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Winter 1998 Newsletter

FROM THE PRESIDENT

    Today, probably like you, I am overwhelmed by the effort of the people around me to execute the current budget, put the finishing touches on the President’s Budget and start work on PR-01. My family and friends outside the Department of Defense (DoD) do not understand that this is a never-ending process that requires you to simultaneously focus attention on at least three different yet interrelated budgets.

    Despite the daily pressure to provide financial management, fiscal guidance, cost estimates, accounting service, and in general get the job done, Chapter members volunteer considerable time and effort to ensure we get quality luncheon presentations, chances to participate in rewarding Community Service Projects, and opportunities for professional development such as our Chapter Symposium.

    Let’s look back at some of our recent Luncheon speakers. All have been informative and most entertaining! We’ve been exposed to corporate merger nuances and European monetary issues. The Marine Corps (of all people) reminded us to have fun at work. The Director of the National Weather Service and the US Coast Guard Director of Operations Policy provided us insight into organizations outside of DoD. None of this would have been possible without the foresight and effort of Chapter members.

    Our Community Service Projects have been well supported. We pounded nails with Habitat for Humanity last September and will have the opportunity again on March 27^th. We not only donated toys to the annual Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign, but we also identified and distributed toys to children not as fortunate as most of us.

    The Chapter Symposium (still in the future as I write this) brings together great opportunities to learn from each other. Our Symposium Committee has pulled together a team of speakers to provide insight and direction on downsizing efforts that will continue to impact us all.

    I can’t help but be impressed by the talent and resources available to and within this Chapter membership. You are all to be commended not only for your ability to get things done, but to look forward and see future needs of the Department, your Service, and our profession.

Join me in San Diego for PDI ‘99!

 Vic Ackley

CALLING ALL WRITERS!

By Ms. Carolyn J. Herbst, Newsletter Editor

    Calling all writers! Your continued assistance is requested in helping us create and maintain an award-winning newsletter. Our Washington Chapter Newsletter counts in the overall Five Star Chapter Program, as well as in the Chapter Newsletter Award Program. The objectives and requirements vary for each of these programs. The competition year for both is April 1 through March 31.

    One of the competition areas for the Five Star Chapter Program is the Newsletter. A critical program requirement is distribution of a quarterly newsletter. As a minimum, the quarterly newsletter must contain: Chapter President’s message, National programs and initiatives, members activities, summary of Chapter Executive Committee minutes, summary of chapter meetings, and announcement of upcoming meetings.

    The objective of the Chapter Newsletter Award Program is to recognize chapter newsletters that foster internal chapter communication and professionalism. This submission is separate from the Five Star Competition Program quarterly reports and the overall Chapter Competition Program. Each ASMC Chapter that submits at least four chapter newsletters during the competition year is eligible for nomination. The evaluation criterion varies slightly from the Five Star Chapter Program. The primary evaluation criterion are quality of presentation and content that enhances professionalism in the military financial community. As a minimum, our quarterly newsletters must contain: Chapter President’s message, feature article, executive board meeting summary, meeting summaries and announcements, members activities, and National programs and initiatives.

    We are always looking for articles and news about our members. Articles offer our members an opportunity to contribute a piece for publication. An ASMC member, with author identification, must write the article on a professional and/or technical topic. The feature article may not be reprinted from another publication. While a feature article is a newsletter requirement, shorter articles are also accepted for publication. These articles can be a publication reprint. All member activities--Newsnotes--should be professionally related. Members activities can include promotions, passing professional examinations (CPA, AGA, and CGFM), degrees earned, awards received, new assignments, retirements, etc.

    If you have been waiting and wanting to have your words or thoughts published, this is an ideal opportunity for you. Please contact the Washington Chapter Newsletter Editor if you have any comments, submissions, or questions. If possible, all submissions should be provided in electronic format. Ms. Herbst’ e-mail address is herbstc@hqda.army.mil.

About the Author: Ms. Herbst works in the Army Budget Office, ASA (FM&C). Carolyn is the Washington Chapter Newsletter Editor.

RETIREMENTS

Congratulations to the following OSD, Comptroller, individuals on their retirement:

Rogers Cowles with 31 years of Government Service

John Raines with 34 years of Government Service

Jim Rivera with 36 years of Government Service

Sharon Fratis with 34 years of Government Service

Ron Good with 32 years of Government Service

Ancel Hedrix with 29 years of Government Service

Ed Stevens with 34 years of Government Service

Fred Copeland with 42 years of Government Service

Best wishes to COL Sharon C. Volgyi as she retires and heads for Tennessee. COL Volgyi was the DCSRM at HQ, US Army Military District of Washington.

Congratulations to Ms. LaRose Murphy on her retirement from the Investment Directorate, Army Budget Office, ASA (FM&C).

WELCOME

Welcome to our new members of the ASMC – Ms. Manju Goel and Mr. Chris Heyde! They both work in the Directorate for Program and Financial Control for OUSD Comptroller. We look forward to seeing and meeting you at upcoming events.

ON THE MOVE

Farewell and best wishes to Mr. Neil Ginetti as he departs ASA (FM&C) for the Federal Executive Institute (FEI) Executive in Residence Program. Mr. Ginnetti will be an FEI faculty member.

Farewell to Ms. Karen Newsome as she departs ASA (FM&C), Army Travel Reengineering Team.

Congratulations Ms. Janet Garber on her selection for the OPTEC Resource Management position. Janet worked in the Investment Directorate, Army Budget Office, ASA (FM&C).

Congratulations Ms. Cecilia Solomon on her selection as the DCSRM, US Military Academy. Cecilia worked in the Investment Directorate, Army Budget Office, ASA (FM&C).

Congratulations to LTC Janet E. Jones and MAJ Brad Dreyer on their recent promotions. Both of these fine officers work in the Army Budget Office, ASA (FM&C).

Farewell to MAJ Rory Froehlich as he departed the Army Budget Office, ASA (FM&C), to become the Executive Officer at the Army National Guard Readiness Center.

Congratulations to Mr. Rick D. Davis on his promotion to the Army Budget Office, ASA (FM&C), from Resource Services-Washington. Rick also received the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service.

Congratulations to Ms. Tammi L. McKinley on her recent promotion. Tammi is an ONR 31 Program Analyst for the Navy.

Mr. Neil Ginnetti

    Mr. Neil R. Ginnetti has worn several hats during his distinguished career with the Department of Defense. Most recently he was the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army, Financial Management and Comptroller (ASA (FM&C)), as well as the Comptroller Career Program (CP-11) Functional Chief Representative. On 3 January 1999, Mr. Neil Ginnetti left his position as the ASA (FM&C) Principal Deputy. His new assignment is connected with the Federal Executive Institute (FEI), Charlottesville VA, Executive in Residence Program for which agencies nominate senior level personnel to serve up to two years as an FEI faculty member. Mr. Ginnetti is still an Army ASA (FM&C) employee. In a message to the ASA (FM&C) personnel, he wrote: "It's been my privilege to have worked so closely with the Army's financial management community and the ASA (FM&C) staff in particular. Thank you for your past, present, and future support."

    Mr. Ginnetti, we, too, want to thank you for your past, present, and future support.

The ASMC National Headquarters office will be moving to a new location in Alexandria in the middle of March 1999. In order to accommodate the move, the office will be closed for two weeks beginning March 1. Their new offices will remain on the metro line, contain a conference room for committee and National Executive Committee Meetings, and enough office space to accommodate the growing staff! National invites us to stop by and see their new offices any time you are in the Washington DC metro area. Phone numbers for ASMC National Headquarters will remain the same. Please note that effective March 15, their new address will be ASMC National Headquarters, 2034 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 145, Alexandria, VA 22314.

"WWW.HUH?" FACTS AND FIGURES FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES

By Mr. Doug Gillert, American Forces Press Service
Reprinted with Permission

WASHINGTON – Downsizing. Reductions in force. Base closures. Outsourcing. Privatizing. Pay comparability. Retirement income. Promotion opportunities. Health benefits. Whether you're new to civil service or have been around as long as my editors, these are words and terms that will affect you as long as you remain on the federal payroll. It isn't easy keeping up with the many changes occurring throughout the federal government. Fortunately, the Internet provides hundreds of sites on the World Wide Web that can help you keep informed. I find the following web sites especially helpful:

    www.doleta.gov The Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration provides information and assistance for employers and employees. Hypertext links take you to scores of related sites dealing with training, employment, unemployment compensation and other useful topics.

    safetynet.doleta.gov/eta_index.htm "Planning Your Future—A Federal Employee's Survival Guide" is a sub-site of the Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration. Here, you'll find detailed information on RIFs and furloughs, buyouts, transition assistance, financial management, health and stress management, and a list of organizations and contacts.
    I like what the authors of this site say about their objectives. "Many of us assumed that we would spend our entire careers in federal service," they write in a mission statement, "but over the next few years, many of us are facing a future where we will no longer be working for the government." Despite the downward trend in opportunities for federal civilians, the authors believe federal employees can control their own future. "As individuals we will each need to choose how we will face an uncertain future," they advise. "Our goal is to give you—our colleagues—the information you need to make the choices that are best for you."

    www.tsp.gov The Thrift Savings Plan web site describes the plan's features, rates of return and other current information about the federal 401(k). There's a calculator that can estimate your career earnings. You also can access your account if you have the right software and browser setup on your computer (details provided). If you don't know it already, you need a Personal Identification Number to access your account, transfer amounts from one fund to another, or request a loan. This site provides the telephone number for the ThriftLine, which is where you call to get a PIN and also where you conduct any of the above-described transactions. I'll be nice, however, and give you the number: (504) 255-8777.

    www.opm.gov This is the home page of the Office of Personnel Management. From here you can link to any of OPM's other useful sites, including general schedule salary tables, nationwide job vacancies, forms and publications.

    www.opm.gov/insure/98/index.htm This is OPM's site for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. Especially helpful is a list of answers to frequently asked questions and information on filing disputed claims or reporting health insurance fraud.

    www.usajobs.opm.gov/index.htm Not every federal job vacancy gets listed here, but hundreds do. And, in many cases, you can apply for a job on-line. USAJobs offers a list of the hottest current openings, and a link to "Planning Your Future—A Federal Employee's Survival Guide."

    www.dfas.mil Skip over the initial offerings in this site provided by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service and go directly to "Money Matters." Here, you'll find all civilian pay charts with locality tables; retired and annuitant pay and travel and transportation pay tables. If you're interested in other pay matters, this is the place to go for the latest news, directives, and references of the defense pay system.

    www.fedweek.com Don Mace's FEDWeek has as its motto, "Putting Federal Employees and Retirees First." This thorough and very user-friendly site offers a weekly newsletter on line and by e-mail. Here, you'll get information about every aspect of the federal employee program–from pay and promotions to retirement and survivor benefits to legislation and key court decisions affecting your federal career and benefits. The e-mail feature is particularly nice if you want to automatically receive each week's newsletter without asking. And you can get both at work and home.

    www.defenselink.mil DefenseLink may not deal directly with federal civilian careers, but if you're in the Department of Defense, it's a must stop for current information about DoD and the military. This site provides links to every service branch, defense agency and major command, plus news releases, fact sheets and other information about the federal government's largest civilian employer. It also links you to our site, the American Forces Press Service, at www.dtic.mil/afps, where you'll find news, feature stories, photographs and art for and about service members and DoD civilians.

    I recommend you bookmark these and related regional, local and service branch-specific sites and visit them regularly. Collectively, they provide a good information road map to keep you on course in your federal career. Questions or comments? E-mail djgille@hq.afis.osd.mil. NOTE: Joint Ethics Regulation (DoD 550.7-R, section 2-301) spells out legal and illegal use of federal communications resources while on the job. In general, the restrictions that guide office telephone use also govern Internet use. See your supervisor or local computer policy experts for details.

ASMC Calendar of Events
See Calendar page

March – Bunnies for Babies; Children’s Hospital. Bring your new bunnies, bears, stuffed animals to the March luncheon.

March 27 – Habitat for Humanity, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Contact Ms. Shannon Kentner, (703) 275-8480, for more information or to volunteer.

MINI (LOCAL) PDI’s

Shown below are local training events for Spring 1999.

Nominations for new Assistant Secretaries are due in April. The Services’ should begin to canvass for their replacements or begin campaigning for their next term. Nominations are due to CAPT Ackley, Washington Chapter President.

The Washington Chapter has received 29 applications for the ASMC Scholarship. The Scholarship Committee is reviewing the applications and the recipients will be announced at the May luncheon.

ASMC identification holders are available for sale. Cost is $3.00 each. This is a great way to display your identification badges. The necklace-type holders are available in various colors. Contact your ASMC representative for details.

Washington Chapter golf tournament has been set for June 21^st at Andrews Air Force Base. Look for our flyer soon.

Volunteers are needed to work on the ASMC PDI Chapter Fair in San Diego. Contact Liz Banta at 697-1880 if interested. We will need a lot of assistance in making this year’s booth the best ever.

	1999 ASMC GOLF TOURNAMENT  Mark your calendars for tee time! The ASMC Washington Chapter Golf Tournament is on Monday, 21 June 1999 at the Andrews Air Force Base West Course. Tee time is at 2:00 p.m. with a shotgun start. The format for the tournament is Captain’s Choice.
The entry fee includes greens fee, cart, refreshments, awards banquet, and prizes. The entry fees are as follows:
P	AAFB club members	$40.00
P	DoD military/civilian	$50.00
P	Non-DoD guest	$60.00
	For information about the ASMC Washington Chapter Golf Tournament Committee, please contact Ms. Ramona Y. Jones by phone: (202) 685-6710 or email: jones.ramona@fmo.navy.mil.

MULTI-DISCIPLINED FINANCIAL ANALYST PROGRAM UPDATE

By Ms. JoAnn Van Beusichem

Today, comptroller careerists are finding themselves required to be skilled in more than just their main functional area. We must be multi-functional and multi-dimensional, capable of analyzing and handling various situations. The Army Comptroller Proponency Office is spearheading the development of the multi-disciplined financial analyst program which will encompass the design of a career model including training, education, experience, professional development and accreditation at various levels of one’s career.

This program is being developed in a two pronged approach; first for the new Army careerist and later, for members of the current workforce. To date, core competencies with associated sample formal training to help achieve these competencies have been drafted. These competencies are based on the Joint Financial Manager’s Improvement Program (JFMIP), DoD and Army core competencies and are being staffed with all levels of the Army Financial Management community from HQ Department of the Army (HQDA) to installations. In the near future, these competencies will be available for comment on the Army Comptroller Proponency home page. Our next step is to design the career path beginning with GS-5 through SES delineating the types of training, experiences, and education required at the various stages of one’s career to receive accreditation.

Shortly, we will meet with private industry experts from Xerox, IBM, JC Penney and Chase Manhattan to examine their best practices in this area. Many large corporations ensure their employees are multi-faceted by exposing them to myriad different experiences and training. We hope to learn from them the pros and cons of their experience. Also, we will begin a series of visits to some resource management offices to share our concept and get input from current careerists.

If any individuals or offices are currently organized under a multi-disciplined financial analyst concept, we would like to hear from you. For further information or suggestions on this project please contact: Ms. JoAnn Van Beusichem DSN 227-1985, (703) 697-1985, email vanbejo@hqda.army.mil or Mr. Bill Guillaume DSN 227-1983, (703) 697-1983, email guillwj@hqda.army.mil. Periodic updates on the progress of the financial analyst concept will be posted to the Army Comptroller Proponency Home Page (www.asafm.army.mil) and in subsequent editions of the Armed Forces Comptroller publication and the Washington Chapter Newsletter.

About the Author: Ms. Van Beusichem is a Budget Analyst for the US Army Intelligence and Security Command, and currently on developmental assignment to the Army Comptroller Proponency Office. She is one of a two-person team tasked with developing the multi-functional, multi-dimensional financial analysis concept as part of the Financial Management redesign effort.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

By Ms. Shannon Kentner

On September 19^th, twenty-five Washington chapter volunteers spent the day working at a Habitat for Humanity (H4H) site in Alexandria, VA. Although mostly unskilled in construction techniques, we were quickly put to work on various stages of three townhouses currently underway. Working with other volunteers from H4H and Christ’s Church, Washington chapter members made ladders, cut and installed firewall, and hoisted materials to the upper floors in preparation for fully enclosing each of the townhouses. It was a terrific day of working and learning together while getting to know other ASMC members. Thanks to ASMC for providing delicious lunches and to the volunteers for giving up a Saturday to a good cause.

The Washington Chapter has scheduled a second H4H workday on March 27^th from 0800-1600. If you’d like to participate, please contact Shannon Kentner @ (703) 264-7048 or kentners@nima.mil.

Signing in and getting our tools.

DFAS volunteers Sharon Fasser and Shelley Austin-Daggett

ASMC volunteer Brenda Devivies taking a break

Web Bonus: Additional Pictures of our ASMC Volunteers

About the Author: Ms. Shannon Kentner is the Community Service Chairperson. Shannon works for NIMA in Reston. If interested in volunteering for H4H or other community service projects, contact Shannon.

By Ms. Shannon Kentner and Ms. Gwen Brown

The ASMC Holiday Social was a fantastic success. Over one hundred attendees gathered and enjoyed the wonderful holiday setting at Fort McNair.  Drawings were held for the many wonderful door prizes provided by Corporate members.  ASMC members in attendance were the lucky recipients of books, gift certificates, and holiday treats.  Thank you, Corporate!

For the 2^nd year, Washington Chapter ASMC members collected donations for the Toys for Tots program at the Holiday Social.  We collected more toys than ever and even had a few cash donations.  Clara Weston went the extra mile to identify members of the Pentagon cleaning staff who might have difficulty providing holiday gifts for their children.  Working from an enormous list, Clara’s sleigh made a flying trip to Quantico, which is the local Toys for Tots headquarters.  ASMC volunteers sorted and distributed a bulging vanload of toys to more than twenty-five grateful families.  Many thanks to all who generously donated toys and money.  And a very special thanks to Clara and Coy Weston who took this project the extra mile.

We also welcomed four new members to ASMC at the Holiday Social.  Two members joined from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service and two joined from the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense, Comptroller.  As a welcome, each new member received a 50^th anniversary ASMC commemorative mug.  We look forward to their participation in upcoming ASMC events.

About the Authors: Ms. Kentner is the Community Service Chairperson, and works for NIMA in Reston.  Ms. Brown is a Washington Chapter Assistant Secretary for OSD, and the Chapter Newsletter Assistant Editor.

Washington Chapter Officers 1998-1999
see the Chapter Officers page

This  page last updated:  January 23, 2010
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