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Deployed finance techs redefine the typical banker’s role

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Michael Voss
  • 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
MANAS AIR BASE, KYRGYZ REPUBLIC --  Many civilians back in the United States may not understand the need for a military finance office in the combat zone, but the men and women of Manas AB truly appreciate those few 6F0X1's deployed here.

The 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Finance Flight assists with more than just cashing checks. They ensure more than 1,000 servicemembers and 600 civilian contractors are receiving all the entitlements they are eligible for during their deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Those entitlements are more than noticeable, especially if you are not receiving them. These entitlements include combat zone tax exclusion, hostile fire/imminent danger and hardship duty pay. For personnel receiving them, it amounts to about one thousand extra dollars a month.

Military members deployed earn $3.50 a day in incidental per diem, which is received when a supplemental or final travel voucher is submitted by the member either in theater or after they redeploy to their home station.

Understanding all the benefits can be a bit overwhelming for the newly assigned Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine after stepping off a flight from the United States. Comprehending the details is important when looking at the differences between basic allowance for housing for married members or members with dependents versus single personnel. Or knowing if they qualify for family separation allowance, which is stated on the Leave and Earning Statement as FSH.

The FSH entitlement is $250 per month and will typically appear as a higher amount in your LES because it will include your first partial month's FSH prorated for the number of days deployed. Members also have the option of not receiving FSH until they redeploy and filing a travel voucher for the full lump sum.

Answering entitlement and benefit questions keep finance customer service technicians like Colorado native Staff Sgt. April Barnard gainfully employed and up to speed on the issues. Starting with the regularly scheduled wing Right Start briefings, Sergeant Barnard is one of the first faces deployed members will see after they arrive at Manas.

"Sometimes people don't realize the importance of the finance office," said Sergeant Barnard. "But when something goes wrong with their finances....they want it fixed and they want it now!" "Everyday is different," said Sergeant Barnard. "I try to provide service with a smile to every servicemember that comes in our door, because a pay problem should be the last thing on a troops mind."

But ensuring that deployed military members at Manas receive the appropriate pay and entitlements is only one part of the finance flight's responsibilities.

The finance office also administers the Eagle Cash Card system used by Manas servicemembers. The card is a Stored Value Card (SVC) similar to an electronic debit card that withdraws money straight from the member's bank account to allow members to purchase necessities during their deployment. As of August 1, all Air Force members in the Air Forces Central area of operations must have an Eagle Cash Card. However, they do not have to use it and can still opt to cash checks if they choose.

"The importance of finance becomes very evident when servicemembers can't get money for those few essential items they need like razors or soap from the base exchange," said Sergeant Bernard.

Another unique part of the deployment experience at Manas Air Base is the relationship servicemembers have with their Kyrgyz hosts. Unlike many other forward operating bases, Manas allows deployed members the opportunity to go off base to visit local orphanages and schools, community centers, restaurants and even go on outdoor adventures. But before they can go off base, servicemembers must first visit finance customer service representatives to exchange dollars for som, the local Kyrgyz currency.

Taking care of individual's personal entitlements and needs is only part of the mission in the finance flight according to Maj. Michael Rooney, 376th AEW Finance Flight commander.

"Most people think finance only helps with personal pay problems, but we play an integral role in every product ordered and purchased here; everything from pencils to new facilities," said Major Rooney.

"In finance, much of what we do is behind the scenes," said Staff Sgt. William Wiltrout. "As an accounting liaison technician, I make sure contracts are getting completed and vendors are paid on time," he said. "By making sure these contracts get paid, we make sure everyone here can get their mission accomplished and enjoy some of the better things Manas has to offer like wireless internet service."

As the accounting liaison technician, Sergeant Wiltrout ensure the funds for all on base programs and projects move through the stages of obligation, from the Form 9 request for funding to the end payment received by the vendor. The sergeant pointed out that he touches virtually every step of the process in spending $38.5 million this year.

"This has been this finance team's first deployment and although it has been a learning experience to operate in a deployed environment, they have pooled their skills together to get the job done," said Major Rooney.

And getting the job done is exactly what the wing's finance customer service technicians are doing everyday to ensure the success of more than $16.2 million in local service contracts and an additional $7.7 million in construction projects.

These multi-million dollar contracts also help the local Kyrgyz economy as many of the goods and services are purchased locally. There are also 650 contract workers at Manas, 500 of which are Kyrgyz nationals and another 150 Americans and foreign workers who often live off base on the local economy.

"I think this deployment has been a great learning experience and Manas has been an excellent location for my first deployment," said Sergeant Wiltrout.