At the halfway point in this scheduled yearlong deployment, the Bravo Detachment, 106th Finance Battalion, “Diamondbacks in Diyala,” have pushed some serious cash out of their office doors.
From complex division and brigade level Commander’s Emergency Relief Program projects benefiting Iraqi citizens, to personal checks and casual payments for fellow Soldiers, the Bravo Detachment disbursing cell has done it all.
The disbursing cell has made the funding and clearing of projects within the 3rd Brigade Combat Team area of responsibility a streamlined process. Well-trained paying agents are the norm thanks to Sgt. Carlos Arguello, the Disbursing NCOIC.
The impeccable attention to detail and meticulously prepared payments are indicative of extremely dedicated paying agents and have led to the successful execution of over 600 projects valued at just over $1.6 million without a single improper payment or loss of funds.
Though the cash value of these projects is astounding, their effective value with respect to the improvement in quality of life to the residents of Diyala is immeasurable. These projects have enabled outstanding improvements to local infrastructure such as the fielding and supplying of water sanitation facilities, hospitals, schools, fire departments, and police stations as well as extensive road and canal construction.
These projects have also allowed the residents of Diyala to better enjoy their newfound freedom by providing local soccer teams with a stadium, field, and all the necessary equipment.
Another mission of the Bravo Detachment disbursing cell is to execute payments on behalf of the U.S. Government for claims submitted by Iraqi citizens under the Foreign Claims Act.
Our cashiers execute payments on a regular basis in conjunction with 3rd BCT’s Operational Law Team at the Civil Military Operation Center in downtown Ba’qubah. Thus far over 100 claims have been paid out for just under $300.000. These payments serve to help maintain good will and cooperation in the local communities by providing redress for accidental damages and we are proud to provide this service.
In addition to aiding the rejuvenation of the Diyala Province and giving compensation to local residents for accidental damage to property or personal injury, the cashiers of Bravo Detachment provide world-class service to their fellow soldiers in the 3rd BCT.
This service usually comes in the form of cashing personal checks or providing cash advances both in the office on FOB Warhorse and on Combat Finance Support Team missions to the seven locations 3rd BCT Soldiers occupy. Though the maximum casual pay is $350 and the maximum check is $200, these limits have not stopped the disbursing section from posting amazing numbers.
Spc. Katty Polanco and Spc. Clayton Jennings deserve special recognition for their achievements. These two cashiers personally account for more than 50% of all the detachments disbursing transactions. Spc. Polanco has executed over 7,300 transactions to the tune of $2.3 million and Spc. Jennings has performed over 5,000 transactions worth $1.9 million. All together Bravo Detachment has provided service to the 3rd BCT with over 21,000 transactions totaling nearly $8.8 million.