Comptroller duo takes AETC honors

  • Published
  • By Frank McIntyre
  • 71st Flying Training Wing public affairs
VANCE AFB, Okla. --  Two 71st Comptroller Squadron members were recently honored when the Air Education and Training Command announced the command's top fiscal performers for 2006.

Staff Sgt. Jesse Newhart was named the Financial Management NCO of the Year and Christopher Keenan the Financial Analysis Civilian (GS-11 and above) of the Year for the Oct. 1, 2005 to Sept. 30, 2006 time period.

Sergeant Newhart was recognized for his performance as a budget analyst while filling a tech sergeant position. He had the #1 Air Force Travel Card program, created a benchmarked travel claim process with an unmatched zero delinquency rate for 18 consecutive months that spurred his section to earn #1 travel voucher payment processing in AETC. Sergeant Newhart also was noted as being an Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century initiative leader for developing leaner operations with a
realignment of two sections and training eight Airmen on 12 programs to cross-utilize assets.

Maj. Dennis Hunt, 71st CPTS commander said, in nominating Sergeant Newhart for the award, "he is a phenomenal NCO, exemplifying the highest standards of leadership. His
actions and accomplishments make him truly deserving of this award."

As supervisory accountant, Mr. Keenan reduced interest penalties 95 percent from $8,000 to $400, leading AETC for 7 months and earning an AETC commander's incentive award. With his efforts, Vance accounted for 15.5 percent of all discounts taken, a jump for the base from $26,200 to $86,600. He created an innovative and streamlined process that decreased discounts lost by 91.3 percent, saving $21,000. Mr. Keenan also was an AFSO21 leader, creating an electronic documents process that reduced paper usage and saved manpower and money.

"Chris Keenan is an accounting and budget systems genius. He implemented time-saving efforts in every process," Major Hunt said. "He's the Comptroller Squadron MVP of Year."

The two award winners also drew recognition for their efforts outside their primary duties.

Sergeant Newhart was cited for being a Combat Readiness Course trainer - leading a six person assault team during two, five-day courses for more than 40 students. As a base honor guard advisor, he established a comprehensive training plan that ensured veterans received full honors.

As an Army reservist assigned to the 95th Finance Division, Mr. Keenan was key in executing a $70 million annual budget. He also was command inspector for the Army Reserve, performing inspections and staff assistant visits to units in Iowa, Texas and Arkansas to ensure their preparedness. Strongly involved with base events by participation in unit softball, flag football, 5K and 10K runs and golf outings, he was also active in local community events such as Multiple Sclerosis, Hope Outreach and March of Dimes fundraisers.

Although Sergeant Newhart is currently deployed and Mr. Keenan is transferring to RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom, they will be representing Team Vance in competition for Air Force-level awards.