JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
To kick off the seventh year of the Military Saves Campaign, Col. Richard McComb, Joint Base Charleston commander, and CAPT Tom Bailey, Joint Base Charleston deputy commander, signed their Military Savers Pledge Feb. 13, 2013, to commemorate Military Saves Week which takes place Feb. 20 through March 2.
"The Military Saves campaign is a total force, command-level program," said McComb. "It provides an opportunity for leaders at all levels within the active duty, National Guard and Reserve ranks to educate and motivate troops and families to save their hard-earned money for emergencies and financial goals."
While Military Saves is a year-long effort, Military Saves Week is a dedicated opportunity for the military and civilian community to come together to emphasize the importance of saving while encouraging individuals to take action.
"Throughout the week, our emphasis will be to encourage individuals to take what is known as a Savings Pledge," said Angela Cottman, Joint Base Charleston - Weapons Station community readiness consultant. "Individuals throughout the Weapons Station and Air Base will reach out to the entire JB Charleston community to promote the importance of the pledge. By doing this, our hope is to get military families to take the first step in saving for their future."
"The average emergency costs $500," said Barbara Lang, JB Charleston - Air Base certified personal financial counselor. "If an individual would simply take a little time and effort to save at least that much, they'd be less likely to rely on credit or loans to fund an emergency when it occurs. Military Saves Week gives us the platform we need to help encourage our Sailors and Airmen to step up and save!"
"The personal financial readiness of our service members and their families directly affects mission readiness," said Bailey. "Military Saves Week presents a great opportunity for our Sailors and Airmen, single or married, to take personal responsibility for their financial situation and make choices that will protect their future."
In observance of Military Saves Week, JB Charleston will hold savings-related events at both the Air Base and Weapons Station.
For more information regarding these events, contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 963-4406 or the Fleet and Family Support Center at 764-7480.