An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Senior Airman Andrew Longaker: Dollars and sense

  • Published
  • By by Tech. Sgt. Tyrona Lawson
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan --  One of the many stressors military members face when deployed is finances. Managing money while away from home can be a tricky feat if you are not well prepared.

From allotments, to savings plans, deployment entitlements and travel vouchers, the 455th Expeditionary Comptroller Squadron, takes strides to make sure members at Bagram Airfield are taken care of.

One member in particular, Senior Airman Andrew Longaker, has taken his mission as a budget technician for the Accounting Liaison Officer to a higher standard.

“My mission is to provide technical support and advice to organizations in regards to making official purchases,” said Longaker. “I act as a liaison between the purchasing organization, contracting office and the vendor to ensure commodities are purchased in a timely manner.”

As a result of his excellent job performance and evoking the whole Airmen concept by self-improvement and community involvement, Longaker earned the Wing Staff Agency Airman Top Performer for the month of June.

“I don’t really know what to say about winning,” said Longaker. “I am pretty excited!”

Coming from the 96th Comptroller Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, Longaker has learned that it is important to keep your mind strong while deployed to Bagram.

In doing so, he has tapped into all three aspects of the Air Force Warrior Ethos; hardiness of spirit, and moral and physical courage.

While deployed, Longaker has taken advantage of many activities offered here at Bagram to include a Spartan Race.

“My most memorable experience here at Bagram was running the Spartan Race with my buds,” said Longaker. “I’ve always loved obstacle races and the challenges they provide, so being able to participate out here has been a great opportunity.”

Though Longaker utilizes physical courage and hardiness of spirit to help keep his morale high during his deployment, it is morale courage that has dictated how he serves at his job.

“All components of warrior ethos are necessary for a machine to operate smoothly, however, a machine with no direction or purpose is one that becomes useless,” said Longaker. “I like to think of moral courage as the single most important piece of the puzzle. The ability to know what is good and just and the fortitude to stand up for those beliefs, are the foundation for all other components of Warrior Ethos.”

“I know that an individual who can make just calls and inspire others to do the same is the epitome of a leader,” said Longaker. “That is what I strive to be”.