Press Releases

GFAFB commander announces Military Saves Week

  • Published
  • By 090218
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Col. John Michel, 319th Air Refueling Wing commander, officially proclaimed Feb. 22 to March 1 Military Saves Week. The proclamation by the colonel was echoed by North Dakota' s governor, John Hoeven, who declared the week a time of financial education for military members and their families throughout the state.

The initiative is driven by the base's Airmen & Family Readiness center and is designed to help Airmen and families take financial action to create wealth, not incur further debt.

"This is a time for Airmen, civilian employees and their families to set goals realistic financial goals and commit to reducing debt, increasing savings and using their money in a more productive way," Colonel Michel said. "The focus of this week is to help equip the members of our team with the tools to make a sound plan, to share the benefits of taking proactive action on their plan and encourage them to sustain that action throughout the year."

The A&FRC plans to establish 100 percent contact with base members to encourage individuals to make a savings or debt reduction goal. To help Airmen, families and civilians achieve their goals; the A&FRC has scheduled a Financial Fitness Challenge during the base's Winter Bash Feb. 26. The challenge will vie teams of two in financial football and other physical events.

In addition, the wing, in coordination with the A&FRC, will present a financial fair. Participants, such as the North Dakota state attorney's office representative, North Dakota's 529 college savings plan commissioner, Veteran's Administration representatives, Social Security representatives, Small Business Administration representatives, and more.

"These events are just some that we have planned to help our Airmen, their families and our civilian employees learn to spend smartly and save safely," said Michele Schull Reinowski, a community readiness consultant. "This isn't the end of our efforts. We're always here to support the base community in their needs, whatever they may be."