JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas – Meet Trevor Townsend, the January #IAMIMSC award winner. Townsend is a systems accountant 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 with the Financial Improvement and Audit Readiness Team, Townsend coaches new teammates and encourages a work environment that promotes team-building and genuine friendship.
His efforts helped his team understand how they contribute to the overall Air Force mission and why they do thing a certain way, said Charles Hendricks, financial controls chief and Townsend’s supervisor.
“Mr. Townsend’s respect for our individual diversity of thought and backgrounds allowed us to coach him as well. He encouraged us to share how we could meet our mission more efficiently and put genuine effort into trying things in new ways. His coaching promoted acceptance, mutual respect and value within each member.”
We asked Townsend a few questions about being part of the AFIMSC team and promoting connectedness around the organization.
Primary duty responsibilities: I support 87 bases with the FIAR audit by working on samples and training teammates in the process.
What do you like most about being a part of the AFIMSC team?
Having been one of the original six to help standup AFIMSC, I’ve been able to see the center grow. Even when the odds were against us, we became known and respected for the work we do on a daily basis. We made it work, even when everyone said we wouldn’t be able to!
Why do you think it’s important for AFIMSC teammates and their families to feel connected to the organization?
Because it’s a sense of accomplishment, it’s pride in all we do for Airmen and our country. It’s integrity, self-worth and believing in my job.
What types of connectedness activities or events do you most enjoy participating in and why?
We haven’t been able to get together much as a team, so I enjoy being on Microsoft Teams with my teammates while we work during the day. It’s really allowed our friendships and working relationships get to another level.
What advice do you have for people who are trying to build a better sense of belonging and kinship with their team?
Ask questions and be willing to listen to older teammates to gain and learn from their knowledge.