Steele Chapter Hosts Financial Readiness Bootcamp for Future Officers

AFA’s D.W. Steele Sr. Chapter hosted its second annual Financial Readiness Bootcamp on February 23, 2026, at Nighthawk Pizza, a Steele Chapter Community Partner in Arlington, Va. Steele welcomed 50 cadets from Arnold Air and Silver Wings chapters, including the Frank Lahm Squadron at the University of Maryland, the Andrew Turner Squadron at Howard University, and the Silver Wings chapter at George Washington University.

Brig. Gen. Jimmy Canlas, USAF (Ret.), Executive Director of Arnold Air & Silver Wings, attended the Bootcamp along with several Steele Chapter members, strengthening ties between the chapter and cadet leadership.

The workshop was led by Chapter Secretary Bob Hill, who served more than 25 years in the Air Force and later worked 24 years as a financial advisor. The session covered military pay and allowances, Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI), TRICARE, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Cadets also discussed budgeting, avoiding excessive credit use, and building long-term financial plans.

The cadets were highly engaged, asking detailed questions about compensation and benefits. Their feedback reflected the impact: “I need to invest at least 5% into TSP.” “Watch out for credit card debt—invest!” “Fill out the budget sheet.” One cadet shared, “I thought I knew a lot, but I learned a lot more.”

“How I wish I had an opportunity like this as a young cadet and lieutenant,” Canlas said.

“Our goal is to help cadets get a fast start financially when they enter active duty,” Hill said. “Better financial decisions allow them to focus on being the best officers possible.” He stressed that financial readiness is not only personal responsibility, but a leadership responsibility for the Airmen and Guardians the officers will one day lead.  “It is your job to make sure you and your team are focused on the mission and not worried about personal finances.”

The Steele Chapter looks forward to continuing this partnership to strengthen financial readiness among future Airmen and Guardians.