BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - The 455th Air Expeditionary Wing finance management office not only provides financial customer service, it also plays an important role in the accomplishment of the 455 AEW mission by executing the wing budget to fund all mission requirements.
The team consists of three enlisted airmen who ensure the wing’s mission is met at Bagram, while accurately executing operational funds across five remote bases.
Tech. Sgt. Karina Myers, 455th AEW/FM non-commissioned officer in charge, deployed from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, oversees and manages the wing’s customer service operations, and serves as its financial manager. It’s her job to make sure each Airman is armed with the tools to accomplish the mission.
“My responsibilities include receiving and maintaining funding authority, developing budget estimates and executing operational requirements,” said Myers, a 14-year Air Force veteran from Houston. “I have been managing the execution of wing resources and overseeing financial support to more than 4,000 airmen.”
Myers said her time here has helped her become a better airman and NCO by providing her with invaluable exposure to the wartime mission. She plans to pass that experience on to her subordinates and fellow airmen to help them better prepare for their own future deployments.
Staff Sgt. Margaret Prokop, 455th AEW/FM budget technician, deployed from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., hails from Bolton, Conn.
“As the budget technician, it is my obligation to ensure that all of our Air Force units are being fiscally responsible and spending the tax payer’s dollars appropriately,” said Prokop who is a five-year Air Force veteran. “With the current budget cuts and sequestration, it is vital to create an understanding between the FM office and our units that our purchases must abide by fiscal law.”
Prokop is here to support and provide guidance to the 455 AEW commanders in determining what purchases are essential to the mission at Bagram.
“My significant duty accomplishments have been clearing 121 aged documents which made [funds] available for spending toward the current year’s mission at Bagram and ensuring 35 contracts have been awarded.”
Senior Airman Terrance Troope, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing financial management cashier and customer service technician, is deployed from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C.
“As the only Air Force cashier and customer service technician at Bagram Air Field, I provide all facets of military and travel pay financial services to more than 4,000 airmen,” said Troope, a three-year Air Force veteran from Chicago. “I strive to give outstanding financial support to each and every one of my customers by being as educated, motivated and hardworking as I can be.”
Troope said he’s happy to serve with such a great team here, and added he has helped more than 4,000 Air Force members with starting their deployment entitlements, which in turn boosts morale and allows Airmen to be focused on their mission while not having to worry about their pay.
“I have also provided Bagram Air Field airmen, government civilians and contractors with secure purchasing power through the Eagle Cash program in addition to reducing the amount of U.S. currency in the area of responsibility,” said Troope. “And I provided service members with the opportunity to gain financial security through contributions to the Saving Deposit Program and have given valuable information about the Thrift Savings Plan.”
When it comes down to it, Bagram’s financial management team is focused on money and their mission.
“We’re proud to support the wing in executing the air and space mission by providing sound financial advice to 455AEW leadership,” Myers said.