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FROM THE RAFINO VICE PRESIDENT

Still Standing Together: Why RAFINO Matters—
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And How You Can Help Lead It Forward

There’s something powerful about standing in a room full of Soldiers, past and
present, all bonded by the proud legacy of the Finance Corps.

That’s exactly what I experienced during the Finance Corps Association
Regimental Ball and the week of Regimental activities at Fort Jackson. It was
my first time attending Regimental Week, and I left with a renewed sense of
pride, connection, and purpose. 1SG(R) Veal

Throughout the evening of the banquet, I had several meaningful conversations
with fellow attendees, retirement-eligible professionals who have served with distinction. I was
repeatedly asked the same types of questions: “What is RAFINO?” “Why should I join?” and “How
come I didn’t even know RAFINO existed?” These sincere questions reminded me just how
important it is to tell our story—to make sure every eligible member of the Finance Corps knows
that this community exists and welcomes them.

One of the unexpected highlights of the week was the opportunity to spend time with the AIT
Soldiers. Their energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm for the profession were truly inspiring. These
young Soldiers represent the future of the Finance Corps, and engaging with them reminded me
that our legacy is not only behind us—it’s also ahead of us. Their commitment to learning and
service was a powerful reminder of why organizations like RAFINO matter: to preserve the
connection between generations and to continue investing in the Corps we helped build.

RAFINO, the Retired Army Finance Organization, is a nonprofit community of retired Finance Corps
officers, NCOs, and civilians. For those who’ve completed their careers or are nearing that
milestone, it’s a way to stay connected, to preserve friendships forged through service, to
celebrate our shared history, and to make new memories along the way.

If you’re a member of the Finance Corps Association and are retirement-eligible but not yet part of
RAFINO, I encourage you to join us. Membership is open to those who are eligible to retire, with at
least half of their career spent in Financial Management roles.

RAFINO offers a nationwide network of fellow retirees who understand your journey, biennial
reunions that blend celebration, storytelling, and fellowship, regular updates on our members and
the Corps, a living link to the past, and a shared path forward.

My own RAFINO journey actually began several years ago, before the merger of the separate NCO
and officer organizations. However, the spark that truly inspired me to get actively involved came
when I attended my first reunion in Indianapolis in 2022. Since then, I’ve had the honor of leading
our 2024 reunion in Charleston and am now chairing the 2026 reunion in Colorado Springs,
scheduled for 28 October–1 November 2026. These events are more than just social gatherings;
they are reminders that service doesn’t end with retirement. It continues in new and meaningful
ways.

If you’re ready to reconnect and become part of the RAFINO family, visit www.rafino.org to learn
more.

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