Military Saves Week Kick-off

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Richard McBride, 25th Intelligence Squadron, Det. 2 flight chief, left, and Ricky Hoover, 25th IS, Det. 2 avionics technician, take home the Military Saves Scotch Bowling Tournament trophy, Feb. 13, 2017, at the bowling center on RAF Mildenhall, England. About 20 two-person teams competed in the free tournament. The event was hosted by the Airman and Family Readiness Center to promote Military Saves Week at both RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Justine Rho)

Military Saves Week Kick-off

U.S. Air Force Col. Thomas Torkelson, 100th Air Refueling Wing commander, right, looks on as U.S Air Force Lt. Col. Carina Harrison, 100th Forces Support Squadron commander, makes a Saver Pledge, Feb. 13, 2017, at the bowling center on RAF Mildenhall, England. A Saver Pledge is a written and signed commitment for a member to be more financially conscious and to enroll as a Military Saver. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Justine Rho)

Military Saves Week Kick-off

U.S. Air Force Col. Thomas Torkelson, 100th Air Refueling Wing commander, signs the 2017 Military Saves proclamation, Feb. 13, 2017, at the bowling center on RAF Mildenhall, England. Following the signing, Team Mildenhall personnel participated in a free scotch doubles bowling tournament hosted by the Airman and Family Readiness Center. Financial education classes are scheduled at both RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath Feb. 14 through March 3. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Justine Rho)

Military Saves Week Kicks-off

Published Feb. 15, 2017
By Senior Airman Justine Rho
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

RAF MILDENHALL, England — The Airman and Family Readiness Center hosted a scotch doubles bowling tournament, Feb. 13, 2017, to kick-off Military Saves Week. The scotch doubles bowling tournament, a competition between two-player teams who alternate shots throughout the game, created a team building environment to showcase the annual event.

Prior to the bowling tournament, Col. Thomas Torkelson, 100th Air Refueling Wing commander, signed a proclamation and made a Saver Pledge in support of Military Saves Week. A Saver Pledge is a written and signed commitment for a member to be more financially conscious and to enroll as a Military Saver.

Team Mildenhall’s commander described how financial stability is a characteristic of resiliency. Through personal experience, Torkelson underlined the importance of financial preparedness for unexpected events and future endeavors.

“Military Saves Week is an annual event to encourage individuals to focus and commit to saving more money in the coming year,” said Tara Weeks, 100th Force Support Squadron community readiness specialist. “We are hosting a number of different classes, with topics ranging from home buying, tax preparation, and the Blended Retirement System. We have also been granted certified professional financial counselor for three weeks to teach requested classes and take one-on-one appointments.”

Team Mildenhall personnel are encouraged to attend events to learn how to set long-term and short-term financial goals, and made the most their money.

“Financial preparedness is important for various reasons, like retiring when you want, purchasing a home or new car, putting your children through college or taking the vacation you want,” explained Weeks. “Having money set aside and saved is the difference between letting life take you where it will, and you setting your own course. Saving a little today compared to asking for money tomorrow is the difference between peace of mind or a mind of worry.”

Finance education events are scheduled Feb. 14 through March 3, at RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath.

For more information, call the RAF Mildenhall AFRC at DSN 238-3406, or visit their social media page at https://www.facebook.com/MildenhallAFRC/.