Florida National Guard prepares for Hurricane Ian relief

Photo By Spc. Alexander Helman | Staff Sgt. Christina Osier, a Financial Management Technician in the Florida National Guard’s 153rd Financial Management Support Detachment out of St. Augustine, Fla., overlooks crucial financial documents in the relief effort against Hurricane Ian. Financial Management Technicians in the FLNG are tasked with managing resources and financial operations crucial to missions.  

FL, UNITED STATES

09.28.2022

Story by Pfc. Alexander Helman 

107th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

St. Augustine, Fla. (Sept. 26, 2022) – With the incoming threat of Hurricane Ian, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has activated approximately 5,000 Florida National Guard (FLNG) Soldiers and Florida Air National Guard personnel in preparation for oncoming landfall.
As Hurricane Ian, a category 4 hurricane with winds of up to 155 miles per hour, touches down on the coast of Florida, Gov. DeSantis will enlist state and local leadership to ensure the safety and health of the local population. The 153rd Financial Management Support Detachment (FMSD) out of St. Augustine, Fla., works on the logistical side to provide units with the funds they need to continue the relief effort. Financial Management Technicians (36B MOS) out of the 153rd FMSD manage resources and financial operations crucial to the mission.
“Our task is to support the units on the ground,” said Staff Sgt. Christina Osier, a Financial Management Technician with the 153rd FMSD. “We help them acquire the assets that they need to be mission successful. The whole process has changed, as we have a new financial system that’s supposed to make it easier for the unit. Communication and approval processes should be quicker.”
The Florida National Guard has responded successfully to several hurricanes in the past, including Irma, Michael, Mathew and most recently, Dorian. FLNG soldiers will continue to disperse aid wherever needed, presenting a preparedness to aid the state. Without the support of such units as the 153rd FMSD, this aid could not be properly dispersed. Other units within the FLNG would not have the means to procure essential equipment. Soldiers specialize in different skills that unify with those of civilian first responders. The Florida National Guard is equipped, ready, focused and prepared to respond in every aspect for the citizens of Florida.
"We're on standby, ready to support," said Spc. Aileen Colon, another Financial Management Technician with the 153rd (FMSD). "It's exciting. I've been with this unit for over a year, and this is my first mission with them. I'm looking forward to learning the technology, the system, the process, and the operation of the mission."

• Date Taken: 09.28.2022
• Date Posted: 09.28.2022 15:59
• Story ID: 430287
• Location: FL, US