978
SIGNIFICANT TRAINING:
* Industrial College of the Armed Forces
* Command and General Staff College
* Defense Enhanced Financial Management Training
CERTIFICATIONS:
* Certified Defense Financial Manager
AWARDS AND HONORS:
* Distinguished Service Medal
* Defense Superior Service Medal
* Legion of Merit
* Bronze Star (2d Award)
* Meritorious Service Medal (6th Award)
* Army Commendation Medal
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS:
* Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA)
* American Society of Military Comptrollers (ASMC)
* Association of Government Accountants (AGA)
John Rogan gets Veteran Lifetime Achievement Award
Wisconsin Board of Veterans Affairs
Veteran Lifetime Achievement Award
Past Award Recipient
February 2009
(presented April 2009)
WISCONSIN BOARD OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
VETERAN LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, John F. Rogan was born in New York City, New York in 1926 and was raised in Gortgarn, Northern Ireland and Elmira, New York; and he relinquished his divinity school deferment to be drafted into the Army on June 29, 1945 for combat training at Camp Wheeler, GA; and following Japan’s sudden surrender he transferred to the Finance Corps and graduated with honors from Officer Candidate School, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Army Finance Corps in November 1946; and
WHEREAS, over the next 25 years, he served as a Finance Disbursing Officer with the Occupation Forces in Tokyo, Japan, an Artillery Battery Commander, Battalion Operations and Training Officer with the 52nd Artillery Brigade at Fort Hancock, NJ, the Deputy Director of Finance with the U.S. Civil Administration in Naha, Okinawa, the Finance and Accounting Officer at West Point, the Finance and Accounting Officer and a Senior Staff Officer in the Office of the Comptroller with the 8th Army in Seoul, Korea, and as Director of Settlement Operations at the Army Finance Center at Fort Benjamin Harrison; and he is also a graduate of the Artillery and Guided Missile School at Fort Bliss, the Finance Officer Advanced Course at Fort Benjamin Harrison as honor graduate, Indiana University, with Bachelor and MBA degrees, and the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth; and
WHEREAS, he completed his career as the youngest Colonel at the Finance Center and in the Finance Corps on July 1, 1970; and was inducted into the Army Finance Corps Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member of the Regiment; and his military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Presidential Certificate of Appreciation, Department of the Army Certificate of Appreciation, National Defense Service Medal, w/Oak Leaf Cluster, WWII Victory Medal, Army Campaign Medal, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal; and
WHEREAS, following his military career, he was the Wisconsin State Finance Director for 13 years, serving five different Governors; and during that time, he was President of the National Association of State Auditors Comptrollers and Treasurers, a member of the National Council on Governmental Accounting and the Council on State Governments and National State Comptroller’s Association; and he also played a key role in the establishment of the new Governmental Accounting Standards Board and the State Employees Combined Campaign for Charities; and
WHEREAS, over the past 38 years, he has been a volunteer with the Catholic Diocese of Madison, serving as a member of the Diocesan Pastoral Council, Diocesan Appeals Committee, Holy Name Seminary Advisory Board, Diocesan Finance Council, Saint Raphael Society Board, Diocesan Corporate Board, and the Diocesan Cemeteries Board; and he served a four-year term on the U.S. Catholic Bishops’ National Advisory Council and is a member of the Order of St. Gregory the Great and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem; and he has served the St. Bernard Catholic Parish of Middleton in a variety of lay leadership pastoral capacities for many years; and he is a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus; and he and his wife, Ann, are the parents of nine children; and
WHEREAS, he is a member and past president of the Madison Serra Club and was recognized as Serran of the Year in 2004; and he is a member of various military, civic, and professional organizations; and in 1993 he was one of four Vietnam-era veterans honored by Vietnam Veterans of America for outstanding community achievements since leaving military service.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Marvin J. Freedman, Chair of the Wisconsin Board of Veterans Affairs, proclaim JOHN F. ROGAN as the recipient of the Wisconsin Board of Veterans Affairs Veteran Lifetime Achievement Award on this 20th day of February 2009.
MARVIN J. FREEDMAN, Board Chair
By
Ray Allred
(pictures forthcoming)
Members and friends of the Alamo San Antonio Chapter and the Texas Hill Country Kerrville Chapter of Safari Club International (SCI) conducted another hunt at the Cameron Ranch, Sabinal, Texas. It was held in mid-January 2009 and was for a special group of young men and women. Those sponsoring the hunt were:
Curtis Cameron-- Ranch Owner
Ray Allred – Hunt Chairman
Scott Martin – Work Coordinator
John Ward – Work Coordinator
Bill Crump – Range Officer
Doug Radcliffe – Group Coordinator
Steve Moore – House Father
Linda Moore – House Mother
Frank Proden -- Supervisor
Jake Nelson -- Supervisor
Other Support Staff
Students were:
(Boys) (Girls)
Andy U-chupongamorn Sabrina Garcia
Wayne Nolte Robyn Nieto-Reyes
Jonathan Hernandez Olivia Zimmerman
Jaycob Hernandez
South African Professional Hunters (PH) were:
Mof Venter – Adansonia Safaris Scott Van Zyl -- SS Pro Safaris
These young students are all fine young boys and girls who reside at the Presbyterian Christian Home in San Antonio, Texas. They were chosen to join us this weekend by their mentors. In this home they are given a chance to develop into outstanding citizens. This home is privately financed and no federal funds are available for the operations or maintenance.
When the boys and girls arrived at the ranch a hearty meal consisting of hamburgers and cheeseburgers with all the fixings was served. After they were then given a tour of the ranch Ray Allred called a meeting and welcomed the group to the ranch. He also covered the schedule and administrative details for the weekend. A class by Bill Crump on firearms safety, hunting, game recognition and hunting techniques followed.
The next morning after a hearty breakfast, Bill Crump held another class on the use and handling of firearms and shooting techniques. A drawing to pair up the Supervisors with the hunters followed – each youth had an experienced licensed hunter as a mentor for the next couple of days.
We then moved to the range where the fun began. Only one of the students had ever shot a rifle before and that was when he made the hunt with us last year. So this was really a new experience for these young adults.
Bill then opened the range and with the assistance of the Supervisors provided individual instruction the students as they shot two targets, one for practice and the other for competition. The results of the competition were: 1st Place – Robyn 2nd Place – Jaycob
After the shoot, Jake Nelson, Scott Martin and John Ward took the group out to teach them something about ranch work. They gathered wood for the fireplaces, worked on the blinds and feeders. They also did chores around the barn and the corral. They learned a great deal about ranch life in a very short period of time. This was a very willing and productive bunch.
Several of us had just returned from the Dallas Safari Club annual fundraiser where we had the opportunity to visit with many of our friends in the hunting community. During this visit we told both Mof and Scott about this hunt and suggested that they drop by the ranch on their way out to Reno for the big SCI event. They did just that. So after a quick mid-afternoon snack the group drew for hunting areas and a short time later departed on a hunt that was a first for all but one. Two lucky kids got to hunt with two Professional Hunters from South Africa, Mof and Scott. Both Jonathon and Jaycob collected animals that evening under the supervision of African PHs. One could say, that experience was simply priceless.
It was not long after all were settled in their blinds before the action began. As we finished the hunt we repaired to the cleaning station to clean the many animals that were collected. Another first – Only one had ever gutted, cleaned, or butchered an animal before. They all joined in while John Ward, Bill Crump and Frank Proden supervised this on the job training.
As with any group, one stands out when doing a hunting task, care and cleaning of the animals was no exception. Wayne did the outstanding job that night.
When all the game was cleaned and put away, they gathered at the dinner table for a wonderful dinner of Tex-Mex dishes. After the dinner, PH Scott gave a presentation on hunting in Africa. This group was all ears and asked many questions. Later, Steve Moore conducted a brief bible study class for the group. Then it was to bed for a short night. The next morning a big buck came running through the house waking everybody up. That happened about 0500 hours.
The second day of hunting was another cold one. It was in the mid-30s when we all struck out for our assigned hunting areas. A little ice was on the windshields and the wind was blowing about 10 miles per hour, which made it even colder. The moon was against us as it was very bright and provided a lot of light that the animals used for feeding during the night. With this cold weather, the animals felt very comfortable remaining in their warm cover until the sun came up with its warming rays.
The hunt was over about 0930 hours and again there was game to be cleaned and prepared for the trip to the processing plant. Those that collected the animals had the pleasure of cleaning and quartering the animals for the trip. As the night before, the students approached this chore in a somewhat timid fashion at first, but then caught on and took a great deal of pride in performing these required tasks.
It was about 1000 hours when brunch was served. That was followed by a major effort to clean the house and outside area. Once completed, an Awards Ceremony was held, the following are the awards that were presented by Steve Moore and Ray Allred:
The shooting awards were as identified above, Robyn and Jaycon received 1st and 2nd place medals for their shooting scores. In the Hunting category, Jonathan and Sabrina received 1st and 2nd place medals. In the Hunting Achievement category all the youths received a gold medal in recognition of their recent accomplishments. Then there were several special awards for those that participated but were not part of this formal group.
There was a special award this year for the youth voted to be the best all-around hunter participant. The votes were based on all phases of the hunt. Jonathon was awarded an engraved trophy buckle – the inscription read “ Buck and Boar -- Curtis Cameron Ranch Champion.” Jonathon was also awarded a skinning knife. Not bad for a weekend of fun.
The boys and girls packed out and said their goodbyes, taking with them enough pork and venison to feed them for quite some time. After their departure we sat around and discussed what a heartwarming experience we had had. We also discussed future plans to accommodate young men and women who are in need of and would appreciate an outdoor experience. Other benefits that we could make available to fine young men and women were also discussed -- scholarships, summer employment, tickets to sporting events, were a few that were mentioned.
This was a win-win weekend for all. You can bet that we are looking forward to continuing this effort and just perhaps one or more of these kids will have enjoyed this experience to the point that they will want to continue this wonderful endeavor. More importantly, when tempted to take a wrong turn they will reflect on the great outdoors – the folks they have met through this activity -- and elect to do the correct thing rather to error in judgment. Take a young person hunting every time you have an opportunity. I promise you it is something you will not regret.
Again, many thanks to the PHs Moff and Scott, two true hunters who really made this a special hunt for some very special people.
(pictures for this article forthcoming).
I redeployed in late
August after spending a little over a year in Afghanistan. It was a great year
for me. In fact, I'd still be there if Tina hadn't finally order me home. J Like
many people over there I went over to do one job, but ended up doing something
completely different. I was originally scheduled to be the Financial Manager for
the Afghan Engineer District. By the time I redeployed from Iraq and got to
Afghanistan the District Leadership had changed and they filled the position
with a Corps of Engineers financial person. I spent the
first couple of weeks looking for something to do in Afghanistan and trying to
figure out how to get back to the Provincial Reconstruction Team I'd left in
Ramadi Iraq. Eventually, I found a position back-filling a Major on the Border
Management Task Force (BMTF) working out of the US Embassy in Kabul. In the
position I spent much of my time on the Pakistan & Iranian borders, as well as,
the Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan borders. In the position I got the
chance to interact with the Afghan Leadership at the Ministerial level as well
as on the borders. I also got the opportunity to work with the International
Community and the numerous US Governmental/Non-Governmental agencies doing work
over there. I even met Senator Obama on his campaign visit to Afghanistan.
(He's a good speaker, but I still wouldn't vote for him.) Our team had four
retired Border Patrol & Customs Officials assigned full-time on the Pakistan &
Iranian borders. My technical position title was as the Infrastructure
Coordinator. In reality I basically served as the organizations Operations &
Logistics Officer with the additional responsibility of taking care of our guy's
out on the borders. In the position I worked numerous construction projects and
delivered several million dollars worth of weapons, ammunition, police
equipment, x-ray machines, truck scanners, forklifts, office equipments, etc,
etc to the border. My close friends refer to my time in Afghanistan as my
"Gunrunning Vacation".
When I returned in
August I was originally headed up to the OSD Comptroller Office to work the Army
Desk. Prior to reporting to work at the Pentagon I was contacted by my previous
organization at Ft Belvoir and offered the Operations Chief position based on my
experience in Afghanistan & Iraq. In this position I will get to help deploy
some Land Warrior equipped unit(s) to Theater. Both
Iraq & Afghanistan were a great experience for me. Hopefully, I'll head back
over to Theater in the next year or two.
Attached
is a picture of me and two of our guys in the Khyber Pass - Pakistan border.
(I'm the one on the left). The picture was taken in a not so nice area of
the country. A few nights after this picture was taken the bad guys blew
up 89 of our fuel trucks that were
lined up on the Pakistan side of the border. As a Corps of Engineer Government Civilian I'm not authorized to carry a weapon. Everyone I worked
with thought that was crazy since I was occupying a military slot, travelling
all over the country without military guards and also was moving hundred of
weapons to the Customs Police on the borders. Early on over there I travelled
with a Marine Major and an Army Captain. They would normally have me carry some
of their stuff. Once they departed country I either went unarmed or made other
arrangements out on the borders. At my exit interview with the Corps leadership
I told them they were going to get someone killed out there. Turns out they
decided not to backfill my position anyway.
J.R. NOLEN, Jr. Project Manager Soldier Warrior
In a tournament on Monday, 22 Sep Sam HOUSTON GOT A HOLE-IN-1!! And there was a 2009 Mercedes Benz parked at the tee box should there be a winner. Well luckily he did it. The shot was 190yds, on the 7th hole at Smoke Rise Country Club, Stone Mt, GA.
And I quote Sam as he brags a little: “Nobody really ever expects to make these million to one shots. I jokingly told my team members that if the distance is 189yds I would hit an "easy" 9 iron....but if it is 190yds (1yd more) I would "bust" a 3 iron. Ha! Ha! I hit the 3 iron then was grounded, mobbed and smothered by many onlookers when the ball rolled into the hole. My wife, Edith, came out afterwards. Since it is a red car I told her, "Its yours".”
Sam was on a roll so he continued by saying, "I HAVE MORE BLESSINGS: By reputation, the most prestigious and desirable golf course to play in the USA is Pebble Beach in Monterey, CA. A while back my younger son who lives in NYC (40 yr old Michael) managed to acquire a long awaited tee-time for the two of us to play the course. He sent me a round trip ticket, Intercontinental Hotel stay, golf, etc. all at his expense!! Exciting, yes. But spending 4 days next week hob-knobbing around with a son... "PRICELESS!!"."
Recognition of Service Ceremony
US – British Army Exchange Program
Kevin Troller: Honorary Colonel Finance Regiment
The Defense Finance and Accounting Service held a ceremony in the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes on August 7, 2008, to end the 43 year history of the exchange program post between the US Army Finance Corps and the British Army’s Adjutant General’s Corp. The ceremony coincided with the end of tour for Major Mike Sykes who left his current appointment as the DFAS British Exchange Officer on August 8, 2008.
The ceremony included remarks by Mr. Matthew Browne, Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS); Mr. Zack Gaddy, Director of DFAS; Brigadier Phil Jones, British Military Attaché; COL(R) Kevin Troller, Honorary Colonel of the Finance Regiment; MAJ(R) Robert Dibley, Royal Army Pay Corps Association; COL Marlene Fey, Commander US Army Finance Command; and MAJ Mike Sykes, British Exchange Officer.
The exchange program was originally set up in 1965 between the English-speaking nations participating in the American, British, Canadian, and Australian Armies; with a view of enhancing cooperation and understanding between nations. The current DFAS British Exchange Officer post has been in existence for 43 years and was initially between the US Army Finance Corps and the then British Army’s Royal Army Pay Corps. On the formation of the Adjutant General’s Corps in 1992, the post was passed to the Staff and Personnel Branch within the UK Army. Over the years the British Exchange Officer has been assigned to locations including Indianapolis IN, New Orleans LA, and Arlington, VA.
Brigadier Jones, British Military Attaché, commented that both nations continuously monitor the exchange posts to ensure they remain of value to both the individual and to the overall program. A recent review determined that this particular post with DFAS would not be renewed. Sad as this decision is, the ceremony focused on the contributions made over the years to the wider mission of adding value to the transatlantic defense relationship and enduring friendships that have been forged both on a personal and professional level. The UK stands committed to fully supporting the Exchange Program for many years to come. While the DFAS post has terminated, many new posts have been created in the US that are seen to have greater strategic value between the US and UK.
The ceremony concluded with MAJ Sykes presenting COL Fey with the “Bond of Friendship” certificate and statue to formally recognize the contributions made to both countries by past members of the Army Finance Corps, the Royal Army Pay Corps, and the British Adjutant General’s Corps. COL Fey in her remarks commented these would be proudly displayed at the US Army Financial Management School to honor the tradition, esprit, and fellowship our nations will forever enjoy.
Finance Officers Attack Fort. A.P. Hill
During the period Friday November 30, 2007 through Sunday December 2, 2007 several retired and one active Finance (Resource Management) officer, on order and with detailed planning, successfully infiltrated Fort A. P. Hill in Virginia for a weekend of good food, poker, leisure activities and camaraderie (swapping old war stories). The Headquarters was established at the A.P. Hill Recreational Lodge that comfortably sleeps 20 with a commercially equipped kitchen, dining area, fireplace, and yes even a large screen TV with digital programming. The detail plan and all logistical support (mucho food) was superbly organized by Jim WATKINS, Ted STOUT, and Tom SPAINHOUR.
There were a total of fourteen that answered the call-Arty ARTEAGA, Clint COWARDIN, Russ DELANEY, Mo DENNY, Derald EMORY, Tom MOREHOUSE, Eldon MULLIS, Al RUNNELS, Roger SCEARCE, Pat SHINE, Bob SPEER, Tom SPAINHOUR, Ted STOUT, and Jim WATKINS.
Most everyone brought something to drink or eat for the whole group. Arty brought one bottle of wine, but he says it was a good bottle. Truth be told, we had much more food and beverage than we could handle although some of us tried hard.
As the troops assembled on Friday afternoon and evening, Teddy STOUT and Tom SPAINHOUR prepared the “Italian Night” dinner. It was excellent. Clint ensured enough pies were available for the weekend. Ted and Tom followed Friday’s dinner with an equally good breakfast on Saturday morning. Never mind that most went to bed between 2:30 and 3:30 AM and were up early Saturday morning.
Russ DELANEY achieved his winning quota on Friday night so he left on Saturday to go to warmer Florida. His excuse was he had promised his wife he would participate in a bridge tournament with her on Sunday. He missed the thick prime steak that Jim grilled for each of us Saturday night.
Roger SCEARCE and Teddy STOUT got up well before dawn on Saturday morning and after a leisurely breakfast purportedly went out deer hunting. The resulting story was that Teddy shot a deer on the farm they were hunting but could not bring the deer back onto Ft. A. P. Hill so Roger’s son had to take the deer back home.
Five attendees (Al RUNNELS, Pat SHINE, Derald EMORY, Bob SPEER, and Mo DENNY) went on a terrain walk (code for golf). After five hours of attacking the facility with lots of wayward artillery and duds, it was generally agreed that we lost the battle. There were a few Murphy’s, lots of Monkey’s, infrequent skins and Pat SHINE accumulated most of the spent ammunition (in other words he won). For further analysis you better ask Pat since he came up with all the crazy rules and rotating teams. He will admit he lost control of the teams, but not the resulting points.
Jim WATKINS attacked the woods with a chain saw, did not hurt himself and even managed to return with enough scraps to keep the fire burning on Saturday and Saturday night…football games without fire is not good. Arty consumed his bottle of wine I guess.
Easy conclusion was that we could be found and vulnerable to attack at night since most of us have become heavy snorers.
Some left early Sunday morning for the Redskins game or to teach Sunday School. The rest of us were treated to Roger cooking omelets after he begrudgingly got up.
Since this plan worked so successfully, the participants plan to do it again December 5th weekend in 2008. Most senior Finance Corps retirees understand how difficult it is to get a consensus from a group of stubborn has beens. Please contact any of us if you have an interest in attending the next group attack.
Waywardly scribed, Mo DENNY
PROSTATE CANCER – THE REST OF THE STORY
By Ray ALLRED
I must first acknowledge the accuracy of Dick DARCY’S reporting on his experience with this disease. Second, I would like to elaborate a little on that report and then take the reader one more important step in the world of "stay alive and in good health".
My choices for treatment were 1. Do Nothing, 2. Surgically remove the Prostate, 3. Seed Implants, and 4. Direct Radiation, as Dick had done. Now lets talk about each of the choices that were offered to me by the Head of Surgery here at Brooke Army Medical Center here in San Antonio, Texas.
First, Do Nothing. The argument put forth by the medical community was that this type of cancer was so slow growing that, depending on your age and other health issues, to do nothing just might be the best choice for some. Perhaps so, but that shoe did not fit me.
Second, Surgery. The Chief of Surgery was quick to point out that he was a surgeon and he believed that the best treatment was to cut the problem out. Of course, there are many downsides to this procedure. Here again that shoe did not fit me either.
Third, Seed Implants. My choice and I am glad that I did make this choice. Spent a couple of hours on the operating table while they placed some 70 odd pieces of what looked like small pencil lead pieces in and around the prostrate. Spend another day in the hospital and then home for good. For the following three months I had what I called “Short Notice Exercises” when it came to urination. After that all was working fine. And I mean all!
And finally Direct Radiation. This I did not elect because as it was explained to both my wife Lenore and myself, that if the radiation is the least bit off target it can do a lot of damage to the kidneys and rectum; something that I did not need to chance.
So now the procedure has been done and we have our follow-up examinations that start with a new PSA read. The new numbers are hardly detectable -- .00 or .03 or something mighty small when compared to the 7.6 I had when we discovered that I had a problem. The digital examination feels fine to the attending physician, but still not very comfortable for the patient. So the doc says come back in six months and we will check it again. This goes on for several years and everyone is happy with the results. We are home free! That may not be true.
The Rest of The Story. Another doctor brought my high cholesterol condition to my attention and suggested diet, more exercise, and some medication. Our goal was to lower the cholesterol by one half and improve the ratio of the good and bad units, simple enough.
After several months of this treatment a great improvement was noted in the cholesterol level. The ratios were also moving in the correct direction. So again, home free.
Not so very fast. This doctor noticed that the white blood cells were lower than they should be. These are very important blood cells because they support our immune system. So what was causing that condition? This issue was over the top for this doctor so I was referred to a Cancer & Blood Disorder Specialists. This one is a Diplomate in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, and Hematology, so well qualified for the task at hand.
Extensive testing to include a bone marrow sample revealed that I was far from being out of the “cancer woods” while the PSA readings were still hardly detectable. My blood cells had been infected with cancer cells and they are rapidly depleting the white blood cells. The doctor’s diagnosis was Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS). MGUS is defined by the presence of a serum monoclonal (M) protein and a whole lot of other no good stuff that can advance to something even worse – Mulitple Myeloma (MM). MM has a median survival of only 3 to 4 years. So predicting and preventing the progression of MGUS is of great importance.
The bottom line is – If you have had Prostate Cancer seek out the best Cancer & Blood Disorder Specialist you can find and put that doctor to work tomorrow. Nothing wrong with a clean report and if the report is not good and it is early enough treatment may prevent advancement and death.
Dick DARCY had a 6-week post-radiation therapy consult 10 January --just a conversation with the WRAMC radiation oncologist. Highlight: he won't say I don't have cancer somewhere else because he can't tell if it has broken out of the prostate and taken up residence elsewhere. Statistics say that one in twenty men do have it, despite the treatment. Although there are no guarantees, we like the odds. He says I am a poster child for radiation therapy and should go to support meetings encouraging others to consider it.
(Editor: And
encouraging others is exactly why Dick wanted to pass this information
on to all RAFINO members. Therefore, this story is printed in the
first person.)
In early March 2007 I will have a PSA blood test that will set the
baseline for monitoring; then test every six months for 5 years; and
then every year for the next 20. They'll be looking for a continuously
flat PSA score.
Other than the predictable urinary (treated with detrol) and GI side
effects (which are abating), I have had no pain or suffering. The
biggest pain was the 39 days of going to the clinic at Walter Reed for
the treatment. Still, I used sick leave from work and was gone about 2
hours each work day. The technique and technology of "intensity
modulated radiation therapy" allows for greater targeted organ doses and
therefore less collateral damage to the surrounding pelvic-occupied
systems (skeletal, circulatory, reproductive, etc.). (There is a lot
going on in the pelvic area--both male and female.) I found the
treatment far less invasive than the alternatives of surgery, seed
implants, and cryotherapy.
What a roller coaster! Diagnosed in early July and finished treatment
in late November. (Could have been sooner but wanted to travel in
September.) My counsel to anyone so diagnosed: get a second opinion,
read like hell about the disease, make an informed decision, and act on
it. Walter Reed is the home of the Center for Prostate Disease
Research--so I am quite fortunate to have such quality care. I am also
very fortunate to have an Army buddy, Hank NEILL, to recommend
it.
Henry HOWE is the Curator of the US Army Finance Corps Museum. He came to work at the Museum as the Museum Technician four years ago, shortly after he retired from the military. Two years ago when Bill CARNES retired from Federal service, Henry became the Curator.
Henry has a different approach to presenting our history than Bill did and that will initiate changes to many of the existing exhibits in the Museum. He wants to personalize history more; and add more “individualism” to the exhibits. He wants to incorporate more of your personal memorabilia, uniforms, headgear, TA-50 (web gear) and stories into each display. He wants to know the first Finance Soldiers in Sicily. Who were the Finance Soldiers caught up in the Ardennes? Did any Finance Soldiers make the amphibious assault at Inchon? What Finance-related stories can you share about the Tet Offensive? Documentation of the “technical” side of our history is fair, but the personal-side is lacking and that is where you can help.
In the near future, Henry will start collecting oral histories from the veterans of the Finance Corps, to record and share the stories of how you accomplished your duties as Finance Soldiers. He hopes to attend the 2008 RAFINO/RAFINCO reunion and officially start collecting your histories there. Until the reunion, reminisce; jot down your memories and anecdotes and be prepared to share them with him.
Another major item for the Museum is the Fallen Comrade Memorial. For the last year, Richard WORTHY and Henry have researched the names of Finance Corps Soldiers who have died while in service to the United States in combat-related incidents. They have approximately 75 names currently validated with another 30 outstanding. The Finance School Commandant, COL Billy SMITH and Henry plan to debut this memorial at the 2007 Regimental Ball. Once finalized, he will share the list with your associations; perhaps we can uncover photographs and stories related to these heroes.
In the meantime, you can contact him at the following:
Mail: Mr. Henry D. Howe, III
US Army Finance Corps Museum
10000 Hampton Parkway
Fort Jackson, South Carolina 29207-7025
Email: Henry.Howe@jackson.army.mil
Telephone 803 751-3771 (Commercial) or 754-3771 (DSN)
In
June, Chick is being inducted into the OCS Hall Of Fame of the U.S.
Field Artillery.
About a year ago he was contacted on the phone by a Field Artillery
officer at Ft. Sill who had been searching the internet trying to locate
some of the early OCS class graduates. Noting that though I am a Finance
Officer he wondered if possibly Chick was the same Cecchini who was
graduated from FA OCS Class #1 in October 1941. I pled guilty. He asked
for a bio which was sent to him a while later. Then just a couple of
months ago Chick was notified that he was being nominated for induction
into the FA OCS Hall of Fame based on attainment of O-6 rank and
subsequent military and civilian career. It will be awarded in absentia
inasmuch as he cannot make the trip to Ft. Sill for the same reason he
will not be attending our next RAFINO/RAFINCO reunion.
Also by coincidence, Chick was awarded the Honorable Order of St.
Barbara Medal resulting from his many years as an officer of the Society
of the 89th Infantry Division, in charge of reunions for almost 22 years
as well as being the principal administrative officer -- and currently
handling the dissolution of the Society. One of two graduates of the
Military Academy reporting to the Division Artillery and assigned to the
battery Chick commanded -- who retired as a Lt. General after assignment
as the CINC, Southern Command -- made the presentation at a luncheon
this April.
COL John GRIFFITH graduated from the University of Wyoming in Jun 1969 and reported to FT Benjamin Harrison in Nov 1969. Ryan ZIMMERMAN was a classmate in FOBC and MAC, and I think Morgan DENNY may have been also.
I reported to the 8th Fin Sec in Landstuhl, GY, in Mar 1970. Larry MARTIN was the F&AO at that time and my first rater. About a year after I got there, I sponsored a young 2LT named Ed STANTON and his wife Paula, fresh from the Florida State Seminoles and FT Benjamin Harrison. I couldn't be happier or prouder of his success.
In Mar 1974, from Germany, I PCSd to Ft Indiantown Gap, PA, (IGMR in those days) as the F&AO. Rob FRECKLETON and Tony LORENZ followed me as F&AOs there.
I spent the last 21 years of my career in the Army Reserve, retiring in 1996 from my position as DCSRM, HQ, 79th ARCOM, in Willow Grove, PA. In my time in the reserves, I also knew Gene ABEL (Commander of the 455th and 453rd Fin Secs) and Harold MISSIMER (finance officer in the 157th Sep Inf Bde).
Their oldest daughter Meghan is marrying a Chinook pilot (2LT) in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard on 14 July in Lebanon, PA.
The family picture was taken this past Christmas.