Show me the money! 35 CPTS for the win

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Collette Brooks
The 35th Comptroller Squadron at Misawa Air Base, Japan, received the Pacific Air Force level Maj. General Alfred K. Flowers Comptroller Organization of the Year award and the Financial Operations Flight received the Air Force level Financial Services Office of the Year award.

This recognition highlights financial managers who set themselves apart by demonstrating exemplary performance and service excellence for the Air Force.

A few achievements that led this squadron to victory include being 1 out of 10 bases across the Air Force with a zero outstanding balance, the ability to secure additional monies toward the military family housing weatherization project and conducting quarterly "how to move off base" workshops for Team Misawa members.

The 35th CPTS is primarily comprised of two flights, the Financial Operations Flight and the Financial Management Analysis Flight. The squadron is comprised of 23 active duty Air Force members, nine Japanese nationals and six government civilians.

The FOF, otherwise known as customer service, tends to military pay, travel and special actions.

“I work all debts for Misawa AB,” explained U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tyler Easterly, a 35th CPTS special action journeyman. “I handle all separations and retirements for the base, as well as any reports or audits that come down form PACAF.”

The second half of the CPTS is FMAF, otherwise known as budget. Each base has a budget set by PACAF and the Air Force Installation and Mission Support for the upcoming fiscal year.

“It’s FMA’s responsibility to ensure Misawa AB stays in compliance with all the budgetary constraints and advocates for funding mission-essential requirements,” said U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Susan Moore, the 35th Financial Operations flight commander. “FMA works closely with the Contracting Squadron to properly execute the purchase of the majority of projects and items you see on base”

These two sections working together not only contributed to the squadron earning these awards but gave way to Easterly having a unique experience.

“Not only am I honored that my team won these awards, but I feel extra grateful because I was the one who walked across the stage to receive it,” said Easterly. “I’ll never forget that moment. I continue to push myself and my Airmen to strive, learn and care about our daily tasks because our job makes a big difference in people’s lives.”

Moore also recognized how the squadrons outstanding achieving correlates to mission impact.

“I know the work we do is not tangible, but we are involved in every aspect of this base,” said Moore. “We are able to assist Airmen with their paycheck to budgeting large-scale projects. I am extremely proud of the dedication and hard work shown here. The members of CPTS are the reason this award was possible.”