JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- Every first and fifteenth, Airmen across Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington, awaken to newly-replenished bank accounts; but much like children greeted by gifts on Christmas morning, few questions are asked about how those stockings - or wallets - went from barren to bursting overnight.
The answer is not a man whose belly shakes like a bowl full of jelly; it’s the financial wizards assigned to the 62nd Comptroller Squadron. These Airmen work behind-the-scenes to ensure every member of Team McChord stays on top of their finances and has a reason to celebrate at least twice a month, every month.
“We provide assistance with military pay, travel pay to include PCS [Permanent Change of Station] and TDY [Temporary Duty], LeaveWeb, and civilian pay and disbursing,” said Master Sgt. Shannon Maycock, 62nd CPTS Financial Services flight chief.
Open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, financial technicians assist customers one-on-one to ensure mutual understanding and expeditious support.
“Though some vouchers may be completed online, we do offer face-to-face inprocessing to guarantee the process is done correctly and members don’t waste time reaccomplishing tasks,” said Airman 1st Class Vien Roman, 62nd CPTS financial services technician. “In regard to pay, members can call us, or drop in any time to ask questions or clarify anything they may not understand on their LES [Leave and Earnings Statement].”
Though top-tier customer service is available at the finance office, members of Team McChord do have online self-help options.
“MyPay is the biggest online tool for members to control their pay,” Maycock said. “There is also a virtual finance page located under “Finance and Travel” on the Air Force Portal. This page provides information on everything from travel pay calculators to PCS entitlements and reviewing your LES.”
Maycock encourages Airmen to be cognizant of their pay each month, and to remember that knowledge is power.
“Members should contact the finance office if they feel something might be off with their pay,” Maycock explained. “It is important to understand your entitlements and allowances and what you should, or should not be receiving. We would rather take the time to walk you through your pay record than possibly send you a debt notification.”
Avoiding unexpected financial stressors is as simple as paying a visit to the finance office and tapping into the wealth of financial experience located just beyond the customer service counter.
“We understand the average member is not going to be an expert on financial issues,” Maycock said. “All they have to do is take the initiative and ask questions.”
Finance is located on the first floor of building 100 on McChord Field and can be reached by phone at 253-982-2594.