CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
The Department of Defense has designated Feb. 25 to March 2 as Military Saves Week to encourage servicemembers and their families to establish savings goals and set money aside for emergencies and other needs.
The Charleston AFB Airman and Family Readiness Flight is supporting this effort by asking military members to join Military Saves as part of Operation Financial Fitness.
"We are delighted to support Charleston's first Military Saves campaign," said Col. John "Red" Millander, 437th Airlift Wing commander. "We see an incredible need for improved saving habits in today's world. This is a model program for changing lives by creating economic opportunity."
Military Saves is part of the nationwide campaign, America Saves, and is sponsored by Consumer Federation of America, DOD, the National Association of Securities Dealers Investor Education Foundation and a nationwide network of defense credit unions and military banks. As part of the DOD Financial Readiness campaign, Military Saves encourages leaders to focus attention on encouraging their troops to get out of debt and save money.
"We have partnered with several on- and off-base agencies as well as individuals throughout Charleston AFB to make this campaign a huge success," said Barbara Lang, the campaign's project officer.
The campaign will commence with a kick-off celebration Monday at 8:30 a.m. in the base theater. The base will culminate the week's events March 7 at 2:30 p.m. at the Fitness and Sports Center with a financial fitness fun run and credit card cut up. Additionally, key workers within each unit will be contacting members throughout the week to get their commitment to saving. There will also be workshops at the A&FRF to emphasize saving and provide much-needed education to the Charleston AFB community.
Saving money and alleviating debt requires dedication, sacrifice, and patience. Military Saves provides the necessary tools to help accomplish that financial mission. Individuals simply make the commitment to save money on a regular basis to achieve their personal financial goals. Participants will receive helpful financial tips and the much-needed encouragement to continue the savings habit.
For more information on Military Saves, contact Ms. Lang at 963-5448, or visit www.militarysaves.org.