31st CPTS best in Air Force

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Colleen Wieman
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Aviano Air Base, Italy --  The 31st Comptroller Squadron knows Aviano Airmen enjoy their money. 

Ensuring Airmen get what's coming to them quickly, the squadron's hard work paid off when they were named the Air Force's Financial Management and Comptroller Organization of the Year for fiscal year 2006. 

"I couldn't be happier for my people in the squadron," said Lt. Col. Lester Weilacher, 31st Comptroller Squadron commander. 

The squadron was notified of its high-level achievement March 13. Colonel Weilacher said as far as he knew, this was the first Air Force level award received by the squadron. 

The more than 55 people who help make the cash flow through the 31st CPTS served more than 18,000 customers with an average three minute wait. The squadron was also number one in U.S. Air Forces in Europe for FAST reimbursement. Last year, it processed 5,494 vouchers, and also built a voucher balancing process. This process synchronized three payment systems which resulted in 100 percent accountability. 

When major pay problems arose, the squadron worked closely with the Military Personnel Flight, closing more than 1,600 cases and becoming the USAFE leader in fixing Airmen's pay worries. 

"We couldn't have done it without leadership and accountability at all levels in the organization," said Capt. Eric Cuebas, 31st CPTS financial services officer. 

The squadron also drove the 2006 Overseas Housing Allowance Utility survey. They got more than 700 responses and added $135 more per month to paychecks. 

"Our people are sensitive to how important pay is to Airmen," Colonel Weilacher said. "It's how Airmen put food on their tables."