Comptrollers manage millions to uphold deterrence mission

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Benjamin Raughton
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE La. - --  Without cash flow, a budget and financial management, the deterrence mission would come to a grinding halt. Airmen wouldn't have a salary to live on, and the B-52H Stratofortress would become essentially an 185,000 pound paperweight.

Last fiscal year, the 2nd Comptroller Squadron managed more than $123 million in regard to personnel salaries, facility projects, mission, training, commodities and more in order to maintain Barksdale's military strength and reputation as the Mighty Deuce.

"We are the [wing] commander's trusted advisors on all financial matters," said 1st Lt. Joe Regan, 2nd CPTS deputy budget officer. "Our mission is to provide high-quality objective guidance to the decision maker as well as customer-focused financial services to the warfighter."

From a customer service standpoint, 2nd CPTS wants to make every customer feel they are important.

"We provide a one-on-one service where [customers] can come in and we can review their pay issue and provide them the help they need," said Senior Airman Shakeeta Thomas, 2nd CPTS customer service technician.

As financial problems may arise, Thomas advises Airmen to be vigilant.

"Check myPay and make use of our free customer service counter," she said. "We'll go through everything for you, so you have someone to answer questions and someone to advise you."

Regardless of military status, financial matters impact everyone.

"Finances can become emotional," Thomas continued. "Even suicides are connected to financial issues. It affects your household. It affects how you live. Our mission isn't just about buying [new] things or financing renovations like the dining facility. This is many people's way of life, and we contribute to that in a major way."


By providing financial services to Airmen and to the Air Force, and fostering financial resilience, 2nd CPTS manages the green that keeps Barksdale blue.

"We take care of our people first; these [Airmen] stay at work late to help us accomplish the Bomb Wing mission and take pride in being number one in the command," Regan said.