Setting records while helping others Published May 21, 2010 By Senior Airman Anthony J. Hyatt 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- This year, the 325th Fighter Wing Legal Office tax center managed to not only assist many Team Tyndall members with filing their taxes, but the center also set personal records in the process. "We (Tax Center) had more manpower this year, which meant more hours available to work, which equaled more people helped," said Edith Lee, 325th FW Legal Office tax coordinator. More than 1,200 federal tax returns were filed and 340 state tax returns were prepared at Tyndall Air Force Base's legal office for 2009, compared to last year's 981 federal tax returns and approximately 250 state returns. "The tax center was almost entirely volunteered-based," said Mrs. Lee. "We really could not have a program without our volunteers." Thirty individuals, made up of active duty and reserve military and civilians around Tyndall stepped up to assist at the tax center this year. Three individuals were recognized as the Top 3 volunteer tax preparers at Tyndall and were rewarded plaques of recognition: Margaret Morgan, John Powers and Senior Airman Scott Webb. Margaret Morgan, 601st Air Operations Center Mission Support Division secretary, has been a volunteer at the tax center for 10 years now. "I enjoy helping people with their taxes," she said. "I understand people feel apprehensive and intimidated by the tax rules and how they are to be followed." Airman Webb, 325th Communications Squadron transmission systems journeyman, has volunteered for two years now and put in roughly 17 hours per week. Airman Webb also prepared 128 of the total 1,212 tax returns this year, saving Tyndall personnel over $19,500 in tax preparation fees. "It was a nice change of pace from my usual work at the Communications Squadron, plus I'm good with taxes," said Airman Webb. John Powers, 325th Civil Engineer Squadron assistant chief of special operations, has been a tax volunteer at multiple bases to include Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Dyess AFB, Texas, Langley AFB, Va., as well as Tyndall. "I like numbers and it's fun interacting with folks all around the Tyndall, Panama City and Port St. Joe communities," said Mr. Powers. The tax center is closed for filing 2009 taxes, but remains open for tips and advice. For more information, call the Legal Office at 283-4681.