459th Airman works to ensure finance office runs smoothly

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Cierra Presentado
  • 459 ARW/PA

JOIINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. - The 459th Air Refueling Wing Financial Management Office is managed day-to-day by civilians who work hard to ensure your travel vouchers, annual tour and Unit Training Assembly pay are processed. When it comes to handling basic pay, Senior Airman Marcus Sylvester is your go-to guy for any and all things dealing with military pay.

SrA Sylvester, 459th ARW Financial Management military pay specialist, has been serving in the Reserve for a year and a half. At this time, he is the only full-time uniformed service member working in the financial management office here, and has already made a mark as a skilled technician in his unit.

 “I’ve been working in the finance office since November 2018 after I graduated tech school,” Sylvester said. “I’ve had the opportunity to learn from some highly experienced individuals as well as attend training so I can perform to the best of my ability and support the members of the wing.” 

Sylvester joined the Reserve in hopes of getting a taste of the military lifestyle while still being able to be around family. His experience as a comptroller has been one he always dreamed.

“I’ve always been good with money, and I love helping people,” he said. “This job was a perfect match for me. I get to interact and help people across the wing and learn more about the military on a daily basis. It’s great!”

Sylvester helps support close to 1,300 Airmen total. From helping brand new Airmen set up pay to newcomers and full-timers, his dedication to providing the help Airmen need does not go unnoticed.

“I remember getting here and being worried about not receiving my pay in time or it not being correct, I went to the finance office and SrA Sylvester was extremely helpful and made sure I understood my leave and earning statement,” said  Airman Tyler Wolfrey, 459th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, non-destructive inspection apprentice. “Because of his help I was relieved knowing I would get paid.”

Sylvester gives much of his credit to his peers in the finance office to include the civilians he works with as well as his team of traditional Reservists that come in once a month. His hard work and dedication to ensuring all member’s pay gets processed correctly and on time has even caught leadership’s attention.

“When Airman Sylvester’s name came across my desk, I had no doubt that he was very deserving of being recognized,” said Chief Master Sgt. Jose Velez, 459th Air Refueling Wing command chief. “I have people come to me all the time telling me about the awesome Airman in finance; Sylvester is a hard worker and we are so glad to have him on our team at the 459th.”

 “I am so grateful for the recognition I’ve been receiving,” he said. “I just want to do my best and be the best Airman I can be. The Air Force has been so rewarding to me and I look forward to the future to see what’s in store for me.”

For questions concerning your military pay, call the 459th Financial Management office at 240-857-0314.