Page 4 - Fall2018_RAFINO_Reporter

Vice Prez Sez: Vice Prez Sez: Vice Prez Sez:

As we near the end of Kevin Troller's term as our president, I take this opportunity to thank him for his
leadership and untiring efforts to solidify our once two separate societies of RAFINCO and RAFINO into our
now combined Retired Army Finance Organization. Through Kevin's leadership, we have vastly improved
communication and information sharing throughout the organization, brought on a significant number of new
members since Las Vegas, created lifetime memberships and reworked our bylaws in order to better serve
our merged organization. It has been my pleasure and honor to serve with Kevin on the 2016-2018 Board of
Officers and I look forward to many more years of his positive influence on RAFINO.

Reunion: It's almost time! Yes, by the time you read this, our reunion in Albuquerque will be less than a
month away. Bruce and Harold and their entire team have done a magnificent job planning and setting up
what I believe will be a great time for us all. I look forward to seeing all of the repeat reunion participants and
welcoming the 33 first time attendees. Our reunions are the foundation of our organization as they provide
an opportunity to meet new members, renew old friendships, and promote camaraderie and esprit de corps
within the retired financial management community.

Membership: As of this update, we have 483 members in good standing, meaning their dues are paid at
least through year 2018. This includes 218 lifetime members. Also, as of August 31 we have 219 associate
RAFINO Board
members (surviving spouses). Although they do not pay dues, surviving spouses are welcome and
encouraged to attend reunions and provide input and vote on reunion/cruise issues. Several surviving
spouses are registered to attend the Albuquerque Reunion. Please seek them out, solicit their valuable
input, and make them feel welcome. Lastly on the new-membership front, we have gained 59 new members
since we last met in Las Vegas. Aggressive recruitment of recently retired financial management soldiers is
critical to the continued viability of our organization. As the Membership VP for the last two years, I want to
thank all of you that have reached out to friends and colleagues and encouraged them to join RAFINO. You
made my job easy.
Larry J. Elsom
CSM (Ret.)
elsomb26k@gmail.com