39th CPTS embeds Airman with defenders

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anthony Sanchelli
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Across the Air Force Airmen can see changes all around them. Here at Incirlik, one Airman has seen a large change in how he conducts day-to-day operations.

Senior Airman Devon Cross, 39th Comptroller Squadron security forces squadron financial specialist, is currently embarking on a new process for Incirlik. Though he is a part of the 39th CPTS he has been embedded within the 39th SFS, and is the first and only financial specialist to be embedded in a separate squadron here at this time.

"U.S. Air Forces in Europe has a handful of bases testing the initiative known as 'All Things Finance,'" said Cross. "ATF has been in its test phase for several months now at Incirlik."

The USAFE initiative is designed to not only save time with financial processes, but to improve customer service between finance experts and other units.

Cross has worked with finance for six years now, but said with change comes challenges.

"Previously I worked in both customer service and budget sections, but not at the same time," Cross stated. "With ATF, I'm required to work all aspects of finance with SFS. It can be challenging to work both sides and prioritize workloads."

Despite the challenges associated with the new job, Cross takes this opportunity as a chance to excel in his career.

"In finance, they try to move us around between budget and customer service to continue 'career progression.' And now, working both aspects it helps me be a well-rounded Airman," Cross said. "I also like that it gives me an opportunity to excel in my career field."

If successful, the ATF initiative could change the way finance does business in the future, said Cross. Being the only member to undergo this process here, his efforts are not going unnoticed.

"Cross has been a great asset," says Capt. Brian Delaney, 39th SFS officer in charge of logistics and readiness. "On the SFS side, finances are not usually forefront of our mind or mission. By having him here, he is constantly giving us updates, advice and action plans to better improve how we deal with money. His inputs on ideas to cut spending have been invaluable as well."

"Working for the 39th SFS has its challenges," exclaimed Cross. "But it has been very rewarding to work with them as well. They are a great group of people and I completely respect what they do."

The program here seems to be working well, said Delaney.