Photo By Maj. Gretel Weiskopf | Lefty Wright, a civilian working in the Joint Task Force Guantanamo comptroller's...... read more read more
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GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba – Handling the $122 million budget for the Joint Task Force is no small task, but for the three members of the comptroller's office, it is their job to ensure Troopers' finances are submitted, recorded and obtained correctly.
"The budget includes every organization in the Joint Task Force," said Ken Gurne, deputy comptroller.
A comptroller is defined as a person who supervises accounting and financial reporting within an organization making it Gurne's responsibility to see that all of the money is used correctly.
"If a project is finished under budget, we can give that money back to Army South so they can use the money for equal- or higher-priority missions," said Gurne, who also ensures all expenditure records are being kept to standard.
Of the $122 million, $51 million is from U.S. Southern Command and $71 million is from U.S. Army South for operations and maintenance.
In last year's budget, $8.1 million was allocated for construction projects related to Tierra Kay and this year many projects the Joint Detention Group proposed were successfully funded.
"It is great to support the troops and get the mission done," said Gurne, who has been working on Guantanamo Bay for almost one year.
The JTF budget also covers the troopers' Rest and Recuperation Leave program as well as emergency leave. Part of these two programs is ensuring Troopers know the proper way to file paperwork.
When Soldiers receive their orders for a paid flight off the island, it needs to include an approval signature and red stamp by the J8 office to ensure both flights will be funded.
"The R&R program is entitled to all Soldiers, Sailors and Marines, and sometimes extended to civilians, as a free way home or at least to the first port of entry into the States," said Lefty Wright, management analyst.
Another responsibility of the J8 office is carrying out the management control program.
"The management control program makes sure our organization works efficiently and follows the rules, regulations and [standard operating procedures]," said Wright. "We work closely with the [Inspector General] to see the systems are being followed."
Sometimes called the "budget police," the JTF comptroller's office is here to ensure all funds are handled properly.
http://www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil/
| Date Taken: | 10.17.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 10.22.2008 12:28 |
| Story ID: | 25388 |
| Location: | GUANTANAMO BAY, CU |
| Web Views: | 165 |
| Downloads: | 135 |
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