18th CPTS ensures financial mission success

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Lynette Rolen | U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Cristina Maldonado, 18th Comptroller Squadron Defense Travel System team lead, references a portion of Defense Document 577 in DTS Oct. 25, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The DD 577, once filled out, is routed through the unit’s supervision and allows the proper authorities to view an organization’s information and the different permissions the organization may have. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Lynette M. Rolen/Released)  

KADENA, OKINAWA, JAPAN

10.27.2016

Story by Airman 1st Class Lynette Rolen 

18th Wing

Throughout the 18th Comptroller Squadron offices, one can hear a cacophony of tapping keyboards, ringing phones, and shuffling papers with all the business of busy bees.

Financial analyst Airmen working on computers and answering the phones all day long play a vital part in ensuring the financial success of the base.

They are the ones who make sure Airmen get going on their TDY or deployment. Without them, Kadena would not be able to participate in many missions.

“We oversee accountability of the government’s money,” said Master Sgt. Mary Anne Reyes, 18th CPTS financial analyst flight chief. “We ensure we’re fostering the proper rules and regulations within the Air Force directives as to where we should be spending our money. You’ve heard the saying every dollar counts; it’s true. We also provide decision support to our group commanders.”

The Airmen working in finance help maintain the adherence to rules and regulations. One of these Airmen is Senior Airman Jens Kaiser, 18th CPTS budget analyst. As a budget analyst, Kaiser ensures units stay within limits of funds issued to them and funds are properly managed throughout the base to keep the mission going.

“We make sure the mission happens,” said Kaiser. “Even though it may not be our main mission of funding the base, another part of our mission is to support other units in trying to get their finance situation squared away. We have the emergency contact information for troublesome situations, and can utilize those resources to make sure other units’ missions actually happen.”

Mission success and customer satisfaction are some of the most rewarding parts of the job for finance Airmen. Senior Airman Cristina Maldonado, 18th CPTS Defense Travel System team lead, said this is a great driving force behind her work.

“The most satisfaction I get with my work is when someone, even though I know they’re having a hard time and they’re frustrated about their voucher, has patience with me and thanks me,” said Maldonado. “At the end when it’s all done, just getting a thank-you is good enough for me.”

Reyes takes pride in the mission execution of the Airmen around her.

“That’s one thing I try to push on my Airmen,” said Reyes. “Taking that pride in their work; they might be sitting in the office 10 or 12 hours pushing vouchers, but they’re making a big difference out there.”

• Date Taken: 10.27.2016
• Date Posted: 10.26.2016 23:05
• Story ID: 213039
• Location: KADENA, OKINAWA, JP