SOUTHWEST ASIA -- They pay for the services, which sustain the Airmen, who maintain and secure the aircraft the aircrew fly to gain and maintain air superiority.
They are the Airmen of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Financial Management team, and their motto is “financing the fight while providing customer service.”
As the commander’s principal advisor on funding and fiscal issues, FM oversees all the expenditures to enable mission execution, ensuring all of the contracts for goods and services are paid.
“Funding requirements are submitted by our units to procure items and services, categorized as either mission critical, essential or enhancement,” said 332 AEW FM budget analyst Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Grote. “We then work with the contracting office to purchase these items and services in order of priority.”
These include regular sustainment items and services, i.e. food, dining facility cooks and servers, custodial crew, and repairs for washers, dryers, air conditioning and heating units. It also includes bottled water for drinking, non-potable water for showering and plumbing, and waste disposal.
“Their critical efforts support mission execution and take care of Airmen,” said 332 AEW vice commander Col. Richard Goodman. “Every good and useful thing, from Wi-Fi to new latrines, is funded through FM.”
FM also serves as the focal point for assigned members on matters of military and travel pay, including entitlements. They provide check cashing, currency exchanges, and other customer services, such as assisting with Defense Travel System vouchers and Government Travel Card issues, to military and government civilians.
“When someone comes in with an issue, we want them to leave here knowing we’re doing everything we can to help,” said non-commissioned officer in charge of customer service Tech. Sgt. Scott Hartzell.
Although FM is not authorized to advise members on personal finance matters, such as investment or saving strategy, they can present some available options.
FM facilitates participation in the Uniformed Services Savings Deposit Program, a savings deposit program which allows savings of up to $10,000 of allotted net pay with 10 percent interest per annum.
Additionally, FM manages the Eagle Cash Card, another popular program which allows members to transfer money from a bank account and acts as a debit card. The card works at the Base Exchange store, Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities, such as the gym and club, and certain venders on base. Usage of the ECC helps prevent credit card compromise.
“Financial worries are an unnecessary burden in our environment,” said non-commissioned officer in charge Master Sgt. Carla Quarles. “We work to help alleviate that burden for our members.”
The 332d Air Expeditionary Wing continues the legacy of the famous Tuskegee Airmen of World War II, delivering full-spectrum integrated air and space power, providing agile combat support, developing and empowering innovative Airmen, cultivating relationships with joint and coalition partners, and posturing the wing for enduring strategic presence in Southwest Asia.