JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas – Meet Master Sgt. Mel Flores, the February #IAMIMSC award winner. Flores is a financial operations policy and procedures manager with the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Resources Directorate at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.
The #IAMIMSC award recognizes people whose actions have promoted connectedness and service before self within their workplace or the center. In addition to his daily responsibilities supporting 78 installations across the Air Force on all travel pay matters – including to permanent change of station and temporary duty travel inquiries – Flores is dedicated to his team, supporting, leading and training incoming employees to ensure continuity as he nears retirement.
“Even in this current environment of COVID, he willingly met new employees in the office to provide one-on-one training, ensuring protocol was followed, keeping everyone's health and safety as his number one priority,” said Norma Insurriaga, financial operations supervisor. “He’s available to anyone and everyone, and won’t leave anyone behind. He wants to ensure the team is fully functional even after his retirement.”
We asked Flores a few questions about being part of the AFIMSC team and promoting connectedness around the organization.
Primary duty responsibilities: I support 78 installations across the Air Force on all travel pay matters to include PCS and TDY travel inquiries. Additionally, I facilitate Secretary of the Air Force Financial Management-level policies and audits as well as interpretation and implementation of travel regulations.
What do you like most about being a part of the AFIMSC team?
I like the diversity of our team and the different personalities of our staff. It makes the work environment a lot more enjoyable and gratifying.
Why do you think it’s important for AFIMSC teammates and their families to feel connected to the organization?
I believe being connected to your organization is one of many key factors to being happy at the workplace, which leads to better work performance and stronger relationships with your teammates.
What types of connectedness activities or events do you most enjoy participating in and why?
I enjoy participating in volunteer events, specifically with the San Antonio Food Bank because of its purpose and impact on the community.
What advice do you have for people who are trying to build a better sense of belonging and kinship with their team?
Be yourself, be adaptable to any environment and just like what Bruce Lee once said, “Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.”
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I know it sounds cheesy, but talent and skills alone can only get you so far. Having the motivation, discipline and consistency with it will eventually get you to your end goal.