Journeys Through Service

Balancing the Books and Backing the Force

Hope turned her drive to serve into a career that keeps operations on track.

Meet Hope

Deputy Disbursing Officer

The Money Manager

As a deputy disbursing officer in the Air Force, Second Lieutenant Hope Barboza helps manage and safeguard government funds to ensure Airmen get paid on time, budgets stay on track and records are accurate. She supports audits, trains her team and ensures every dollar follows regulations.

SIMILAR JOBS OUTSIDE THE MILITARY

Payroll Manager, Business Affairs

BRANCH

Air Force

RANK

Second Lieutenant

Hope’s Journey at a Glance

at a glance 1

Found her path at age 14 through a special volunteer aviation program

Chose Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) in college to pair a degree with a path to becoming an officer

at a glance 3

Leads financial operations that keep Airmen paid on time and budgets in check

What Led Hope to the Military

Hope’s every choice flows from a desire to serve people first, lead with clarity and keep the Air Force prepared for what comes next. 

The Spark

The Spark

Civil Air Patrol, a hands-on program offered in middle school, provided an early taste of teamwork and structure.

The Drive

The Drive

Aimed to combine higher education with a career that makes an impact.

The Decision

The Decision

In college, Air Force ROTC offered the leg up needed to launch a career. 

Two Goals, One Path: College and Service

How do you accelerate your growth by earning a degree and training to excel in the Military? Hope did it all through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).
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Transcription

I wanted to get my college degree, once I finished high school. But I also wanted to serve in the military. So I then realized that ROTC was the best option for me. So I went to the University of Maryland. And that’s where I did my ROTC program.

ROTC is a program that you can do through college. And you do your military training while you’re going to college, at the same time.

One day a week throughout the entire time that you do your bachelor’s degree, you would go. And you would be like your military day. You’d do your academic courses. You do different drill. And you build your leadership skills, so that by the time you graduate, you’re ready to be an officer. 

Two Goals, One Path: College and Service

What Hope Does on the Job

hope typing on the keyboard

Keeps Money Moving

Ensures timely, accurate pay for thousands of Airmen.

Hope speaks with a colleague while sitting at her desk

Runs Point for the Base

Supports the more than 30,000 service members and families who live and work on the base where she is stationed.

close up of Hope holding her pen

Uses Analytical Skills

Understands financial data and makes informed decisions, which are essential in finance. 

hope works at her computer

Leads From the Front

Responsible for the success and management of a 30-person finance team. 

“I talk to my team like people first, but I also make sure we meet the standards.”

What Do Financial Managers in the Military Do?

Among other finance-related jobs, pros like Hope advise their leaders on budgets, resource use and redistribution, and more.

Get The Full Breakdown

Benefits Hope Sees in the Military

Education on Her Terms

Earned her degree while training as an officer, taking advantage of ROTC scholarship and military tuition benefits.
 

Reserve Officers’ Training Corps

A Close-Knit Team

Fuels her professional growth through guidance and teamwork from mentors, peers and collaborators.
 

Meaningful Connections

Life Balance

Honed her time management and organizational skills through her role, giving her space to enjoy friends, hobbies, museums and restaurants outside of work.

A Balanced Life

Weekends Are Her Own Adventure

Hope and her husband share a life full of adventures, big and small. On weekends, they like to explore areas around their base in D.C. or unwind at home with their cats. 

 

 

 

“[My husband] Reed and I bonded over wanting to join the Air Force, and we’ve shared this journey ever since.”

Ready for the Road Ahead

“Leading others taught me to grow up. If I stay positive and calm, the whole team feels it.”

Future-Proofing

  • Pursuing a master’s degree in a finance-related field
  • Eyeing a degree in counseling to further support her leadership role
  • Embracing overseas tours for a broader experience

Life-Shaping

  • Maintains strong relationships while serving
  • Builds leadership skills that transfer to any career field
  • Enjoys the same downtime and adventures as anyone

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