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Flying into a foreign country has its challenges. On top of the task of preparing meals for distinguished visitors and crew members, U.S. Air Force flight attendants were also responsible for carrying American currency. Because of one flight attendant’s efforts, a new system was developed and implemented to help save flight attendants from a pricey burden.
The 86th Force Support Squadron Continuous Process Improvement and Innovation Program recognized Staff Sgt. Jodi Danielson, 76th Airlift Squadron C-40B instructor flight attendant, for developing a new system using a special government travel card, eliminating the need for all flight attendants across United States Air Forces in Europe to carry cash on missions.
Danielson said the flight attendants would have to carry enough cash to purchase groceries to prepare meals for customers while traveling.
“If we were on the road and we were in a foreign country, we would have to go to the concierges to convert the money,” Danielson said.
U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command, based at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, had been looking for squadron liaisons to help develop a new system to eliminate the use of cash. The 76th AS had been selected to lead the development for all bases in USAFE.
“The new card system is similar to a government travel card. It can be used off base in foreign countries,” Danielson said. “When crew members come back, they submit their receipts and are billed, and pay back what is owed.”
Although the card system was created by AMC, the development and implementation of the program was done by Danielson.
The 76th AS started the development around July 2016 and the first implementation of the system occurred with the 76th AS around Dec. 2016. By March 2017, all squadrons across USAFE had transitioned to the new program.
Danielson said the program is up and running and she thinks it’s moving very smoothly.
“I feel like it is very beneficial and it is helpful for all of our flight attendants,” Danielson said.
The new innovation has become a standard Air Force wide.
The 86th FSS Continuous Improvement Office and Innovation Program is always looking for innovative ways to streamline processes and increase cost saving for the Air Force. Anyone interested in submitting an innovative idea can contact Rebecca Porinsky at the 86th FSS Manpower Office at 480-4032 or 06371-47-4032.
