JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- Capt. William Mitchell’s deployment to Kuwait in 2022 had a big impact on his understanding of the Air Force and his place within it.
"I was able to truly see how finance can support the warfighter and better understand my role in the Air Force," he said. "I will never forget how much benefit the right resources at the right time meant to our deployed personnel."
As a budget analyst with the AFIMSC Financial Management Directorate, William works closely with senior leaders to craft guidance and provide decision support on enterprise requirements. He interprets fiscal policy to support five directorates, four program support units and 83 bases.
William believes you can never truly understand the impact you have on someone’s life as a leader until you see it. During his time as a financial operations flight commander at Aviano Air Base, Italy, in 2017, the captain had a particularly meaningful experience. He spent several weeks working with a recently separated Airman to resolve an issue, succeeding just in time for the Airman to secure his first home mortgage.
"It left a true mark of the impact we, as Air Force leaders, can have by taking care of people," he said.
William’s commitment to supporting Airmen, Guardians and their families is rooted in his own experiences growing up in an Air Force family. He understands the challenges they face and is dedicated to making a positive impact.
"My mantra is that you always need a MAP – Mission, Attitude, People – to get where you want," he said. "First and foremost, we need to focus on getting the mission done. Second, you, as a leader, need to have a positive attitude. Lastly, you need to take care of your people, making sure you take time to mentor the next generation."