Base benefits from 2009 Fiscal Year closeout Published Oct. 12, 2009 By Carl Bergquist Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Thanks to a "smooth Fiscal Year 2009 closeout," Maxwell-Gunter members, employees and residents will benefit in many ways, the director of Air University Financial Management said. "Year-end closeout was great. We were able to effectively and efficiently spend end-of-year dollars because of the preparation and teamwork between financial management, contracting, civil engineering, resource advisors and other key players," Col. Tony Douglas said. "As the point-person for closeout, Gayle Mead demonstrated outstanding leadership as she and her team executed the plan with precision." Ms. Mead, who is chief of the Financial Management Analysis Division, said because of the "open line of communications" between everyone involved, the year-end closeout went well. "This turned out to be one of the smoothest closeouts we have had in a long time," she said. "The working relationship with contracting and Base Maintenance Contractor ITT Service Division, especially with the 42nd Air Base Wing Contracting Squadron Commander Maj. Judy Anderson who really jumped right in, made this a very good closeout." Ms. Mead said the largest project the closeout will fund is the renovation of the LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education, with the Classroom of the Future project coming in second. The Classroom of the Future will eventually standardize furniture and technology for Air University classrooms, which, because of bulk buying, will allow Air University to save heavily on costs, she said. Ms. Mead said other big projects are the repair, upgrade or replacement of numerous heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems on both bases. Organizations to benefit from these projects include the Maxwell Fire Department, 42nd Security Forces Squadron, the Maxwell Command Post, four base lodging buildings, the Maxwell transportation building, and some of the base dormitories. She said additionally, parking lot and crosswalk lighting upgrades, and the upgrading of permanent party dormitory bathrooms, closets and kitchens will improve safety on base and the quality of life for students, base residents and employees. "Another area that will improve the quality of life at Maxwell-Gunter is the replacement of considerable flooring in base buildings," Ms. Mead said. "For example, the entire floor at the Muir S. Fairchild Research and Information Center will be replaced, and the Maxwell gymnasium will receive a fresh coat of paint and new carpeting." Ms. Mead said while the financial management office is called Air University Financial Management, it handles financial issues and projects for all of Maxwell-Gunter, and this year, because of the efficiency of the yearend closeout, was able to accommodate many requirements on the end-of-year spend-plan list.