Since the membership of CNA is so diverse, and separated geographically, it may be feasibly impossible for our members to meet and get to know one another. This section will highlight a member in each newsletter, providing a brief background of the individual, so the membership may know a little about that person. It will be 100% voluntary. The officers and board members will be given first opportunity to provide their background, followed by the charter, and the regular members.

This newsletters profile is about Andres Rodriquez, Vice-President of the Cuban Numismatic Association.

I was born in Havana, Cuba. My father was from Spain, and my mother is a native of Cuba. I am married to my lovely wife, Amalia, also born in Cuba, for 38 years. We have two children; Alex and Max. On June 9, 2004, Max’s wife, Sara, gave birth to our first grandchild. Her name is Samantha.

I am a graduate of the American Institute of Banking in New York. I have been in the banking business for 30 years as Vice-President of the International Private Banking as a financial advisor. I have worked for Citibank, J.P. Morgan, and Security Pacific Bank.

I served in the US Army during the Vietnam era, and I am a member of the American Legion. I am also Vice-President of the Ocala Coin Club, and a member of the Villages Coin Club.

My interest in coin collecting goes back to my childhood. My Uncle Amado, who was in the Merchant Marines, would bring me coins from different countries every time he came home from a trip. In 1960, after arriving in New York, Amalia gave me a Cuban silver peso, and this started my interest in Cuban coins and paper money.

Last year, a member of the Ocala Coin Club mentioned that he had read that a Cuban Coin Club was forming. I contacted Frank Putrow, who advised me of the inaugural meeting in Orlando, Florida. I was very happy to meet with others who had similar interests in Cuban coins and paper money. I was elected Vice-President at this inaugural meeting.

I am looking forward to meeting everyone at the next FUN Coin Show in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. I also want to WECOME all the new members.

I can be reached at my email address; escolapio@e-mail.com.   SALUDAS!!