THE ASMC TROLLER NEWSLETTER VOLUME 21 ISSUE 1 AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2016 ASMC President Message Next Board Meeting: Thursday 1 Sep 2016 At 1100AM Sparkman Center ASMC Monthly Luncheon: Thursday 8 Sep 2016 At 1100AM SPARKMAN CENTER BLDG 5302, EXECUTIVE DINING It's that time of year again! As Resource Managers we're beginning the push to fiscal year end. For many of us that means even longer hours than usual and with the added complexity of less personnel than we've had in the past. The challenges we face and our attitudes toward resolving critical resource dilemmas/workload are what makes our Comptroller community so exceptional. The Department of Defense cannot effectively run without what we do every day. It's the Comptroller that gets the money and manpower to the missions that ensures our military is ready to fight and defend our homeland and national interests around the world. Please carve out time to be active in ASMC. This year we're holding meetings at different locations and have some great speakers/events lined up. The Chapter is also ensuring numerous opportunities for continuing education credits toward maintaining your Financial Management Certifications. Fall is an opportune time for Community Service participation too. Stay tuned for information on how you can be part of local school fundraisers, Special Olympics and Veteran oriented events. Best Regards! Inside this issue: President's Message 1 Local Chapter News 2-7 ASMC National News & Info 8 Community Projects 9-10 Corporate Sponsors 11 Christina Ridgeway 2016-2017 ASMC President Redstone/Huntsville Chapter FIVE STAR CHAPTER Monthly Luncheon Details 12
Page 2 THE ASMC TROLLER NEWSLETTER 2016-2017 Volunteer for ASMC Committees Executive Board: Officer Name: Email Address: President Christina Ridgeway christina.l.ridgeway.civ@mail.mil Vice President Stephen Elison stephen.d.elison.civ@mail.mil Corresponding Secretary Dana Wilbanks dana.l.wilbanks.civ@mail.mil Recording Secretary Lisa Burkman lisa.m.burkman2.civ@mail.mil Treasurer Audrea Edwards audrea.a.edwards.civ@mail.mil Assistant Treasurer LaToya S. Sims latoya.s.sims4.civ@mail.mil Committee: Committee Chair: Email Address: Attendance Jessica Dunaway jessica.b.dunaway.civ@mail.mil Audit Mark Lutz mark.d.lutz4.civ@mail.mil Awards Debbie O Neal onealdeb@nehp.net Certification Programs Christopher Paz christopher.f.paz.civ@mail.mil Chapter Competition Lisa Lowry lisa.e.lowry.civ@mail.mil Chapter Fair (Philanthropy) Casey Perkins casey.b.perkins.civ@mail.mil Committee on Committees Debbie O Neal onealdeb@nehp.net Community Projects Debbie O Neal onealdeb@nehp.net Constitution/ByLaws Lisa Lowry lisa.e.lowry.civ@mail.mil Facilities Membership (both) Dana Wilbanks dana.l.wilbanks.civ@mail.mil Newsletter Tammara Buckey tammara.a.buckey.civ@mail.mil Nominating Linda McKinney linda.n.mckinney2.civ@mail.mii Programs Tina Hinze tina.hinze@mda.mil Publicity/Photo Maureen Trainor maureen.v.trainor.civ@mail.mil Scholarship Jennifer Stephenson Jennifer.a.stephenson10@mail.mil Special Events Debbie O Neal onealdeb@nehp.net Training and Education Stephen Elison stephen.d.elison.civ@mail.mil Ways and Means Mina Brown guillermina.t.brown.civ@mail.mil Webmaster LaToya Sims latoya.s.sims4.civ@mail.mil
VOLUME 21 ISSUE 1 Page 3 ASMC July 2016 Executive Board Meeting ASMC Board Meeting July Christina Ridgeway - President Called meeting to order at 11:00 on 12 July 16. Minutes from 2 June meeting were approved. The 12 July ASMC Board meeting was intended to be a left seat/right seat meeting. Correction to the financial report: the last tabs should be the same; reports were approved Discussion over luncheons: August luncheon: Mark provided speaker bio; bio needs to go to Tina Hinze for the program Tina made additional speaker suggestions (Mr. Crivello/Mr. Moore from USASAC; Huntsville City auditor; local community college speaker), her intent is to pick a speaker to match the monthly theme Tina presented the idea of providing programs that count for CPE/CLPs; Dana Wilbanks brought up the idea of purchasing CDFM flashcards and using them at programs; Tina can provide a certificate to attendees; Christina agreed to sign the certificates; attendance would need to be verified by sign in roster Need December program ideas Audrea Edwards Treasurer: Dana will tell Stephen Elison to add flash cards to budget Christina we only have luncheon expenses Motion for no more than $100 spent on door prizes and $175 on the facilities was accepted Committees proposed budgets due NLT end of July to Audrea; Chair should attend the 4 August meeting to discuss Jessica Dunaway Attendance: We are up to 28; We used to be at 100 (per Debbie O Neal), attendance will be a main focus at the 4 August meeting Discussion over vacancies for Publicity chair, Facilities chair, Nominating Chair, Newsletter Chair, Webmaster Chair Ideas for increasing attendance: Spread the word about CLPs/CPEs; make programs fun (fashion shows, etc), get people involved; don't have to buy lunch to attend; Compile a list of organization POCs; Discussion over luncheon locations: Christina is looking for on post facilities; Meetings do not have to be at lunch time; Dana proposed doing the luncheons at a cafeteria on post where you bring your own lunch; flashcard and box lunch style meeting Net Cafe only holds 30 or less; bowling alley holds 50; we risk being bumped by NASA at the mini PDI location Debbie O'Neal Awards: Discussed information on how to keep our 5 star status 21 July, Caring House: need volunteers for all day and partial day; Lisa Lowry mentioned we've done donations in the past; Debbie didn't ask since we do not have a budget; we donated $100 last year Collect box tops to help local schools; rotate schools Special Olympics in October; Night to Shine (Prom) in February Christina requested more than 1 event be geared towards veteran's; Dana asked about a school supply drive; Debbie mentioned Kids to Love, as they needed supply packers during the work days; Dana stated we've done packing for the Salvation Army previously; LaToya mentioned we need to put information out about leave, if it is not military sponsored, we can't grant administrative leave Need special event ideas for December and the picnic; Need a volunteer day event; Committee will meet to discuss Lisa Lowry Constitution/By Laws: Will add Committee on Committees and remove Corporate Membership Dana Wilbanks Membership: Send new members emails; Christina wants to create an electronic standard package; Seeking new ideas for getting new members; Possibly do a competition for bringing new individuals; Christina is putting together a roadshow to encourage participation from the highest levels Jennifer Scholarship: Need to contact Beth Hodges; Dana advised the window is typically February to May Lisa Burkman Recording Secretary
VOLUME 21 ISSUE 1 ASMC August 2016 Executive Board Meeting ASMC Board Meeting August Page 4 Christina Ridgeway - President Called meeting to order at 11:00 on 4 Aug 16. Minutes from 12 July meeting were approved. Christina Ridgeway President : Decided to go talk through each Committee and end with Budget Jessica Dunaway Attendance: We need a Facilities chair. This was reiterated by Christina Ridgeway, as we are changing philosophies this year. We need to determine our battle rhythm. Once we have a Chairperson, we can ask ASMC members for assistance. Per Tina Hinze, September/October may be smaller months. We plan to have Ret. COL Webb from Still Serving Vets in for the November luncheon, and we're looking for a fundraiser. Per Christina Ridgeway, 10 November luncheon is the day before Veteran's day, therefore people may be on leave. Overall, attendance made $200 last year. Options discussed: NASA is free, but they may bump us if they need it for a NASA event JAVA Cafe you pay for the room and meals through them Food trucks; people to could bring/buy a lunch Offer box lunches; need a free/low cost location Sheraton/Courtyard; do they have a room available? The Summit Bevill Center UAH Drop the lunch model? MDA - security is an issue. Per Christina Ridgeway, the September, October, & November luncheons will be held in the Executive Dining Room with a box lunch option. Stephen Elison stated that he'd work with Jessica Dunaway on the food vendors and pay one check to MWR to cover all 3 months. Mark Lutz Audit: Christina Ridgeway briefed that the audit has been completed. Christopher Paz Certification Programs: Stephen Elison brought our attention to the fact that the EDFMT flashcards are a violation of copyright. The EDFMT study guides will be updated in 2017. Stephen Elison Training & Education: The PDI was discussed: There was a general discussion the location of the PDI and the pros/cons of on/off post locations. Christina Ridgeway suggested a leadership panel to discuss continuous professional development without great cost and/or resources. Stephen Elison brought up mentorship as a topic, how to get and keep a mentor. For example, AMCOM has the LIFT program. Provide an open forum for career/professional development. Stephen Elison suggested a tiered cost arrangement (tier 1: coffee only; tier 2: lunch + coffee; etc) We could set it up where only those who purchase a ticket specifically for lunch could attend that session. The second week in March is the tentative timeframe. We need sponsorships for the PDI. A company could be an event sponsor by hosting the PDI. Details will be nailed down by November.
VOLUME 21 ISSUE 1 Page 5 ASMC August 2016 Executive Board Meeting cont d... ASMC Board Meeting August Maureen Trainor Publicity/Photography: No new items Discussed August's luncheon. There will be a quick set up turnaround as there is a meeting ahead of us in the Great Hall; most people will need escorts. Mina Brown Ways & Means: Mina Brown would like to get contributions for prizes to offset expenses; Christina Ridgeway stated this would be taken under advisement. Outcome to be determined. LaToya Sims Webmaster: We will keep the website as is and update as needed. Lisa Burkman Recording Secretary: No items Audra Edwards Treasurer: Approved $11,016 with caveat; Philanthropy & Special Events must provide event details/ formal budget prior to budget approval. Attendance: Requesting $5,000; last year made $237. This will cover lunches; should break even. Per Christina Ridgeway, the point behind Attendance having a budget is to show losses/no shows. Approved: Shown as 2016-2017 Projected Revenue/Income of $5,000 Audit: No Budget Awards: Requesting $500; $168 of the request will cover bulk purchase of plaques. Approved: $500 Finance: Requesting $300; this will cover fidelity bond insurance and stamps/post office. Approved: $300 CDFM: Requesting $185; this will be removed due to the copyright issue. Approved: $0 Community Projects: Requesting $650; this committee is meeting on August 28th; they will provide a list of projects that that time. Approved: $650 Membership: Requesting $250; this is where we get rebates; potentially assist with onboarding. Approved: $250 Philanthropy: Requesting $1,000; this will be approved after PDI is decided upon similar to how it was done for the Scholarship Committee last year. Approved: $1,000 with caveat Programs: Requesting $576; accounts for 9 luncheons; want to donate to a charity at each luncheon; we used to do this; Tina Hinze would like to reduce lunch/facility costs in order to afford this; either allow the speaker to choose a charity or we can donate in their honor. Approved: $576 Publicity/Photography: No Budget Scholarship: Requesting $600; $500 for a student; $100 for continuing education. Approved: $600 Special Events: Requesting $3,200; projecting to earn back $1,500 and with a $1,700 loss; this will be for the picnic and Christmas; Christina Ridgeway requested the Committee bring an event specific budget forward once a plan is in place. Approved: $3,200 with caveat Training & Education: Requesting $3,000; dropped to $2,500; planning on sponsorships of at least $2,500; Approved: $2,500 Ways & Means: Requesting $1,410; request covers $50/month; Christina Ridgeway's guidance is to establish a budget and function with the following business rules: 1) do not buy a standard number of gift cards, 2) the number of gift cards raffled will be based upon the number of participants at each luncheon with the minimum given being 2; the incentive for members is CPEs. Approved: $1,410 Not briefed: Nominating budget request is $30; this will cover the Survey Monkey fee for officer nominations. Approved: $30 The 2016-2017 budget of $11,016 was approved. The 2015-2016 budget, with a total loss of $1,174.43, was approved. Lisa Burkman Recording Secretary
Page 6 THE ASMC TROLLER NEWSLETTER August 2016 Luncheon Highlights Cliff Crivello, Deputy Chief of Staff, G8 of the U.S. Army Security Assistance Command, spent some time explaining his organization s mission, vision and standing within the Army Material Command and the Army Security Assistance Enterprise. Mr. Crivello talked about the Budget process for FMS-Admin and the current case load for Army FMS. Mr. Crivello s G8 shop is responsible for executing funds for Foreign Military Sales Cases and Admin dollars totaling over $20 Billion. Deputy Chief of Staff G8, Cliff Crivello, speaks with ASMC members during a luncheon Aug 11, 2016 at USASAC s HQ building
Page 7 THE ASMC TROLLER NEWSLETTER Continuing Learning Opportunities American Society of Military Comptrollers Redstone Chapter now offers continue learning opportunities for attending monthly events, both the luncheons and board meetings. What is Continued Learning? Continued learning is to ensure individuals are constantly sharpening their skills through education and training. Continued learning is achieved through (1) online or off site training possible cost to the agency and employees completing training days or weeks at one time, (2) academic courses possible cost to the agency, and (3) attendance at local ASMC professional meetings, seminar, or leadership role no cost to the agency and employees away for one - two hours a month. (American Society of Military Comptrollers, 2016) Why is Continued Learning Required? Certifications like the FM Certification, Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA), and Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM) require continued education within a time period and required hours. For example the FM Certification continuing education and training (CETs) for level II requirements is completing 60 hours within a two year period. Individuals earning CPEs for CDFM or CGFM, etc. can also be ncounted for CETs on a unit-to-unit basis. This includes credits earned by attending FM or leadership-related workshops, seminars, and symposia sponsored by the respective association. This same policy goes towards individuals in the DAWIA program. (FM Online, 2016) How Many Hours of Continuous Learning Can One Earn from Attending Monthly Events? Per the events scheduled and the certification requirements, members can earn up to 22 hours a year; 10 hours in attending the professional meetings, seminar, brown bag or presentation and 12 hours in association leadership role. (Federal Acquisition Institute, 2016) Note these hours do not include the mini PDI offered in the spring. How Does it Work? Individuals attend events and once completed CPE/CET/CLP will be emailed to the individual. It s that simple! Overall this is a win-win situation for members, management, and agencies. There is no cost for the agency, other allowing members to attend events. Members are able to sharpen their skills and keep abreast of the happenings in the chapter and nationally as well as network with peers. So take advantage of this new resource and see you at the next meeting. Tina Hinze Programs Chair Works Cited American Society of Military Comptrollers. (2016). CPE Management. Retrieved 08 2016, 2016, from CDFM CPE Requirement Information: http://www.asmconline.org/wp-content/uploads/file/cdfm-cpe.pdf Federal Acquisition Institute. (2016). Contracting (FAC-C). Retrieved August 17, 2016, from FAI Home Page: https://www.fai.gov/ drupal/certification/contracting-fac-c FM Online. (2016). Continuing Education and Training (CET). Retrieved August 17, 2016, from DoD FM Certification Frequently Asked Questions: https://fmonline.ousdc.osd.mil/certification/certification-faqs.aspx#catg08
Page 8 THE ASMC TROLLER NEWSLETTER ASMC National News & Information 2016 ASMC Survey of Defense Financial Managers Please take the time to take the survey. It only takes about 5 minutes and will provide valuable insight about current and future issues in the Defense Financial Management arena. ASMC will award $300 to the ASMC Chapter that has the highest response rate for this survey, $200 for the second highest response rate, and $100 for third highest response rate. Let s max out our participation! To take the survey, click HERE: 2017 PDI San Diego The 2017 PDI will be held in San Diego, CA May 31 June 2. If you don t get a chance to attend, there will be an opportunity to purchase access to the content for only $99. ASMC calls it a Virtual PDI as it features the exact content of the National PDI with access to educational resources that were available to attendees. ASMC s website also has previous PDI content available using the Virtual PDI CDFM Exam Info If you re interesting in taking the Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM) exams, you ll want to check out ASMC s CDFM information page. It has answers to everything you need to know about the exam including how to prepare and sample test questions you can expect to see on the exam. Below are some sample test questions, submitted by Redstone/Huntsville Chapter member Mr. Christopher Paz, CDFM. 1) When does an agency record an obligation? a. When Congress passes the budget. b. When program funding availability is posted. c. When the agency enters into a binding agreement that results in an outlay. d. When the President s budget is reviewed. 2) True or False: Every appropriation can be available for obligation for one year. 3) FY 2017 starts when: a. November 30th, 2016 b. January 1st, 2017 c. March 1st, 2017 d. October, 1st, 2016 Answer Q 1): C. Answer Q 2) False. Even though some appropriations are available for 1 year like MILPERS and O&M, others such as MILCON are available for 5 years. Answer Q 3) Answer: d. October 1st, 2016
VOLUME 21 ISSUE 1 UME Community Service Opportunities Page 9 SPECIAL OLYMPICS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED The Special Olympics will be October 25, 2016 at Milton Frank Stadium, from 8:00 till 1:00. Rain date is October 27, 2016. We need LOTS of volunteers. The Soldiers were always our escorts and without them we will have to have two civilians / students to replace one Soldier as escorts. We also have lots of other job assignment to fill. The event assignments and escorts jobs require the volunteer to be there the entire day which is 8:00-1:00. If you do not wish to be an escort, or if you have worked a job in the past and would like to volunteer for that same job please let me know or you may be assigned to be an escort. If you have a handicap that you need to do something special like a setting assignment let me know that also. Whitney Dixon the 2016 Special Olympics Volunteer Committee Chair, will do her best to put you were you request, but she does have over 300 job assignment to fill. (If you have children that would like to help they have to be 16 years of age to have an assigned job. Children under 16 can assist in the activity tent and other area as needed. If you are signing up your child also give me there name and age when signing them up. Events are East & West Track and Field, Shot Put, Soft Ball, Standing Long Jump, Running Long Jump, Job assignments could be Escort, Recorders, Timers, Stagers, Runners, Judges table, Award, Measurers, Huggers, Spotters and more. I am attaching duties of an escort from last year to let you see what the duties are for being an escort. (These will be updated this year) I have to provide volunteers name by September 1, 2016, We can add after this date by if you know you wish to help with this event please go ahead and send me your name and assignment you would like to work that day. We need this for planning purposes. So I invite you to join us to witness first-hand the excitement and inspiration of the day. I promise you will not be disappointed; it is a celebration of the human spirit at its finest. We have had great participation in the past and we certainly need your help again this year the rewards are well worth it. Debbie O Neal Community Projects Committee Chair
VOLUME 21 ISSUE 1 UME Community Service Opportunities, continued VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR KIDS TO LOVE Page 10 Kids to Love is in need of volunteers to assist with an event on Saturday, September 10th at University Fitness Center in Huntsville. This is an exercise boot camp to raise money for Kids to Love, and we need volunteers to help set up as well as register participants. Volunteers are needed from 7am until 11am. Please let me know by 1 September if you can volunteer and what time you would be available to help! University Fitness Center is located on the campus of the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). The address is 500 John Wright Drive NW Huntsville AL 35805. PLEASE SAVE YOUR LIDS, CAPS and BOXTOPS We are collecting Box Tops for Education and the Labels for Education each month at the Luncheons. This is a way we can help out local school. If you don't already save them for children or grandchildren. We will choose a different school each month to give that months collections to. Also would like to collect the plastic twist on lids from drank bottles milk jugs, and other item with twist on plastic lids to also give to our schools. We will also choose a different school each month to give them to Not all school collect so I will need your help to let me know which schools do these collections and to get the items to that school each month. Send me the name of the school you would like to support and we will put them in hat and draw one name each month for the plastic lids and one for the Box Tops and Educations Labels. So we will be helping two schools each month. Thanks for supporting your Community Projects committee. Debbie O Neal Community Projects Committee Chair
VOLUME 21 ISSUE 1 Page 11 CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP Chapter Website: http://www.orgsites.com/al/hsv-redstone-asmc/ -FACEBOOK (like us on Facebook) American Society of Military Comptrollers-Redstone/Huntsville Chapter Articles for the October Newsletter are due COB 23 Sep 2016. Please email Ms. Tammara Buckey at tammara.a.buckey.civ@mail.mil to submit your articles, photos, and other AMSC Local/National News If you need to update your chapter Membership please visit ASMC at www.asmconline.org. You can now update affiliated ASMC Chapter under your profile.
Monthly Luncheon Information American Society of Military Comptrollers (ASMC) - Redstone/Huntsville Chapter Guest Speaker: Andrea Cantrell, Huntsville Internal Auditor Thursday, 8 Sep @ 11:30 am Sparkman Center Executive Dining Facility, Building 5302 Please join us to hear our guest speaker discuss internal audit issues Please bring or buy your own lunch Ticket Price Members $3, Non-Members $4 October and November luncheons will also be held at the Sparkman Center Executive Dining Facility, Building 5302 Thanks for Supporting ASMC Redstone/Huntsville Chapter Events During 2016-2017