GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, IND. – The hard work of the 434th Air Refueling Wing Financial Management unit is paying off. Members of the team won four Air Force Reserve Command FM annual awards in recognition of their work to enhance financial readiness. Members of the Grissom team won the following awards:
Maj. Gen. Alfred K. Flowers Comptroller Organization of the Year
Maj. Gen. Frank R. Faykes Financial Management and Comptroller of the Year
Chief Master Sgt. Larry P. Gonzales Senior Enlisted Leader of the Year
Financial Management SNCO of the Year
“Finance finances the fight," said Novak-Stinson. "Financial stability keeps our troops focused on the fight. I hope my Airmen understand how much they do to affect the mission by keeping people mentally ready.”
Last year, the financial management team ensured timely disbursements of over 17,000 pay transactions, directly enhancing the financial readiness of the Hoosier Wing to ensure war-fighter support and achieve AFRC readiness objectives.
“It’s our job to support the people who’ve raised their hand and may have to leave at a moment’s notice,” said Vanderdoes. “I think these awards just show that we put the professionalism in place to make sure that our members get paid as quickly as possible.”
As the comptroller, Vanderdoes oversees all the financial management aspects of the base budget. He and his team of 28 Airmen and civilians handle military and travel pay for the whole wing. Whether it’s managing budgets, funding air refueling operations, or preparing deployers, the financial management team is committed to ensuring peace of mind, allowing Airmen to focus on their mission.
“I can’t overstate how welcoming the culture is in this office,” said Senior Airman Timothy Warren, 434th ARW financial technician. “Everyone is incredibly hard-working and I’m happy the team got acknowledged with these awards.”
Through their diligence and precision, the Hoosier Wing’s FM team continues to ensure Airmen are ready to respond quickly and effectively in high-threat environments worldwide.