Story by Master Sgt. Steve Wilkins
145th Airlift Wing, North Carolina Air National Guard
CHARLOTTE, N.C.- Three 145 Comptroller Flight airmen were nationally recognized recently among the best in their career fields. Lt. Col. Gregory Goforth, flight commander, 1st Lt. Jeanie Helms and Senior Master Sgt. Latonya McPhail received recognition as the Financial Management Comptroller, Company Grade Officer and Superintendent of the Year for 2011, respectively.
The group humbly acknowledged appreciation for the other members of the shop, all asserting they couldn't achieve the performance marks worthy of recognition without the daily assistance and cooperation of their co-workers.
"I feel very fortunate to work with such an inspiring commander and extremely supportive office," stated Helms.
The Comptroller's office, led by Goforth, who manages a budget in excess of $50 million, was able to achieve a reduction in average processing time for paid travel vouchers by 14 percent, an aspect of McPhail's administration of more than 5,000 travel transactions totaling over $7.6 million the office managed through the year. McPhail was recognized in 2005 as the National Guard Financial Management Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year. Among a variety of other notable achievements throughout the office, Helm's performance included a reduction of interest penalties per $1 million to less than $45, well below the $203 national average.
The entire office is comprised of superlative airmen, having been recognized in 2007 as the National Guard's Financial Services Office of the Year and again, in 2010, as the Financial Analysis Office of the year Goforth was quick to lavish the staff with his appreciation, saying, "I am proud to lead the finest group of people in the North Carolina National Guard and the United States Air Force. The awards are merely a validation of their merit and embodiment of the Air Force core values."