Laughlin comptroller squadron best in AETC

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Olufemi Owolabi
  • 47 FTW Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  It was a shock to members of the 47th Comptroller Squadron because the announcement came with no warning.

The Air Education and Training Command recently announced the winners of the 2007 Comptroller Awards, and Laughlin's 47th Mission Support Group's comptroller unit stood tall amongst all others, emerging as the most outstanding unit.

The 47th Comptroller Squadron garnered first place in AETC for providing an outstanding customer-focused service with quality and integrity; for rendering responsive and flexible financial services, oversight, and analysis enabling sound fiscal decision making.

"This means our hard work and quality output has not gone un-noticed," said 1st Lt. Ray Tansil, financial services officer, 47th CPTS. "We are one of the smallest comptroller squadrons in AETC, so being able to beat the "big boys" means a lot to us. I like to think of us as 'the little Comptrollers that could.'"

The deputy budget flight chief, 2nd Lt. Josh Wolfram added that winning an AETC-level award is a huge accomplishment especially with the amount of turnover the unit had this past year. It directly reflects the leadership of their recently deployed commander, Maj. Robert Paleo, and the dedication of the men and women working in the squadron.

"It is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of the people within the 47th CPTS," Lieutenant Wolfram said. "Every day brings on a new challenge and our office always finds a way to solve it. We are a small squadron but always find a way to get the big jobs done."

Receiving such an accolade in the command is no surprise to most XLers, as the unit continues to render a top-notch service to Laughlin members, evident in the squadron's mission statement, "Transform for the future through technology, training, and innovative thinking."

For the squadron, knowing that their work is appreciated not only by Laughlin members but also recognized at the AETC level is an added bonus.

"This proves that we "Team XL" here at Laughlin and the people stationed here are capable of leading the AETC pack," said Lieutenant Tansil.

Though there was no gauging the competition to see how the squadron stacked up among others units in AETC, Laughlin can see bits and pieces of how the other bases are performing through reportable metrics. According to Lieutenant Tansil, these metrics only paint a small picture. He added that Laughlin's metrics and reports are usually the best or among the best.

"We were above our metrics and goals for the year," said Lieutenant Wolfram. "We employed cost-saving efficiencies and effectively completed the 47th Flying Training Wing and 47th CPTS missions. One example of this was solving a $2 million shortfall in pay. At the end of the year, we were actually able to give money back to the command to use at other bases."

After considering the numerous activities his squadron members are involved with on and off base, the reason became clear to Lieutenant Tansil why his unit deserves such an honor.

Winning an AETC award is well received, but it is not a new occurrence for this squadron. The unit won the award for two consecutive years in 1996 and 1997. They now have another AETC trophy to display beside them.

Having won at the AETC level for 2007, the squadron will advance to the Air Force level of competition. The unit members are very optimistic and look forward to bringing home top honors.

Lieutenant Tansil, who happened to be at right place, the wing executive office, when the email came down notifying the wing that his squadron had just won at AETC, said he was excited to hear the good news and couldn't wait for the results of the Air Force level of competition.

"I feel like we have as good of a chance as anyone," Lieutenant Tansil said. "If we can win at the MAJCOM level, then we have what it takes to win at Air Force level."