Commentary: We all need to plan for the future

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Caroline Vennell
  • 512th Airlift Wing
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Our leadership is planning now for what our mission requirements will be in the future. They have looked at where we are now and what needs to be done to close the gap between the two, and meet the future needs of the Air Force. This is a big undertaking but one they are methodically preparing for and looking forward to accomplishing. 

Many of the recent changes you see happening now are based on this future plan, and we are doing what needs to be done to get ourselves ready to meet this goal. Lately, we have heard about force shaping, changes projected for our uniform wear and appearance and a lot of new ancillary training elements. These are all a part of preparing ourselves for our new requirements, being flexible and ready for whatever the Air Force needs. 

The 512 Airlift Wing has always gotten the mission done, and we do it so much better than anyone else. I believe the main reason is because of dedicated people. We have the best and most experienced Reserve force. We know how to get the work done and how to work together as a team. We work hard, have fun doing this, and try to get the most bang for our buck. 

We’re always looking at different ways to conserve and save on our military budget by using these dollars wisely to accomplish our mission. I also think we do this so much better here at Dover. 

Now, I have to ask the question, “Are we doing the same in our civilian lives?” Are we looking at our finances and using them as wisely as we should? Are we planning for our future and looking at where we are now and where we need to be in the future? What are we doing to close the gap? I have seen many people retire from the wing; some were ready and some were not. What they thought would be enough money to make ends meet was not, and they are now back in the civilian work force. 

When I was growing up, my grandmother told me that for every dollar I received I should put one third into savings. Wow! I wish now I had done that at the time; but, since I was very young, I kept thinking I have plenty of time - I’ll start later. 

Everyone needs to plan for their future and start saving now. Use your Thrift Savings Plan for a tax deferred savings or open an IRA, but start now. Be careful of credit card debt. It’s very easy to get over your head and very hard to get out of debt. Credit cards are a big temptation, but can you really afford the cost? One rule of thumb is if you can pay for it in cash, then you can afford it, if not then you may want to rethink that purchase. Do I really need this or would it be nice to have? 

I’ve seen members of our unit who were over their heads in credit card debt and in the process it had jeopardized their Air Force Reserve careers. Being in debt and mishandling your finances could put your security clearance at risk and in some AF specialties you could lose your job without that clearance. 

Everyone should have a budget, a savings plan and plan for their retirement; the earlier you start the better. Take advantage of the many benefits and free services while you are in the Reserve. Our 512th Legal Office can assist you with a power of attorney and a will; the wing’s Education Office can assist you with getting your Community College of the Air Force or other college degree, and the Family Support Center has several programs to assist you and your family. 

I’ve found that if you go to www.militaryonesource.com you can find a huge amount of information and programs available to you. It’s up to you to take advantage of the many available benefits. 

You should be planning for the future; and, this means at home, at your civilian employment and in the Reserve. Don’t set yourself up for failure, but plan for success and with careful planning, you and the Air Force Reserve will be ready for the future.