Financial relief for deployed Published Aug. 10, 2009 By Justin Oakes and Airman 1st Class Melanie Iannagi 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- We all know what happens when you don't pay your electricity and water bill on time -- you're left in the dark without the ability to shower. But, what happens when you don't pay other important bills like your government travel card? Well, there is good news for Thunderbolts. The 56th Comptroller Squadron is implementing a new accrual voucher submission plan, a plan that will make it easier for Airmen to pay their bills on time, especially for those who are deployed. "This new process will be more efficient," said Maj. Quy Nguyen, 56th CPTS commander. "The old system is not user friendly, and the purpose of the new program is to simplify filing vouchers and relieve the burden of GTC repayment on Airmen while they are in theater. It will allow them to focus their efforts on their overseas mission." The overall delinquency rate on GTC accounts is 2.7 percent with 38 percent of delinquent cards being a result of contingency temporary duty assignments. Under the current process, accrual vouchers are currently submitted to local installations via virtual Military Personnel Flight by members upon arrival in theater to pay for airfare charged to the GTC and no sooner than 30 days thereafter for other entitlements. Also, depending on the length of the preceding TDY -- such as Combat Skills Training that may be required before deploying -- some Airmen could file up to six or more accrual vouchers for the length of their tour. "Airmen get over there, start their mission, and in some cases just don't get around to filing their accrual voucher to pay their bill in a timely manner," Major Nguyen said. "Unfortunately, there are consequences for delinquency. Once an account is 30 days late, the account is flagged. It becomes officially delinquent at 60 days, and because the GTC program is a commander's program, any punishment is up to the discretion of unit commanders. But when the account reaches the 90 day point, security clearances and credit scores can be affected." The commander emphasized that he did not want this to happen, and that is why the new accrual voucher program was created. The finance office began implementing the new system Aug. 13. "Under the new system, Airmen will be able to fill out a simple accrual voucher ahead of time that includes an itinerary and anticipated expenses during their initial out brief," said 1st Lt. Stephen Tappert, Luke's financial services officer. "Then, the finance office will execute the process 30 days after the member arrives at their deployed location. The finance office will then check the member's GTC account every 30 days and make the payment, thus eliminating the old way of filing through the vMPF in theater every 30 days." Upon return to the home station, the final step will include submitting a final voucher with all the receipts for a final payment settlement. "It boils down to taking care of our deployed warfighters," Major Nguyen said. "We want to make it easier on them so they stay focused on their mission." Not only does this program benefit Airmen operating away from Luke, but it also streamlines efficiency within the Luke finance office, Lieutenant Tappert said. Luke looks to save approximately 484 work hours combating delinquent GTC accounts annually by switching to this new system. "We hope to implement the new accrual voucher submission process for deployed members Air Force-wide," Major Nguyen said. "It has already made its way up to 19th Air Force and we haven't seen any pushback. It will take a couple of months to receive feedback from our deployed members, but I am confident that this will better serve our Airmen."