5th CPTS recognized for flood crisis support

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The 5th Comptroller Squadron was recently awarded the 2011 U.S. Air Force Special Acts and Services Award for their contributions in supporting the financial situations of displaced Airmen and their families, during last summer's historic Souris River Flood.

Lt. Col. Barry Eddins, 5th CPTS commander, attributed his squadron's success to the overall base-wide teamwork that took place during the flood crisis. He said it was because of the work of the various units in taking care of their Airmen, that they were able to stand out.

The work the base did in identifying their flood victims and the support of squadrons in helping to ensure the proper paperwork was put forth proved to be effective, he added.

"This Air Force-level recognition reinforces the fact that even small units in remote locations can make an impact on mission operations and a difference in the lives of Airmen," said Eddins.

During the flood crisis, the 5th CPTS was instrumental in ensuring proper paperwork and procedures were completed to authorize allowances to military dependents who were ordered to evacuate. Their work in handling flood victims' finances for the temporary storage of household goods was also a challenge they overcame during the same time.

"Rules for evacuation allowances are rarely used," said Eddins.

Yet, he said there was significant coordination between their staff, the 5th Force Support Squadron, the 5th Logistics Readiness Squadron, and the Air Force Financial Service Center, among others to ensure procedures were set up properly.

"It was by maintaining a focus in taking care of Minot's Airmen that we were able to ensure that the best of the best in performance and service was delivered to Team Minot members," said Eddins. "It was also by working together to solve the many unusual circumstances that came up."

Eddins recognized that challenges still continue to this day, however; since they are currently in the process of transitioning to supporting non-concurrent PCS personnel.

"We have had to adjust our daily operations for the long-term, to support these additional tracking requirements, so pay and entitlements are as correct as possible," said Eddins.

At the end of the day it was having the squadron recognized for their work that reaffirmed to him a sense of accomplishment in knowing that the 5th CPTS pulled together to provide Team Minot with the best possible outcome.