The Warfighter and Family Readiness Financial Readiness Program held a Financial Boot Camp Feb. 24 and 25 at the Sam Houston Community Center for people interested in building financial security.
The Financial Boot Camp was designed to develop a clear picture of an individual’s current financial situation and supply a pathway to regain control of their finances.
During the first morning’s breakout session Col. Mary Garr, 502nd Mission Support Group commander, welcomed everyone saying, “Enjoy this, pay close attention. I guarantee this is going to be one of the best investments that you will make of your time this year.”
The two-day event was an informative and a teaching opportunity with guest speakers from the Office of the Attorney General; staff judge advocate; Consumer Credit counseling Services; Social Security Administration, Better Business Bureau; Broadway Bank; San Antonio Credit union; FBI; Texas Land Board and Texas Department of Insurance.
Terry Ross, 502nd ABW comptroller, spoke about financial wisdom and gave more than “two cents worth” of financial advice.
“It’s a matter of setting priorities. Decide what is it you want to do,” Ross said. “Organize your finances so you can do the things you want, keeping in mind it is the smaller things that can chew up your money.”
Staff Sgt. Cliff Neighbors from the Army Entertainment Department explained his reasons for attending the financial seminar, “I hope to be able to give my Soldiers some insight into their finances.”
Attendees for the two-day event included Navy, Air Force and Army service members as well as Family members. With so many folks wanting to attend, another “boot camp” will be offered in the near future.
The full house also included two high school students and the events included a wealth of information, facts and details on making financial decisions and setting goals for a secure future.
Home-schooled high school students David Chacko, 18 years old, who attended with his 16-year-old brother, Joshua, said, “Our dad thought it would be a good idea for us to be here.”
“In the civilian world this course would costs hundreds of dollars,” said Ann Mancillas, financial readiness program manager. “We encourage people to get excited about their finances and take what information they can from the course.”
For more information about financial classes and future Financial Boot Camps, call 221-2380.
