Unit financial specialist training at Minot AFB

Published Oct. 2, 2008
By 2nd Lt. Kidron B. Vestal
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- More than 10 Airmen recently completed unit financial specialist training here after attending a four-day course on a range of financial topics.

The course was taught by J.R. Williamson and Nancy Bowers, representatives of the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

The new specialists "will go back to their units and provide basic financial assistance," said Mr. Williamson, community readiness consultant and accredited financial counselor. He added that they will "help the folks in the organization improve their financial situation, and get the maximum benefit from their money."

Some of the skills developed at the training included being able to determine one's net worth, creating a spending plan, and helping prevent financial crisis.

The majority of the participants volunteered for the course (the position itself is an additional duty), and some used personal time to attend the day-long sessions.

Tech. Sgt. Alexander Malave, 91st Missile Security Forces Squadron flight chief said the program is a "win-win situation." Being able to offer troops resources "puts you in front of them and builds more confidence and credit in you the leader," he added.

Tech. Sgt. Kyle Andino, also a flight chief for the 91st MSFS noted that for most people "the Air Force is just a small fraction of their life, from the ages of 18 - 38." One of the main points of the training centered on preparing now for the future.

Members who wish to visit their unit financial specialist are asked to bring with them a current/recent leave and earnings statement.

The training for this commander-driven program occurs twice yearly, and is arranged in group sessions through the AFRC. For more information about the course call 723-4728.