Volume 14, Number 12. Chapter Events. Executive Board Meeting: 7 February Sparkman Center, Bldg 5300, Room 5140, Time: 11:00 a.m.

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E3 Excellence in Efficiency and Effectiveness What s Inside President s Message 1 Local Chapter News 2 National News 6 Community Projects 8 Did You Know 9 You Said It 10 Training Korner 12 Who Let

1 E3 Excellence in Efficiency and Effectiveness What s Inside President s Message 1 Local Chapter News 2 National News 6 Community Projects 8 Did You Know 9 You Said It 10 Training Korner 12 Who Let The News Out 13 Useful Information 15 Chapter Events Executive Board Meeting: 7 February 2008 Volume 14, Number 12 A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Happy New Year! This is the time of year that we reflect on our accomplishments and set our resolutions for the new year. It is a time to remember those in our government, including some ASMC members, who are working to defend our freedoms. To that end, we plan to send care packages to Team Redstone family members deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan in the near future and will provide more information on our ASMC website. We have many exciting and rewarding events planned for We were addressed at our January luncheon by Mr. Halstead Green, CDFM, AMCOM- G8, concerning his experiences while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan in February promises to be another popular luncheon when we will have our Valentine Fashion Show with great models and fashions you don t want to miss. March will offer the Redstone/Huntsville Chapter s Mini-Professional Development Institute (Mini-PDI) for two one-day sessions on 5 and 6 March, topic: A Comptroller s Career from the Cradle to the Grave. The Mini-PDI will offer information on comptroller issues, fiscal law, and FERS and CSRS federal benefits. Include in your IDP (Catalog # F82MPDI) and register for this one-day training session that will enhance your career financial planning. Registration information can be found on the Chapter web site. The April luncheon will bring us U.S. Representative Artur Davis, Alabama s 7 th Congressional District and member of the House Ways and Means Committee and the Judicial Committee. This luncheon is scheduled for Monday, 7 April at 1130, and Congressman Davis is the culminating speaker for this chapter year. Don t miss these events and invite your coworkers to participate. Our picnic is in May and June will bring recognitions and the installation of New Officers. Sparkman Center, Bldg 5300, Room 5140, Time: 11:00 a.m. General Luncheon Meeting: When: 14 February 2008 Where: Trinity Personal Growth Center, Airport Road Event: 1 Valentine Fashion Show FIVE STAR CHAPTER Achievement Award Nominations: Supervisors can reward their best employees by nominating them for ASMC National Achievement Awards. Nominations for individual and team achievement awards are due no later than January 31, For information and nomination forms, go to the ASMC web site and click on national awards program. ASMC would particularly like to receive more strong nominations in the category for education, training, and career development and also in the contractor support category. PDI 2008 will be held at the Orlando Marriott World Center in Florida and registration and hotel accommodations will open in mid February Watch ASMC s website for the announcement that the registration is open. The New Year will no doubt bring about new challenges and initiatives. We remain resolved to building ASMC as a resource that will assist our members in their professional growth. We are extremely thankful for our many chapter volunteers who dedicate themselves to the goals of the society. ASMC is truly fortunate to have members with such great dedication. Bob Nichols, CDFM President of Redstone/Huntsville Chapter

2 Our Chapter News.. Huntsville Chapter Officers for President: Bob Nichols, CDFM 1 st Vice President: Becky Lake 2 nd Vice President: Lisa White 3 rd Vice President: Cody Swinford Corresponding Secretary: Kim Jean Recording Secretary: Lisa Lowry Treasurer: John Ogles Assistant Treasure: Susan Zimmerly MEMBERSHIP The Redstone/Huntsville Chapter would like to welcome all new members and those who have transferred from other chapters. We are looking forward to seeing all of you at our monthly luncheons, our numerous chapter events, and your participation in our committees. If you know would like to join ASMC, or know someone who would like to become a member of our Chapter, please contact Jessica Dunaway at Alpha Order: Connie Atchley, Kathy Buford, Davy Chittam, Meredith Clark, Myra Cox, Carolyn Hames, Greg Heath, Jannette Jones, Tony McAdory, Melinda McLemore, Mindy Shelton, Judy Smith, Lisa White, and Dana Wilbanks, Got something to say to fellow members about your ASMC experiences, community projects you are working on, advice or comments that you think would be helpful, etc..well let us know. Send your comments to felicia.williams@redstone.army.mil and we ll tell them..you said it! Page 2

3 The December Luncheon really kicked into high gear with the appearance of our Special Guests, the Trinity Preschoolers. We had the pleasure of a musical extravaganza with familiar Christmas tunes and Santa was there to entertain the little ones. The Trinity Preschoolers did a wonderful job. If you were not in attendance at the December Luncheon, you missed a treat. Page 3

ASMC 06 December 07 The monthly ASMC Board of Directors meeting was held in Building 5300, Room 5140, on 7 December 2007. The meeting was called to order at 1100 by 1 st Vice President Becky Lake.

2 nd Vice President (Lisa White): No Report. 3 rd Vice President (Cody Swinford): No Report. Attendance (Marlene Clemons): There are 99 reservations for December luncheon.

4 ASMC 06 December 07 The monthly ASMC Board of Directors meeting was held in Building 5300, Room 5140, on 7 December The meeting was called to order at 1100 by 1 st Vice President Becky Lake. The following Committee Reports were given: Old Business: None. President (Bob Nichols, CDFM): No Report. 1 st Vice President (Becky Lake): Need more pictures for website/publicity. 2 nd Vice President (Lisa White): No Report. 3 rd Vice President (Cody Swinford): No Report. Attendance (Marlene Clemons): There are 99 reservations for December luncheon. Audit (Virginia Moore): No Report. Awards (Debbie O Neal): No Report. CDFM (Robert Archer, CDFM): Waiting on response concerning CDFM software. The Learning Center will start paper CDFM testing. Chapter Competition (Kim Jean): No Report. Chapter Fair (Vickie Compton): No Report. Community Projects (Tony McAdory): Gwen Davis has a desire to become co-chair of Community Projects. The Angel Tree was manned at Parkway Place Mall on Sun, 2 Dec. Constitution & Bylaws (Jackie Shaw): No Report. Corporate Membership (Don Clingerman): No Report. Facilities (Judy Smith for Michelle Cobb): Will have nice centerpieces for the Dec luncheon. Membership (Jessica Dunaway): No Report. Newsletter (Dr. Felicia Williams): No Report. Nominating (Kim Jean for Christina Ridgeway): No Report. Programs (Judy Smith): December luncheon will not have a speaker. Looking for January speaker. Publicity (Becky Lake): No Report. Page 4

5 Scholarship (Judy Smith): Ad will run in Redstone Rocket through mid-february. Will have applications on luncheon tables. Also will be in the newsletter and posted on the website. Applications will be due end of Feb 08. Special Events (Lisa White): Everything set for December luncheon. ASMC purchased 4 Salvation Army Angels. Training and Education (Debbie O Neal for Cody Swinford): No Report. Treasurer (John Ogles): Will provide checks requested. Ways & Means (Lisa Lowry): Will have fabulous door prizes. Web Master (Becky Lake): Website has been updated. Meeting adjourned at 11:15. Kim Jean for Lisa E. Lowry, Recording Secretary The ASMC Redstone/Huntsville Chapter is sponsoring a two-day Mini-PDI on March 5 th and 6 th. The Mini-PDI will focus on a strategy that will optimize education and learning. The Theme for this year is, A Comptroller s Career from the Cradle to the Grave. We proudly announce that our keynote speakers are Dr. Gary Huckaby, Kathryn Sommerkamp, and Mike Ryan. The Mini-PDI will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church Auditorium on Airport Road. Registration both days is from 7:30 am-8:25 am with the seminar time is 8:30 am- 4:30 pm (lunch is included). The cost is $100 for ASMC members and $125 for non-members. To register, the TIP Number is F82MPDI. To register with the with the IMPAC credit card call Cody Swinford, , Dana Wilbanks, , Debbie O Neal, , Sandy Balog, , Frieda Waits, or Theresa McBride, Page 5

6 National News The ASMC Scholarship Program is to provide financial assistance to aid ASMC members and/or their immediate family in continuing their educational endeavors. REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSION: Applicants must be a current ASMC member or a high school senior, undergraduate, or those working on graduate programs (immediately related to an ASMC member). Applicants must have maintained a 3.0 GPA Application showing extracurricular school activities, community service Letter(s) of Recommendation For ASMC Members: Complete the Members Continuing Education Program Application Form. FOR HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS: Use the National Scholarship Program Application at However, local only scholarships do not require the applicant to be a Business and/or Financial major. Therefore, Submission Requirements numbers 1, 5, and 6 are applicable (with only 2 letters of recommendation). Applications should be received by February 28, Applications may be submitted to the following: Judy Smith, Chairperson, Scholarship Committee, Bldg 5300 (3rd floor), Michelle Cobb, Bldg 5300, Jackie Shaw, Bldg 5300, Debbie O Neal, Bldg 5400, Dee Kowallik, Bldg 5681, Jessica Dunaway, Bldg 5308, Connie Atchley, Bldg 5220, Candice Willard, Bldg 5678, Cody Swinford, Bldg 5309, Kathy McMurry, Bldg 5309, Visit the National Website at Page 6

7 It s that time of year, for the annual ASMC Awards Program. The Awards are designed to recognize outstanding achievements and contributions to the Society. The Awards will be presented at the annual ASMC Professional Development Institute (PDI). For detail information visit Please be mindful of the deadline and where to submit your nomination forms. Achievement Awards This award recognizes individuals for outstanding performance within the functional fields of comptrollership. The areas of individual achievement is available: Deadline: 2008 January 31 Visit the following website for the Achievement Award Rules, Forms, and Place of Submission Team Achievement Award This award recognizes teams for outstanding performance and excellence in military comptrollership. A team is defined as a group of 4 to 20 members who are tasked with achieving a short-term objective. Deadline: 2008 January 31 Visit the following website for the Team Achievement Award Rules, Forms, and Place of Submission: Essay Award Three monetary awards are given for outstanding essays on a specific topic. This year s topic is, With a large percentage of the government s civilian workforce reaching retirement age, what steps should the Military Forces take to attract newer civilian professionals into the Comptroller career field and to retain them?. Winning entries are published in the Armed Forces Comptroller. Deadline: 2008 February 28 Visit the following website for the Essay Award Rules, Forms, and Place of Submission: Registration and hotel accommodations for the 2008 National PDI will be announced in mid February More information will be posted on the ASMC and Chapter website and in the Newsletter as the information comes available. This year the PDI will be held at the Orlando Marriott World Center in Florida, May 27-May 30. Page 7

8 Community Projects The Community Projects Committee is currently working the list of what projects they will be working this year. If you are interested in working on the Community Projects Committee or want to volunteer for upcoming events, please contact Anthony McAdory at On December 11 th, the National Children s Advocacy Center hosted is annual Holiday Party. The event was held at 210 Pratt Avenue on Milton Frank Stadium. Kudos goes to the ASMC members,: Dana Wilbanks, Katrina Hale, Yvonne Dublin, Eura Reaves, Terry Phelps, Annajeanette Walker, Horace Wilson, Doris Byrd, Gwen Davis, Tiffanie Cooper, Brad Harris, Larry Bowlin, Janice Smith, Anthony McAdory, Amanda Cole, Jackie Shaw, Bill Collier, Myrlah Collier, Charlie Jenkins, Rosemary Moore, and Lisa Hughey for volunteering their services to help make the event successful. Kudos goes to all the volunteers who helped the Salvation Army with the Angel Tree project to make the event successful. TO ALL ASMC MEMBERS Volunteers (Men and Women) are needed to model for the ASMC Fashion Show. The event will be on Valentine s Day. The Stein Mart fashion consultant is available to help you select your wardrobe for the event. All volunteers will receive a 20% discount card from Stein Mart. You do not have to be an ASMC Member to volunteer. All ages and sizes of models are needed! If you can volunteer for this great event, please Jessica Dunaway at jessical.dunaway@msl.army.mil or call if you have any questions. Page 8

Volunteers are needed from the REDSTONE Community. United Way is launching a new initiative called C.A.S.H. (Creating Assets, Savings and Hope).

Volunteers will need to attend six hours of training and pass an online test to be certified. The trainings will be Jan 16th and 17th from 6:30 to 9:30 OR Jan 19th from 9:00 to 4:00.

For more information e-mail Nancy Colin at Nancy.Colin@uwhsv.org or call 536-0745 EXT 103. Did You Know.................. President Reagan declared the Third Monday in January as a Federal Holiday.

9 Volunteers are needed from the REDSTONE Community. United Way is launching a new initiative called C.A.S.H. (Creating Assets, Savings and Hope). This program will offer free tax preparation and filing to low income families who are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit. Volunteers will need to attend six hours of training and pass an online test to be certified. The trainings will be Jan 16th and 17th from 6:30 to 9:30 OR Jan 19th from 9:00 to 4:00. We will do the actual filing for families on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the United Way building from 5:00 until 8:00 starting January 24th and going until the first or second week in March. For more information Nancy Colin at Nancy.Colin@uwhsv.org or call EXT 103. Did You Know President Reagan declared the Third Monday in January as a Federal Holiday. January 15 had been observed as a legal Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday for many years in 27 states and Washington, D.C. However, in 1986, President Ronald Reagan declared the third Monday in January a federal legal Holiday commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King s birthday. The First record New Year Celebration was held in 2000 BC. The first recorded New Year Celebration was held around 2000 BC in Mesopotamia [Babylon]. The New Year Celebration was in mid-march during the vernal equinox (first day of spring) beginning with the first visible crescent Moon (new moon). The first officially instituted New Year Celebration was celebrated on January 1 in 153 BC in Rome. The Roman calendar only consisted of ten months, beginning with March. King Numa Rontilius added the months of January and February to the Roman calendar. The New Year was then moved from March to January. January is named after the Roman pagan god Janus. The month of January was named after the Roman pagan god of gates and doors- Janus. Janus is depicted with two heads. The two heads represent one head looking ahead and the other head looking back. Janus could look both backward and forward at the same time. This was a symbol representing that Rome was the first civilization that look back on the primitive cultures before them. Janus was also believed to represent beginning. The New Year celebration on the 1 st of January honored Janus for the beginning of planting season and harvest. Page 9

10 You Said It Submitted by: Dr. Felicia Williams The DOD has been tasked to achieve total asset visibility (TAV) because of its problems with DOD s inability to maintain, control, and account for billons of dollars in assets. The TAV is an initiative where the DOD must implement a platform that will allow the DOD to manage and track the demobilization of commodities, equipment, and transportation assets. Because of the TAV initiative, DOD explored the use and capabilities of existing off-the-shelf technology that would help them achieve the goals of the initiative. DOD identified three off-the-shelf technologies that would allow them to achieve the goals of the initiative: GFEBS (General Funds Enterprise Business System), GCSS-Army (Global Combat Support System-Army), and LMP (Logistics Modernization Program). The Army estimated that it would invest $5 billion to implement these systems. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) was tasked to determine whether the Army had a system strategy in place for achieving the TAV initiatives, if the Army s selection of three business systems was consistent with the DOD guidance, and evaluate the Army s effort to address previously reported issues with the LMP. The GAO issued a report on July 31, 2007 of their findings and stated that the investment made in the three business systems, places the Army at risk of investing in business systems that would not achieve the goals of the TAV initiatives. GAO reported to the Committee on Armed Services the following: GFEBS, GCSS-Army, and LMP are not being developed in the context of a well-defined Armywide enterprise architecture. As a result, the Army does not have an informed basis for determining if these systems will fit within the context of future Army business operations and will efficiently and effectively address the Army s long-standing weaknesses associated with the lack of asset visibility. The Army lacks a concept of operations that would describe, at a high level, (1) how the three business systems relate to each other in achieving the Army s TAV goal, and (2) how information flows from and through these systems. Moreover, GAO found that the Army s lack of a concept of operations has contributed to its failure to take full advantage of business Page 10

11 process reengineering opportunities that are available when using an enterprise resource planning solution. While the Army has established a governance structure that is consistent with DOD guidance, its processes are still maturing. The Army s governance structure is designed to certify and review individual business systems rather than to evaluate these investments from a portfolio perspective. Such a perspective permits investments to be viewed in a comprehensive manner to help ensure that the organization s missions and objectives are achieved. The Army did not have reliable processes and analyses, such as an independent validation and verification function or economic analyses, to support its oversight of individual business systems. Until the Army s investment processes mature, it runs the risk of investing in business systems that do not provide the desired functionality and efficiency. LMP continues to be plagued by problems that have beset the system since its implementation in July LMP continues to experience problems with accurately recognizing revenue and billing customers, which can, in part, be attributed to ineffective system testing As a result of the findings, GAO issued five recommendations: (1) Develop a concept of operations for the Army. (2) Develop policies, procedures, and processes to manage investments from a portfolio perspective. (3) Establish an independent verification and validation function. (4) Prepare all future GFEBS economic analyses according to applicable policies. (5) Direct LMP to use an independent system Test Team (Government Accountability Office, 2007 Report, GAO ). DOD has concurred with the five recommendations. Ensuring that a strategy that results in a comprehensive, integrated plan that guides the DOD s effort will allow the Army to get the most out of every dollar invested to support the warfighter in the times of financial constraints. Continuing weakness in DOD s inability to maintain, control, and account for billons of dollars in assets will result in the lack of reliable information needed to make sound decisions and report accurately on its operations. The TAV imitative was implemented to allow DOD to increase operational efficiency, mission performance, and limit the amounts fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement. Effective business system investments must include a process of accountability for cost, location, and condition of assets; a safeguard mechanism against deterioration, theft, or lost and assurance the assets are available for use when the warfighter needs them. When a business system fails to meet the Army s basic requirements (desired functionality and efficiency), we fail to Page 11

meet the immediate needs of the warfighter-the number one reason we are here. To review the entire report and the DOD s letter of concurrence go to http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d07860.pdf.

12 meet the immediate needs of the warfighter-the number one reason we are here. To review the entire report and the DOD s letter of concurrence go to Training Korner Army Comptroller Course DATES SUSPENSE TO CPO 08-II 21 Apr 15 May Feb III 11 Aug 29 Aug Jun 08 Professional Resource Management Course DATES SUSPENSE TO CPO 08-II 25 Feb 20 Mar 08 3 Jan III 09 Jun 03 Jul Apr 08 COMPTROLLER PROPONENCY OFFICE (CPO) SAFM-PO, 109 ARMY, PENTAGON, WASHINGTON DC proponency@hqda.army.mil Home Page: Enhance Defense Financial Management Training (EDFMT) Redstone Arsenal will be hosting the EDFMT course, during the week of February 4-8, This is a great opportunity to review for the CDFM. To register for this course, please visit This course is a five-day course that awards 40 CPE credits. ASMC will offer a new service - intensive training for Module 3 of the CDFM by audio lines. The training will take place in two four-hour blocks - the first starting at 11:00 AM on Tuesday January 29, 2008 and the second at 11:00 AM on Thursday January 30, and will feature instruction as well as interspersed Q&A sessions. Sessions will qualify for CPE credits. The instructor for this course will be Mr. Joe Mullane, who has extensive experience as both an instructor and a defense financial manager. To get maximum value from the course, participants should purchase or borrow a textbook published within the last several years. Individual CDFM testing for this module can be arranged here on Redstone Arsenal. If interested please contact: Rob Archer CDFM Chairman, Redstone Chapter ASMC rob.archer@us.army.mil Page 12

13 OI Who Let The News Out available resource. The purpose of the ASMC Monthly Luncheons is to provide you with informative speakers for professional development, networking opportunities to help you acquire enhanced skills, knowledge, and abilities to effectively meet your organization s mission and business operations. Scheduling informative speakers each month make for a worthwhile meeting, to help attract new members and corporate sponsors. With each new speaker, you gain a greater The learning objective of the luncheons is to provide you with the latest information, concepts, best practices, and professional development skills to help you integrate these management practices into your business operations as well as gain vital information for professional development. There are several reasons, why you should attend the ASMC Monthly Luncheons: Each month you are provided with the opportunity to leave the office and just get away. You have the chance to go home with a wonderful door prize. You get a wonderful meal with exquisite service. You get to meet an individual you never knew. You get to hear the latest from informative speakers. If you have not been attending, please see Ms. Marlene Clemons Page 13

14 To Write or Not to Write!! Support your Chapter Newsletter by Letting the News Out. Submit your articles, announcements, or news from your organizations Deadlines for Submission is NLT the 15 th of the month to Dr. Felicia Williams Forward the Newsletter to all your friends, to Let The News Out about the Redstone/Huntsville Chapter! Need to join or renew your membership? MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE CHAIR: Jessica Dunaway, Patsy Pilgrim, Sandy Brock, Darlene Fowler, Vera Alexander, Debbie O Neal, debbie.oneal@conus.army.mil Virginia Moore, virginia.more@conuus.army.mil Recipe of the Month Caramel Apples for the Crock Pot 2 packages caramels (14 oz each) ¼ cup water 8 Medium Apples Sticks for the apples. In slow cooker, combine caramels and water. Cover and cook on high for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until caramels are melted, stirring frequently. Line a baking pan with wax paper; butter the paper. Wash and dry the apples. Insert a stick into stem end of each apple. Reduce crockpot heat to LOW. Dip apple into hot caramel; turn to coat entire surface. Holding apple above pot, scrape off excess accumulation of caramel from bottom apple. Place coated apples on prepared wax paper in pan. As you near the bottom of the pot, use a spoon to spoon hot caramel over apples. Put the pan of coated apples in the refrigerator to set thoroughly. Use caution if children are helping; the crockpot will probably be quite hot to the touch and the caramel could scald.. Page 14

15 Useful Information Committee Chair Telephone Attendance Marlene Clemons Audit Virginia Moore Awards Debbie O Neal debbie.oneal@conus.army.mil CDFM Certification Ron Archer, CDFM Rob.archer@us.army.mil Chapter Competition Kim Jean kim.jean@conus.army.mil Chapter Fair Vickie Compton vickie.compton@us.army.mil Corporate Membership Don Clingerman donald.clingerman@us.army.mil Community Projects Anthony McAdory anthony.mcadory@redstone.army.mil Constitution/Bylaws Jackie Shaw jackie.shaw@redstone.army.mil Facilities Michelle Cobb michelle.cob@redstone.army.mil Membership Jessica Dunaway jessica.dunaway@mls.army.mil Newsletter Dr. Felicia Williams felicia.williams@redstone.army.mil Christina Ridgeway, Nominating christina.ridgeway@redstone.army.mil CDFM Programs Bill Matthews bill.matthews@redstone.army.mil Publicity/Photo Becky Lake becky.lake@redstone.army.mil Scholarship Judy Smith judith.smith@redstone.army.mil Special Events Lisa White lisa.white@amrdec.army.mil Training & Education Cody Swinford cody.swinford@amrdec.army.mil Ways & Means Lisa Lowry lisa.lowry@amrdec.army.mil Webmaster Becky Lake becky.lake@conus.army.mil The Troller Team Chair Dr. Felicia Williams, felicia.williams@redstone.army.mil Members Jan Smith, jan.smith@conus.army.mil Becky Lake, becky.lake@conus.army.mil Visit Redstone Huntsville Chapter Website at: Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. American Society of Military Comptrollers P O Box 8154 ATTN: Newsletter Redstone Arsenal, AL Page 15

ASMC Troller Newsletter

ASMC Troller Newsletter Inside this issue: President s Message Local Chapter/ Membership Info Community Project News/ Kudos Corner ASMC Cookbook Fundraiser Info 1 2-3 4-5 6 CDFM News 7 National News/ National PDI Info Corporate