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It’s Mission Monday! Meet Staff Sgt. Pamela Martinez, financial operations policy and procedures manager in the Financial Management Directorate at Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center headquarters.
She leads a team that helps active-duty Department of the Air Force bases with travel pay related inquiries including permanent change of station, temporary duty entitlements and emergency evacuations. Her team also manages the Defense Travel System and Government Travel Charge Card program, one of the largest DAF finance programs.
“I love being able to help people, especially when it comes to dealing with finances. There are a lot of rules and regulations when in the world of finance and that can be difficult for everyone to understand,” Martinez said. “I like that I get to educate others on things related to my career field, which helps prevent any unnecessary burdens members may have to face if they do not have the knowledge or misinterpret pay-affecting guidance.”
We asked the Orlando native to tell us more about herself and the work she performs.
Why did you join the Air Force?
I joined the Air Force initially for the education benefits. I wanted to come in as a medical technician, but got chosen for finance, which has been a great journey so far.
Why do you serve and what keeps you serving?
I continue to serve because my time in the military has greatly benefited me. I have built my life during my time in the military, so it holds a special place in my heart. I now have a family of my own, with my husband, son and dog, and most of my close friends are either still active duty or veterans. I met a lot of great people during my seven years of service and hope to continue my journey until my 20-year mark.
When it comes to your job, what keeps you motivated?
My family and my coworkers. I don’t want to let any of them down, so I try my best to show up and support them as much as I can.
Why are you and your team important to the Air Force and Space Force enterprise and your customers?
We can advocate for policy change within our career field to better service all DAF active-duty members.
Describe a project you and your team worked on recently that gave you a great sense of accomplishment.
We are currently working on revamping the travel card rebate process. Our team is responsible for disbursing up to $20 million in rebates each year. The current process lacks clear lines of communication with the major commands and the bases, making it difficult to ensure rebates are disbursed properly. With our adapted process, we aim to ensure each base is rewarded for maintaining proper control over their programs.
How does what you do support AFIMSC’s strategic priorities?
Our financial operations team is essential for increasing lethality and readiness for our Airmen and Guardians. We are responsible for ensuring every member is ready to travel and engage in global operations at a moment’s notice while following the rules and regulations governed by DoD and DAF so they can stay focused on the mission.
Is there anything else you’d like to add which might help people understand the importance of what you do for the Department of the Air Force?
We are a small team here at AFIMSC that assists every single active-duty base in the Air and Space Forces. Our team works diligently every single day, because we take pride in what we do and do our best to take care of all the comptroller squadrons. We know finance can be a sensitive subject and difficult to understand, which is why our positions are important. We can make a huge impact on how our information is disseminated and understood by all.
| Date Taken: | 12.13.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 01.06.2025 15:42 |
| Story ID: | 487585 |
| Location: | SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 8 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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