JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas – Meet #IAMIMSC award winner Carolina Soto. Soto, a financial technician with the travel pay processing team at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, is part of the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Resources Directorate.
The #IAMIMSC award recognizes people whose actions have promoted connectedness and service before self within their workplace or the center. In addition to directly supporting the computation of nearly 1,000 civilian permanent change of station vouchers worth approximately $400,000 every month, Soto’s positive attitude and desire to continuously learn and improve helps the team exceed standards, said Melissa Vaughn, financial management supervisor.
“Ms. Soto closely works with her teammates to optimize efficiency by improving processes,” Vaughn said. “She has been lauded by her coworkers for supporting the team, putting the mission before herself and always being courteous and professional.”
We asked Soto a few questions about being part of the AFIMSC team and promoting connectedness around the organization.
Primary duty responsibilities: I am one of two technicians who process civilian employee permanent duty travel for the Air Force.
What do you like most about being a part of the AFIMSC team?
Everyone shares the same vision and is dedicated to the mission; this truly creates a family type environment.
Why do you think it’s important for AFIMSC teammates and their families to feel connected to the organization?
I believe it is important to feel connected to the organization because it’s perhaps the most important component in building a productive and efficient workplace. Connection builds healthy working relationships and promotes knowledge sharing.
What types of connectedness activities or events do you most enjoy participating in and why?
I enjoy our team building exercises, these encourage collaboration and create trust and respect among employees.
What advice do you have for people who are trying to build a better sense of belonging and kinship with their team?
My advice is to have a positive organizational culture. This is key to feeling motivated and inspired at work.
Is there anything you would like to add?
A quote by Henry Ford comes to mind. “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”