SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. – It’s Mission Monday. Meet Kevin Caber, financial manager at the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center's Detachment 9.
Caber provides financial management, in concert with AFIMSC resource management team, to support Air Mobility Command and its installations as part of a $535 million installation and mission support portfolio execution.
“I help provide clarity on, and advocate for, AMC funding requirements,” Caber said. “I also manage a $120 million Transportation Working Capital Fund budget for base operating support and upkeep of infrastructure and facilities supporting AMC’s strategic airlift which consists of 39 operating budget accounts across AMC, Pacific Air Forces and U.S. Air Forces in Europe.”
We asked the Bellwood, Pennsylvania native to tell us a little more about himself and what he does for the Department of the Air Force.
What do you love about your job?
The job satisfaction that I have when we work together at the detachment and AFIMSC team to solve a critical financial requirement.
When it comes to your job, what keeps you motivated?
The fine Det. 9 common sense leadership that I have enjoyed since I’ve joined the detachment. I’m also motivated by the cooperative relationships I have with the AMC financial management and AFIMSC resources staff -- everyone is always available for support to ensure our installations have the resources they need to be successful in executing their missions.
Why are you and your team important to the Air Force and Space Force enterprise and your customers?
At Det. 9, we are the focal point to address any installation concerns, working in concert with the AMC and AFIMSC teams. We are aware of the issues at every AMC installation and we assist them in finding solutions to overcome their obstacles.
Describe a project or event you and your team worked on recently that gave you a great sense of accomplishment:
A good example of the type of issues we support was when Little Rock AFB, Arkansas, identified an emergent issue with their child development center’s air conditioning system not being able to keep up during extreme summer heat. Our Det. 9 staff brainstormed with the Little Rock team and thought through possible avenues to correct the situation. We came up with a plan which culminated with funding of a project to correct the system and upgrade facility roof insulation; ensuring the CDC stayed open and provided a safe and comfortable environment for the children.
How does what you do support AFIMSC’s strategic priorities?
At Det. 9, we advocate extremely hard when our supported installations and units are struggling with the resources needed to ensure readiness and quality of life, as well as safety.
Is there anything else you’d like to add which might help people understand the importance of what you do for the Department of the Air Force?
I truly believe that our detachment staff’s connections with the installations helps in identifying and providing timely solutions to critical requirements that may not have been achieved without our support. We are committed to working with the installations and the AFIMSC enterprise to get them what they need; sometimes in a way that isn't exactly how they envisioned it.