End-of-year planning pays off for AFDW units Published Oct. 10, 2008 By Lynda Valentine Air Force District of Washington AIR FORCE DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON -- Planning, hard work and the ability to quickly execute the mission paid big dividends for the Air Force District of Washington during the fiscal year 2008 end-of-year closeout. AFDW received and obligated millions of dollars in end-of-year money within days to support five command priorities: Combat Air Power, Taking Care of Our People, Taking Care of Our People's People, Workforce Tools and Training. "This was a phenomenal job by our folks and shows that being prepared for the end of the year pays off," said Maj. Gen. Ralph Jodice, AFDW commander. "This was pure extra money that our A8 [Strategic Plans and Programs] folks were able to move because they were well-prepared to execute spending and get it done quickly!" Taking Care of Our People's People The command funneled much of the money it received to family readiness programs. "We 'took care of the people who take care of us,'" General Jodice said, "by designating the largest portion of dollars to fund upgrades to youth center and child development center equipment at both Bolling and Andrews Air Force bases, as well for library heating and air conditioning upgrades, and fitness equipment. We also funded simple things like taking care of sidewalks on our bases so our people can get where they're going safely." Combat Air Power AFDW also funded numerous "air power" initiatives, including purchasing Air Expeditionary Force deployment equipment, as well as airfield lights and runway/airfield repairs at Andrews. Numerous other priorities benefiting from AFDW/A8's quick actions include: building repairs, emergency response equipment, U.S. Air Force Band and Honor Guard equipment and supplies, residential fire training equipment, and the purchase of an explosive ordnance disposal bomb containment vessel. (AFDW)