Comptrollers bring home AETC award Published Nov. 6, 2006 By Airman 1st Class Aldric Borders 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs ALTUS AFB, Okla. -- The 97th Comptroller Squadron recently took top honors receiving the Air Education and Training Com-mand's Special Acts and Services award for their part in supporting relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina. "It's an honor to get this award for the second straight year," said Lt. Col. Christine Wasdin, 97th CPTS commander. The men and women of 97th CPTS stepped up to this challenge and showcased the 'Team Altus' drive to do it right, and do it right now," she said. The squadron was able to assemble and deploy a team equipped to stand up an operational staging area for the affected Gulf Coast. They were able to provide the 97th Air Expeditionary Group with $1 million in buying power and $650,000 in cash on hand. "The base bank and credit union provided exceptional support gathering the cash we needed to make this possible on such a short time line," said Colonel Wasdin. In addition to this, the 97th CPTS provided the funds necessary for 32 aid missions to local Biloxi and Gulfport, Miss. communities. They were able to provide support for Keesler Air Force Base, deployed troops, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other non-government agencies working through the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. The 97th CPTS assisted with delivery of 8,700 lbs. of bagged ice, 54,000 lbs. of food, 3,l00 cleaning kits, 20 pallets of water and 900 MREs. They also built 182 care packages for evacuees weighing 15,000 lbs. and packed 21 pallets of clothing. "Keesler people continue to reconstruct their base, but the short term burden sharing allowed them a little extra time to gather their energies for the long haul," said Colonel Wasdin. Financial Analyst of the YearDiane Johnson, a GS-09 with the 97th Comptroller Squadron, was recently awarded the Air Education and Training Command Financial Analysis Civilian of the Year award. Mrs. Johnson was a direct contributor in helping the 97th CPTS win its AETC Special Acts and Services award. Mrs. Johnson accomplished many things including keeping a $246 million base budget in balance with no discrepancies.