U.S. Air Force Col. Robert Lyman, commander, Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, kicks off Military Saves Week with a proclamation signing at the Charleston Club here Feb. 22, 2017. Military Saves Week is designed to promote financial readiness and encourage military families to invest for the future. (Photo by Airman Joshua R. Maund)
JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA —
To kick off the 10 year anniversary of the Military Saves Campaign, Col. Robert Lyman, commander, 628th Air Base Wing and Navy Capt. Robert Hudson, commanding officer, Naval Support Activity Charleston, signed the Military Saves Proclamation commemorating Military Saves Week during the Heroes at Home Financial Education event held February 22, 2017. Joint Base Charleston will celebrate Military Saves Week from February 27 through March 4, 2017.
Military Saves, a component of America Saves, is a research-based social marketing campaign to motivate, support and encourage military families to save money and build wealth.
“The Military Saves Campaign is a total force operation that provides an opportunity for leaders at all levels to educate and motivate troops and families to save their hard-earned money for emergencies and financial goals," said Hudson. He added, "This is a great opportunity for all organizations to have a positive impact on the finances of service members, their families and civilian employees.”
Since the first Military Saves Week in 2007, hundreds of thousands of service members have taken the saver pledge. While Military Saves is a year-long effort, the upcoming week is a time for the military community to come together to emphasize the importance of saving while encouraging individuals to take action.
“The average emergency only costs $500,” said Erin Deville-Brown, a Joint Base Charleston Financial Counselor. “If individuals would take a little time and make a small effort to save at least that much, the likelihood of having to rely on credit or loans to pay for an emergency would greatly diminish,” she emphasized. "Our goal is to increase financial awareness. The earlier you start saving and investing, the less you will have to contribute to reach your retirement goals.”
The personal financial readiness of service members and their families directly supports mission readiness. In particular, Military Saves Week supports the Mental Pillar of Comprehensive Airman Fitness. Service members and their families are encouraged to protect their future and make responsible financial choices. Joint Base Charleston will celebrate this week with numerous events.
Information regarding upcoming events may be found at Facebook #JBCharleston MFS or by contacting Military & Family Services team (Airman & Family Readiness or Fleet & Family Support Centers) at 963-4406 or 794-7480.