Financial discipline results in new TMO offices on Grand Forks AFB

Published March 22, 2012
By Airman 1st Class Derek VanHorn
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Officials here held a ribbon cutting ceremony March 20 to open a newly renovated traffic management office thanks to the successful commitment of base personnel to the government travel card program.

Each quarter the Air Mobility Command provides rebates to bases that report less than two percent delinquency rates on all GTC card balances and less than one percent delinquency rate on the total number of GTC accounts.

Officials here say Grand Forks AFB currently ranks best in AMC, having met and exceeded GTC standards for 17 consecutive months. This consistency has provided Grand Forks Airmen the opportunities to enjoy renovations and upgrades, such as the new TMO offices.

"This (project) came about because of the great work the Airmen have done throughout the wing by managing their GTC accounts and keeping them from becoming delinquent," said Col. Tim Bush, 319th Air Base Wing commander, who spoke to a crowd of more than 50 Airmen and civilians involved in the project before cutting the ribbon to mark the official opening.

The new offices provide more than 500 additional square feet than the original offices, which were built in the late 1980s.

The total cost of the project was $31,000, a price tag representative of supplies only, as the labor was provided by Airmen and civilians from the 319th Civil Engineer Squadron.

Having base personnel complete this project not only saved the wing more than an estimated $80,000 in potential contracting costs, but also provided Airmen a great chance to further develop and apply their on-the-job skills.

"With this GTC initiative, we are able to perform major projects that otherwise would be delayed because of budget constraints," said Senior Master Sgt. Chris Crafton, 319th CES operations flight superintendent. "This gives our Airmen the opportunity to work all facets of their career field and gain valuable OJT experience with civilian counterparts. It is definitely a win-win situation for the 319th ABW and the Air Force."

Grand Forks Airmen can expect to see more developments and improvements to come, as Bush implemented a policy that the wing will match all rebate amounts earned, and that those collective funds are dedicated solely to future quality of life projects on base. The 319th ABW averages about $6,000 in rebates each quarter.

Chief master sergeants across base meet and discuss potential quality of life projects, from dorm upgrades to installments of new heating and cooling systems, with the recommendations sorted and presented to the commander.

"The AMC recognizes and rewards the discipline and work these Airmen put in, and that gives us the opportunity to complete quality of life projects along with providing training and experience for our Airmen," said Chief Master Sgt. David Carlson, 319th ABW command chief. "It improves the quality of the base and it improves the quality of our Airmen."