September 2004 Newsletter



President's Message

By Stephen Bagby

President, ASMC Washington Chapter

Greetings and welcome to the September Luncheon!

Special thanks to those chapter members who came forward volunteering to lead the Publicity and Competition committees and to support the Chapter Mini PDI. We will announce New Board Members at the October luncheon.

Twelve chapter members volunteered to support the Chapter Mini PDI. We will start Chapter Mini PDI planning at out first meeting in September. It is a pleasure to serve on the board of a volunteer organization where member are so willing to put their time and effort into making the Washington Chapter a premier professional organization.

We will continue our luncheon raffle of two free lunches. The September luncheon lucky winner will receive an October lunch for himself/herself, as well as an October lunch for a guest who is a potential member. Start thinking now which colleague you will invite to join us in October if you are the lucky winner! Maybe there is someone new at your organization you’d like to invite, even without a free lunch. Paying guests are welcome too.

In my role as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Cost and Economics I recently gave a $100,000 award to the Fort Huachuca Garrison for cost management / activity based costing productivity initiatives (Use of treated effluent for in-plant processes, Reduced Labor Cost at Child Development Centers, and College Course Accreditation for Soldier On-the-Job Training) which could save the Army well over $25 million a year. I have asked the winners to submit a newsletter article for October in hopes to communicate the excellent ideas generated by the Financial Management community. Remember that our local chapter provides us with a richly diverse and talented community of Financial Managers from all the service branches coming together to share experiences and ideas. Take advantage of your chapter meetings by being prepared to be stimulated and to go back to your work with fresh ideas.

As volunteer organization, we support our members, our community, and our career field. Thanks, again, for your support and involvement in ASMC.

|Upcoming Events |

|Oct 6, 2004 |Executive Board Meeting |

|Oct 13, 2004 |ASMC Luncheon(Navy Sponsored) |

|Nov 3, 2004 |Executive Board Meeting |

|Nov 10, 2004 |ASMC Luncheon(Corp sponsored) |

|Dec 15, 2004 |Holiday Social |

Ms. Gwen Sykes

Chief Financial Officer

NASA

Gwendolyn Sykes is the Chief Financial Officer for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Through her leadership, Ms. Sykes ensures the financial health of the organization, including responsibility for ensuring that NASA resources are effectively employed toward the achievement of NASA's strategic plan. She manages the organization's budget and financial operations, directs the preparation and submission of annual financial and budgetary reports, and coordinates Agency financial management activities with other federal agencies. She also is an active participant with other agency Chief Financial Officers in supporting implementation of the President's Management Agenda.

Ms. Sykes joined NASA in November 2002 when she was selected as the Deputy Chief Financial Officer for Financial Management. Since that time, she has made significant strides toward improving agency-wide financial integrity. She has launched several management initiatives, aligned with the principles of the Federal Government's Joint Financial Management Improvement Program (JFMIP), designed to improve NASA's financial health and performance. Her leadership and resourcefulness are invaluable assets to the NASA Community.

Prior to arriving at NASA, Ms. Sykes provided program and financial control support to the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller). She was instrumental in instituting streamlined financial reporting requirements and developing electronic financial management reports, significantly reducing the amount of paper work that flowed from the Department of Defense to the Department of Treasury and the Office of Management and Budget.

Ms. Sykes began her public service career with the Defense Contract Audit Agency. Subsequently, she served as a legislative correspondent for Senator Ted Stevens, where she coordinated activities related to protecting Alaska's vital fishery industry during the Valdez oil spill.

In 2003, Ms. Sykes was awarded the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal for outstanding budgetary and financial management leadership of the NASA financial community. She is considered an expert in the areas of accounting and financial management, and frequently lectures at a variety of financial management conferences and symposia.

Ms. Sykes holds a bachelor's degree in Accounting from The Catholic University of America and a master's degree in Public Administration from The American University. She is a Certified Government Financial Manager.

NATIONAL NEWS

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ASMC "Help Wanted"

The American Society of Military Comptrollers (ASMC) is seeking retired DoD financial management professionals interested in working for ASMC. Employment opportunities include project management of virtual and extended learning, training program development, and special projects. Available positions include either full or part time employment with flexible working hours and telecommuting opportunities. Individuals must have experience and thorough knowledge in several financial management core competencies. Applicant must be self-motivated with a desire to make a positive impact on the professional development of the financial management workforce. Interested parties should contact the Executive Director via email at mccall@.

Mid-Year National Council Meeting

The Mid-Year National Council meeting will be held on 8-10 November 2004 at the Hilton Crystal City. This event will provide attendees an opportunity to be updated on current resource management issues. In addition to DoD presentations, chapter representatives will provide input to the program for PDI 2005, and receive ASMC Updates and Leadership Training. The meeting will provide an excellent opportunity for networking with leaders from other chapters and commands.

Educational Financing for your Family through Wells Fargo

A new benefit for ASMC members and their families! Financing for all of your higher education needs, the Wells Fargo Capital for Knowledge program offers financing for all of your education expenses, even if you don't qualify for federal loans. Financing can be used to cover tuition, room and board, books, fees, and even a personal computer. All ASMC members and their family members are eligible. An instant credit decision is available over the phone or online, and rates and terms are personalized to meet your specific credit profile. Funding is available for: Undergraduate and graduate studies; vocational training and career advancement courses; IT certification; Private K-12 schools; Education loan consolidation.

The Capital for Knowledge program can help you by offering: Rates as low as Prime; 24-hour online account access; Affordable monthly payments; Secure online application delivery; Rate-reduction rewards; Access to the federal PLUS and Stafford loan programs

FREE online education resources are available, including scholarship and college search engines. Visit for more information.

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ASMC PDI VIRTUAL LIBRARY

Miss a workshop? Didn’t get to go to the PDI? Want to acquire continuing professional education (CPE) credits? Then visit the 2004 PDI Virtual Library!! You can hear and see the speaker and view their corresponding PowerPoint slides synchronized to their presentation. You can view Opening Day ceremonies, various Service Day sessions and sixteen different workshops. A new feature this year is the opportunity to take a test at the end of some of the workshops in an effort to acquire CPE credit. The workshops offered for CPE credit are outlined in the Table of Contents: When you view the actual workshop, just follow the prompts that will guide you through the process for acquiring CPE. Access the Virtual Library through links on the Washington Chapter website () or the national website ().

Chapter News

The following chapter members completed the Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM) Exams last month:

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|Theresa M. Agnello Herman E. Leeman | |

|Raymond J. Alwine Jennifer L. McNamara | |

|Rita Chico Reinaldo Morales | |

|Alec J. Cloyd Sidney H. Pennington | |

|Tomoko E. Coles Kimberly N. Prendergast | |

|Michael R. Curtis Michael K. Sheaffer | |

|Ronald E. Dasher Sonia D. Smith | |

|Robert L. Donnelly Catherine R. Taxdal | |

|Cindy A. Fuller Milford E. Thompson | |

|Constance S.Jones Tory L. Weaver | |

|Kathy Smith Kittrell Jeanette S. Whiten | |

|Ernest La Venuta | |

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|Congratulations to these members for their effort and | |

|dedication. We look forward to other members added next month. | |

|So let’s get busy | |

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|       CDFM Chapter Rebate: Military members should first seek | |

|full reimbursement under their VA entitlement and civilian | |

|members should seek reimbursement from their Service/agency.    | |

|For those military members who cannot use their VA entitlement, | |

|or passed a module after August 1, 2001 and before the VA | |

|Chapter will reimburse Chapter members 50% of the cost of each | |

|module per the Chapter program approved on August 1, 2001.  For | |

|those civilian Chapter members who’s Service/agency will not | |

|reimburse them for their CDFM examination costs, the Chapter | |

|will reimburse 50% of the CDFM module. Chapter POC: Washington | |

|Chapter CDFM Program Manager: | |

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|Ms. Darlene Thompson, CDFM | |

|(703)486-6855 Darlene.thompson@mda.mil | |

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Farewell: [pic]

William Wallenhorst, Marine Corps Deputy Fiscal Director retired after 30 plus years of service

Renae (Pribyl)Winn, Fiscal Operations Officer retired in Aug after 30 years of service. We wish them well in their retirement adventures

Hail:

Debra Connelly recently joined the Marine Corps team as Branch Head of Budget Operations in Program and Resources Department

CPE Credit: For those wishing to get CPE credit for attending the ASMC luncheon, please ensure that you sign in with your service representatives. If you have any questions, contact LT Diane Perry by phone at 202-267-6013 or by e-mail at ddperry@comdt.uscg.mil

Honors/Recognition

Tom Hafer, received 25 year Federal Length of Service Pin (USMC)

Marine Corps Interns Highlighted

Doug Matties CDFM,

Presidential Management Intern graduate recently promoted to GS-13 and assigned additional responsibilities in the Contingency Operations Cell of Program and Resources Department. Doug formerly served as the Working Capital Fund Analyst for 3 years. Additional, he was a PDI presenter for Service Day. He has been a wonderful asset to the Marine Corps.

Cara Tener, CDFM a graduate of the DoN Financial Management Intern Program recently received a Letter of Appreciation from her FMB analyst for the excellent work with the O&MMCR appropriation. She has been reassigned to the Working Capital Fund account, with increase responsibilities. Additionally, Cara is responsible for spearheading a Wellness Program in the Program and Resources Department with great success. Her latest accomplishment is the completion of the Professional Comptrollers School at Maxwell Air Force Base. She is an example of what can be accomplished when you invest in your interns. The future of the Financial Community depends on it.

Community Service

Sep –October: School Supplies Drive collection – brings school supplies to luncheon or gives to service representative. Supplies will be given to local school children

November: Food Basket Drive- stay tuned for list of specific items needed

December- Toys for Tots- collect new toys, books, gift cards, CDs for the 3 Cleaning Company personnel at the Pentagon.

January- February- Habitat for Humanity project- additional information forthcoming

Community Service Representatives: Jean Terrill (703) 607-2603 Jeraldine Herbert (703) 614-8023

Service News:

The United States Postal Service (USPS) announced the 2005 U.S. stamp program at the August American Philatelic Society Stamp show. At this show the Distinguished Marines block of stamps were debut. The stamps will be unveiled fall 2004 and issued sometime in 2005. The stamps will honor four Marine icons: General John A. Lejeune, Lieutenant General Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller, Sergeant Major Dan Daly and Gunnery Sergeant John “Manila John” Basilone.

CDFM Preparation Tidbits

Self Study Tool on ASMC website:

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|Begin your self-study with the module you know the most about. This |

|will increase your confidence and let you get used to the level of |

|detail of the questions in an area where you feel most comfortable. |

|Remember, most of us know a lot about two or three of the areas |

|already. Capitalize on what you already know! |

|Read all of the narrative material in the Reference Guide. The subject |

|matter experts who wrote the more than 900 questions in the item bank |

|prepared much of it. Reading this material closely will give you a good|

|idea of what experts feel a certified financial manager should know in |

|a given area. |

|Spend enough time. It's hard to tell sometimes how much time is |

|required, but you will see certain subjects and references coming up |

|many times throughout your review. You will know when you have a good |

|grasp of the subject matter. |

|If possible, talk to other people who participated in the Enhanced |

|Financial Management Training Course, in-group study, or who took some |

|or all of the CDFM. They can help by giving you an idea of how much you|

|need to review. |

|Form a study group with your coworkers; share your knowledge and test |

|taking skills. |

|Enhanced Defense Financial Management Training Course |

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|The Enhanced Defense Financial Management Training Course is a |

|five-day, intensive financial management review course taught in |

|three modules. The course is provided by the Department of Defense |

|and is licensed and copyrighted by the American Society of Military|

|Comptrollers. The course is offered at a variety of locations |

|(including overseas locations) throughout the year to make it |

|easier for personnel to attend and to hold down travel expenses. |

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|The training is provided for a variety of reasons. First, the departmental leadership is interested in improving the overall technical and |

|managerial capabilities of the financial management work force. Secondly, the program is designed to broaden the perspective of each financial |

|manager by introducing him or her to areas of expertise outside their daily responsibilities. Finally, the course assists in preparation for a |

|stringent examination, the Certified Defense Financial Manager. However, the course is only partial preparation and you should undertake a |

|considerable amount of additional study prior to registering for the CDFM examination. |

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|While presented in an “overview” format, the material covered in this course varies in intensity from the intermediate level to the advanced |

|level. There are no prerequisites established by the ASMC for this course, only your selection by the Department of Defense to attend. The |

|course is delivered in a classroom setting with two instructors and a maximum of 32 students. On completion of the course you will be awarded up|

|to 40 continuing professional educations hours, depending on your attendance. |

Upcoming EDFMTC Dates:

Host Location

Navy Host 25 Oct-29 Oct 2004 Washington Navy Yard

DFAS Host 1-5 Nov 2004 Washington Metro Area Vendor Location

Navy Host 1-5 Nov Quantico,VA

DFAS Host 6-10 Dec Washington Metro Area Vendor location

Now that you have gotten the training, time to register for the test. Registration information can be found online at the National site . Once you have registered a reference number will be assigned to track your testing success. Remember to use this number each time you take one of the modules regardless of the testing site. As an individual you can take the test at the National PDI, a Prometric Testing Center or National Headquarters. Agencies can even make arrangements with John Burnell at National to do agency onsite testing. This has worked well for the Marine Corps.

No matter the method of studying or testing the key is the achievement of your CDFM. It is currently done on a voluntary basis; however, it has been rumored that it may become mandatory for advancement. Why not do it while you have a choice.

By the way, if you are already certified don’t forget to keep track of your CPEs they are required to maintain certification. CPEs are granted at structured training, ASMC luncheons and conferences to name a few. Professional reading, online courses also equate to CPE credit. The NASBA grants 1 CPE for every 50 minutes of training.

T

Washington 2004-2005 Chapter Officers

|Name |Title |E-Mail |Phone |

|Mr. Stephen Bagby |President |Steve.bagby@hqda.army.mil |(703) 692-1722 |

|Mr. Stephen Pawlow |Secretary |Stephen.pawlow@us.army.mil |(703) 601-4162 |

|Mr. Jerry Bogle |Treasurer |Jerry.bogle@hqda.army.mil |(703) 692-5913 |

|Ms. Elizabeth McGrath |Vice President – OSD |Elizabeth.mcgrath@osd.mil |(703) 607-3370 |

|Ms. Lucy Williams |Assistant Secretary – OSD |Lucy.williams@osd.mil |(703) 697-1101 ext. 115 |

|Mr. Nick Gaglio |Vice President – DFAS |Nicholas.gaglio@dfas.mil |(703) 607-2857 |

|Ms. Susan Eldridge |Assistant Secretary – DFAS |Susan.eldridge@dfas.mil |(703) 607-5007 |

|Mr. Jim Anderholm |Vice President – Army |Jim.anderholm@hqda.army.mil |(703) 692-4982 |

|Ms. Mary Williams |Assistant Secretary – Army |Mary.R.Williams@hqda.army.mil |(703) 693-2818 |

|Ms. Ednora Armour-Ohanmu |Vice President – Navy |Ednora.armour-ohanmu@navy.mil |(703) 614-2768 |

|Ms. Brenda LaFleur |Assistant Secretary – Navy |lafleurbl@navsea.navy.mil |(202) 781-2109 |

|Ms. Sandra Wright |Vice President – Marine Corps |wrights@hqmc.usmc.mil |(703) 692-5752 |

|Capt Elroy Black |Assistant Secretary – Marine Corps |Elroy.black@dfas.mil |(703) 607-5113 |

|Ms. Tory L. Weaver |Vice President – Air Force |Tory.weaver@pentagon.af.mil |(703) 614-5398 |

|Major Lasheeco Graham |Assistant Secretary – Air Force |Lasheeco.graham@js.pentagon.mil |(703) 697-9784 |

|Mr. Warren Cottingham |Vice President – Coast Guard |wcottingham@comdt.uscg.mil |(202) 267-4688 |

|LCDR John Imahori |Assistant Secretary – Coast Guard |jimahori@comdt.uscg.mil |(202) 267-6679 |

|Mr. Craig Silcox |Vice President – Corporate/Retiree |csilcox@ |(202) 533-4296 |

|Mr. Brain J. Boshart |Assistant Secretary–Corporate/Retiree |Brian.boshart@ |(703) 813-1900 ext. 7398 |

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ASMC Washington Chapter

NEWSLETTER

September 2004 Edition

Marine Corps Sponsored

Future Meetings:

October 11, 2004 Hosted by Navy

Speaker: Ms. Decker

Holiday Inn Eisenhower Ave

Make plans now to attend and remember to bring school supplies!

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