President's Regimental Week Recap

I know, the next quarterly update isn’t due until next month, but I’d like to share this special update with our membership.  Mary and I just returned from Columbia and Ft. Jackson, South Carolina, joining the Financial Management community in their annual Regimental Week.  Our sincere thanks to the leaders of our Financial Management School: COL Eric Zellars, Commandant, and CSM Annie Walker, Command Sergeant Major.  Their hospitality and professionalism throughout the week was superb.  Watching these leaders in action, it’s no wonder the esprit and professionalism of our Financial Management soldiers remains unsurpassed.

To borrow the words of COL Zellars at the Regimental Ball, I’d like to give a shout-out to several leaders that Mary and I had the joy of interacting with.  I don’t mean to leave anyone out, but the schedules and numerous activities didn’t allow us to interact with everyone.

·         The General Officers are a very impressive group worthy of note.  It was great seeing:  LTG Karen Dyson, MG Thomas Horlander, MG David Coburn, MG(Ret) Phillip McGhee, BG Paul Chamberlain, BG Kenneth Hubbard, and BG Brad Dreyer.

·         The retired CSM/SGM’s are always an impressive group, and I’m so thankful for the mentorship they provided and continue to provide.  This group includes:  CSM/SGM Larry Massey, Charles Henderson, Frankie Matthews, Sam Mollock, Daniel Watford, Paul Morrissette, Pauline Cunningham, Thomas Brown, and Scott Brady.

·         The former Commandants in attendance:  COL’s (Retired): Charles Walker, Billy Smith, and Troy Clay.

For those that have attended Regimental Week in the past, let me assure you the week is still crammed full of activities that include board meetings, roundtable discussions, strategy sessions, and pre-command courses.  The Regimental Ball was a festive gala, attended by almost 400 people.  Those in attendance were treated to moving and patriotic remarks by the Guest Speaker:  Major General Thomas Horlander; the honoring of selected individuals with the Nathan Towson Medallion; and one of the highlights of the week, the competition and selection of the Financial Management Non-Commissioned Officer and Soldier of the Year. 

One of the highlights of the evening was the awarding of the highest Regimental award, the Brigadier General Robert C. Goetz Medallion, to LTG Karen Dyson. The Brigadier General Robert C. Goetz Medallion was created on March 26, 1999. The purpose of this medallion is to recognize individuals of unparalleled leadership and strategic vision in an enduring legacy to the Finance Corps Regiment. These accomplishments must reflect a lifetime of dedication to our core values of Patriotism, Integrity, Competence, and Service. LTG Karen Dyson was formally recognized for the indelible impression she has left on the Finance Corps Regiment.

If it’s been a while since you’ve attended the Regimental Ball, I highly recommend it.  It’s like going to our RAFINO Reunions in terms of seeing great friends and incredible Financial Management professionals.  There’s plenty of us old “Graybeards” in attendance; but it warms the heart to see that the future of our Army is in great hands with the Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and Soldiers serving proudly in uniform today.

Thank you COL Zellars and CSM Walker for a fabulous week.  Thank you for allowing me to talk about RAFINO to everyone I came in contact with.  Hopefully our membership numbers will grow with the addition of the Soldiers I met this week once they become retirement eligible.  Thank you MAJ Jeff Jennings, MAJ Christina Logan, and members of the Financial Management Captain’s Career Course.  They were responsible for the Regimental Ball; and it was a gala that will be cherished by all that were in attendance.

I always enjoy hearing from you when we send out news updates.  I appreciate your warm and gracious comments, as well as suggestions some of you have made.  All of our RAFINO Officers are active and work solely to make this a better organization for everyone.  Know that it’s our pleasure to serve you and RAFINO to the best of our abilities. 

Proud to be Your Prez,

Kevin G. Troller

Here are some pdfs describing the events:

FM Pre-Command Course Schedule

Regimental Ball Program 2017

Regimental Week (Senior Leader Lectures) 2017