JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas – The job of a financial management officer can take you to combat zones and outposts all over the world. Just ask Saida Hage, who has spent 25 years serving the Air Force, managing million-dollar budgets and providing financial support to U.S. and coalition forces.
During her active-duty career, Saida deployed to three combat zones. She served in Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Desert Storm; Kosovo in support of Operation Allied Force; and at Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom while assigned to the International Security Assistance Force. In Afghanistan, her impact extended beyond the finance office when she volunteered at the base casualty support facility, caring for and transporting wounded warriors. Saida also served in Patriot Ceremonies during dignified transfer operations.
“I wanted to be a part of something bigger than me and make a difference,” she said.
A Patriot Ceremony marks the beginning of the journey home for U.S. service members killed in action. The ceremony allows military members an opportunity to show their respect and serves as a memorial service for those who remain behind to continue the mission.
“It was a very solemn, humbling, but honoring experience. It was the least I could do since they had given the ultimate sacrifice.”
Today, as a senior systems accountant and Antideficiency Act program manager for AFIMSC, Saida helps installations with all aspects of accounting including the budgetary process, funds control, disbursements, reporting and other activities.
“As nerdy as it sounds, I find financial forensics extremely interesting,” she said. “I enjoy following funding streams to ensure adherence to congressional financial mandates while helping organizations execute mission requirements.”