Circa 1949-50 at the dear old AFS in a Bay of the old small arms plant in St. Louis one SSGT Ray Gilchrist was working away when the Deputy Commandant, one LTC W C Haneke, walked in. I immediately hopped to attention and the Asst. Commandant (I think it was Col J.C. Lackas) asked where CPT Clancy was to which I replied he is "at the Mess Hall"" since that was where he and a coupe of other officers had said they were to lunch. To which Col Haneke again asked where CPT Clancy was, and I again replied he is "at the mess hall"- He hesitated a moment, replied that CPT Clancy had not gone to the "Mess Hall but to the Officer's Mess" which of course was their end of what I thought was the Mess Hall! Those of you who had the pleasure and privilege to serve under MG Haneke I hope will appreciate this little bit of education of one EM whose military training consisted of 16 weeks of basic training at Camp Croft, SC in '44 and my basic finance course at the AFS in '49!!! I indeed had a lot to learn. I was working on getting my direct commission as a 2nd Lt at the time and was being aided in my efforts by many of the fine officers there at the time. Also my old friend Dick Juett whom I used to ride with to work with was helping me prepare for my interview. On one occasion he asked me what the TO&E weapon was for a finance clerk to which I honestly replied "a typewrite I guess". After some laughter he advised me it was the M1 Carbine. With all their help I got my Commission in May 50 just in time for the Korean buildup, and subsequently my Regular Army appointment.
Thanks again to all the fine RAFINOS and NCOs I had the privilege of serving with.