Two 149th Fighter Wing Airmen receive financial management awards Published April 30, 2010 By Master Sgt. Gregory Ripps 149th Fighter Wing Public Affairs LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, texas -- Two members of the 149th Fighter Wing have received the annual National Guard Financial Management (FM) awards. Master Sgt. Brenda Juarez was named FM Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, and Senior Airman Stephen Gonzales was named FM Airman of the Year. Eighty-eight FM offices competed for the awards. Juarez said it takes hard work, dedication and loyalty to excel in the FM career field. Following 10 years on active duty, she joined the Air National Guard seven years ago. She has been a part of the fighter wing's FM office ever since. "Changes in the career field - such as new systems coming on line and getting everyone trained for the future -- offer the biggest challenge," said Juarez. "But I like the people that I work with, and I like making customers happy." Gonzales, who has belonged to the wing since 2006, said he tries to go above and beyond what is expected of him. "The challenge is finding the time to solve everyone's issues in the timeframe they need them solved," Gonzales explained. "Everyone's issue is a priority to them. We have to figure out what the true priorities are." But Gonzales said he enjoys solving problems. "It's very enjoyable to know that when I'm working on a problem, it's helping a person get paid," he said. "Financial Management is committed to providing the excellent support to the 149th, including its geographically separated units," said Maj. Devlin Islas, the wing's FM chief. "These two FM warriors personify our efforts and commitment to those we support."