September 2004 Newsletter



President's Message

By Stephen Bagby

President, ASMC Washington Chapter

Greetings and welcome to the October luncheon!

Happy New Fiscal Year! Congratulations to all those Financial Managers who worked so hard to ensure the government’s books were closed on 30 September and a new set of books were opened on 1 October. Your efforts made it look routine, but we all know it requires lots of dedication and hard work.

The Chapter continues to make progress executing this year's goals and objectives. Our Audit Committee Chair, Jim Auchter, briefed the ASMC Washington Chapter Executive Board on the final Audit of last year’s activities. The Executive Board approved the audit and submitted it to ASMC National Headquarters. The audited statements will be placed on our web site. Although the Chapter is financially in good health, the Executive Board approved the purchase of a new computer and software to ease the Treasurer's workload and to improve our ability to produce financial reports. Based on the recommendations of Mr. Auchter and our Treasurer, we will review our revenue collection procedures for various Chapter events to ensure a better matching of revenues and expenses to report financial results. I want to thank Mr. Auchter for all his hard work on our Audit.

The Washington Chapter’s Mini PDI Committee has held its first meeting and already has begun to develop a tentative agenda. The Committee is planning for a Mini PDI on March 29, 2005, so please mark your calendars. The agenda is built on three career pillars of: Mission Awareness, Leadership Growth, and Professional Development. At this months October luncheon the Committee will survey members for ideas to help complete the agenda. Please fill out the Mini PDI survey with recommended topics or speakers you would like to see.

Two members have volunteered to lead and assist our Committees. Captain David Cain will be the chairperson for Program and Publicity Committee. Ms. Ramona Novitski will assist on the Scholarship committee. All of the Chapter’s committee chairperson positions have been filled.

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

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

|Upcoming Events |

|Nov 3, 2004 |Executive Board Meeting |

|Nov 10, 2004 |ASMC Luncheon (Corporate Sponsored) |

|Dec 15, 2004 |Holiday Social |

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Ms. Jo Decker, SES

Assistant Chief of Naval Personnel (ACNP) for Military Personnel, Director of Financial Management

Luncheon topic: Rising manpower costs in the Department of Defense and the Challenge of Total Force Management

Ms. Jo Decker is a native of Fort Worth, Texas. She graduated from Troy State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. She has completed graduate work at the University of West Florida, and University of Southern California.

Ms. Decker began her government career in 1983 as a Budget/Program Analyst responsible for preparing program and budget submissions, providing responses to Congressional and other staff and intelligence committee questions and inquiries. In 1984, she became the Department Head, Resource Management Department responsible for managing all administrative functions at the activity level, including all financial, programming, military and civilian pay and administration, travel, security, editorial and graphics, and facilities management.

From 1991 to 1997, Ms. Decker served as the Deputy Director/Director of Resource Management and Comptroller, Office of Naval Intelligence. In 1997, she became a Senior Intelligence Professional as the Chief Financial Officer and Director, Assessments and Evaluation. In this capacity, Ms. Decker initiated and developed a strategic planning process for Naval Intelligence, which included a performance measurement system and balanced scorecard foundation.

Ms. Decker became a member of the Senior Executive Service in 1999 as the Deputy Comptroller for the Naval Air Systems Command, located at Patuxent River, Maryland. In this capacity she was responsible for managing all financial and fiduciary functions for the organization, representing approximately $17 billion dollars annually, and 30,000 personnel.

In her current position as Assistant Chief of Naval Personnel (ACNP) for Military Personnel, Director of Financial Management, Ms Decker is responsible for managing, budgeting and overseeing the military personnel account for the Department of the Navy, and has been an active participant in Department of the Navy financial career development programs and boards. She has been a frequent guest speaker on Balanced Scorecard processes at various conferences and symposia, as well as with the Office of Personnel Management.

In addition to numerous outstanding performance ratings throughout her career, Ms. Decker was awarded the Navy Operational Intelligence Center Outstanding Support Employee of the Year Award in 1985, the Naval Intelligence Distinguished Civilian Award in 1991 and the Navy Superior Civilian Service Award in 1999 and 2001. She has recently been nominated for the 2001/2002 publication of International Who’s Who of Professionals.

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 ().

By Arlene Crawford, Missile Defense Agency

As workforce improvement continues to be a priority within the Department of Defense, the Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) chairperson for the Financial Management Career Path of the Ballistic Missile Defense Systems University (BMDSU) is working in concert with the BMDSU and the ASMC to encourage financial management training and certification. MDA sponsored an onsite Enhanced Defense Financial Management (EDFM) training course on Sep 13-17, 2004 as part of their BMDSU program. The EDFM training course helps prepare financial managers for the Certified Defense Financial Management (CDFM) examination. Personnel in the 343, 501, 505, 510, 511 and 560 series who participated in this course received a better understanding of all aspects of financial management and how they relate to one another. This course is recommended for all financial managers and serves as an excellent refresher even for those who have already obtained certification(s). The course was a huge success and received great reviews from the participants. Upon completion of the onsite course, one of the participants took and passed his final module of the CDFM examination. MDA had several persons become CDFM certified this year and is striving to have even more certified in the near future.

New DOD Civilian Personnel System Delayed; Target Date Now July, 2007

Military leaders are expecting additional delays in launching a controversial new Department of Defense-wide civilian personnel system. Already delayed once, officials had planned to launch a pilot program for the NSPS by July 2005.

”I wouldn’t doubt that slips because that’s still a very aggressive schedule. So it will probably be sometime after summer,” Jeannie Davis, the Army’s assistant deputy chief of staff for civilian personnel in Europe, told a gathering of top civilian managers in Heidelberg, Germany last week.

Now a DOD-wide implementation for the program is expected no sooner than July 2007. The expected delay comes after Pentagon leaders were told to scrap plans to have a new system to manage the military’s some 670,000 civilians in place by October 1, 2004. The new civilian management program was approved under the 2004 Defense Authorization Act last year. The Pentagon had planned to launch it on October 1 with the beginning of the new fiscal year.

Military leaders have become frustrated with the current system, which is seen by many as too bureaucratic with cumbersome hiring and firing policies. Ms. David gave an example where several hundred DOD police were needed in Washington, DC after the September 11, 2001 attacks and it took two years to get them hired. Officials were hoping to quickly change all that with NSPS. “So, from November 2003 to October 2004, the plan was to develop and deploy an entire new personnel system,” said Davis.

Federal labor groups and others had balked at such a quick overhaul and felt largely out of the loop in developing the replacement. “There was a lot of concern about quickly they were moving, how quickly they were developing this new system and not involving a whole lot of other people,” David said.

“Earlier this year, things came to a head. Congress expressed some concern—as did the unions—saying things were going too fast.” Now, the Defense Department is adopting a take-it-slow approach, trying to reach out to military civilians in an effort to build consensus on what the new system should look like.

There’s still resistance. Davis said one senior leader was recently briefing a gathering of about 400 DOD civilians and all but about 100 walked out in protest. “It’s been a difficult time,” said Davis. “Labor relations have been touch.” Undeterred, officials are holding town hall meetings at military installations around the world.

“The message from DOD and the Army is that we want to hear from you,” said Davis. “I know a lot of times we’ve heard that before and it hasn’t been true. Well, this time it’s true”.

A year into the effort, said Davis, “the plan is still being developed and so a lot of the information you’re going to want to know I’m not going to be able to tell you, unfortunately. The details about the system, what it’s going to look like, how it’s going to effect people are just not there yet.”

“They have to have it in place by 2008,” Davis said. Legislation authorizing the new system expires at the end of 2008.

[Source: European Stars and Stripes 21 Sep 04]

Chapter News

The following Washington Chapter members recently passed the three Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM) Examinations:

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|Benedicta Corderd De Guzman | |

|Sulema Gaughran | |

|Irene Denise Hall | |

|William Lee Lauer | |

|Constance Ann Maternick | |

|Susan Marie McMahon | |

|Kathleen Mary Patterson | |

|John Allen Ratcliffe | |

|Henry Abraham Wilson, Jr. | |

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|Congratulations to these members for their hard work and | |

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

|So let’s get busy! | |

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|The CDFM Self Study Tool is on the ASMC website. | |

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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.  If | |

|those civilian Chapter members’ 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]

After 36 years of government service, John Neely, PEO IWS, Business Financial Manager, Standard Missile Program, will be retiring on 30 Oct 04.

September luncheon winner:

The September luncheon winner was Judith Brown from DISA.

Free luncheon Raffle:

All luncheon attendees will be entered in a raffle to win 2 certificates good for a future free luncheon admission.  One certificate is for the winner's own use; the other is for the winner to give to a potential new member.

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

Community Service

A CHANCE TO GIVE

This time of year the leaves are beginning to fall as a new season creeps in. Cooler weather brings us wonderful holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. With Christmas less than three months away, gift ideas are popping up everywhere. With all the excitement in the air, I want to take this time to remind you of our fellow neighbors who are in dire need. The new ASMC Community Service Committee will be continuing with the collections that have taken place in prior years.

At the October luncheon we will be taking up a collection for Mt. Eagle Elementary School, which would appreciate our assistance with school supplies.

At the November luncheon we will be collecting canned goods for the needy to help with their Thanksgiving meal.

At the December party we will be accepting new toys for underprivileged children. Of course cash is always accepted. The committee will purchase like items with any cash they receive.

In hope that we make someone’s life better with our generosity, we are asking you to open your hearts and pockets and give generously to these worthy causes. If you have any questions, or would like to join the committee, please contact Jean Terrill, Community Service Chair, jterrill5@, 703-313-8313.

Service News:

Secretary of the Navy Gordon England, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Vern Clark, and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Terry Scott (SS/AW) joined more than 100 Sailors, Marines and Department of the Navy civilian employees to commemorate the Navy’s upcoming 229th birthday during a cake-cutting ceremony in the Pentagon Oct. 4. Traditionally, the oldest and youngest Sailors assigned to a command cut the cake. Clark took duties as the oldest Sailor present, while Seaman Anthony J. Tobias, an Intelligence Specialist assigned to Director, Naval Intelligence, participated as the youngest Sailor. "What a privilege it is to be here with you today, alongside men and women who chose to live a life of service,” Clark said. He also thanked the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Michael Hagee, for attending the ceremony.

Requirements Document Signed

The Requirements Document for National Security Personnel System (NSPS) was signed by NSPS OIPT Co-Chairs: the Honorable Charles Abell, Principal Deputy (USD(P&R)), and George Nesterczuk, Senior Advisor to Director OPM on September 23, 2004 and NSPS Senior Executive, Secretary Gordon England, signed on September 25, 2004. This document provides the basis for building the many facets of NSPS, and lays out our guiding principles and key performance parameters. It also describes generally the desired attributes of the system (i.e., what we want to achieve with the system). As with any overarching requirements document, this is a living document that may be adjusted as we move through the design and spiral implementation process. We continue to be receptive to good ideas as we design the system, some of which may eventually be incorporated into future versions of this document. To read this document in detail, please go to the following website:

A Bit About Base Realignment And Closure (BRAC)

BRAC is a means to achieve several goals: eliminate excess infrastructure; reshape our military; pursue jointness; optimize military readiness; and realize significant savings in support of transforming the Department of Defense. The department will use BRAC to eliminate unnecessary infrastructure and to increase military capability and effectiveness. All data call responses and resulting recommendations will be made available to the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission not later than May 16, 2005. At that time, this information will be available to all interested parties. In fact, the Commission will solicit responses and inputs regarding the Department’s BRAC recommendations from communities, states, and other as it holds public hearings throughout their review process. There will be no official list until May of 2005. This data call is just the first of a series of events that will determine which specific closures and realignments will occur as required by law—the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990.

[Source: nps.edu/News/NewsArchives.aspx]

|Enhanced Defense Financial Management Training Course (EDFMTC) |

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|The EDFMTC is centrally funded by the Department of Defense, licensed and copyrighted by the American Society of Military Comptrollers and is a |

|five-day, intensive financial management review course taught in three modules. There is no cost to your command, other than your time away |

|from the job and any TDY costs you may incur. |

|Chapter members are encouraged to attend the DoD-funded training. However, Components and Agencies can also independently contract with the |

|training provider to furnish EDFMTC training directly to specific organizations.  For further details, contact John Bunnell, ASMC Director for |

|Certification, (703) 549-0360, ext 236 or (800) 462-5637. |

Upcoming 1st Qtr FY05 EDFMTC Dates (in and near the Washington, DC area):

Host Location

Defense wide 18-22 Oct 2004 DeCA, Ft. Lee, VA

Navy Host 25-29 Oct 2004 Washington Navy Yard

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

Navy Host 1-5 Nov 2004 Quantico,VA

Navy Host 15-19 Nov 2004 Norfolk, VA

Defense wide 29 Nov-3 Dec 2004 NGA, Reston, VA

DFAS Host 6-10 Dec 2004 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. 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.

Taking the CDFM test for the three modules is currently being done on a voluntary basis. However, it could become mandatory for future promotions.

If you are already certified, it is important to keep track of your CPEs since they are required to maintain certification. CPEs are granted at structured training, ASMC luncheons and conferences. Professional reading and online courses also equate to CPE credit. The NASBA grants 1 CPE for every 50 minutes of training.

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 |Brenda.lafleur@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

October 2004 Edition – Navy Sponsored

Next Luncheon Meeting:

November 10, 2004 Hosted by Corporate

Speaker: Mr. Rob Fitzgerald, Northrup Grumman

Holiday Inn, 2460 Eisenhower Ave

Alexandria, VA 22314

Make plans now to attend and remember to bring canned goods!

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