Another first for certification--a CDFM earned in Iraq.

Master Sergeant Christopher Ezzell, currently a U.S. Army disbursing officer on his second rotation in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, recently completed all three modules of the Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM) examination. But what makes his accomplishment special is that his exams were all delivered, via the Internet, to a proctored environment at an education center in Iraq. He is the first deployed military member to achieve certification using the Internet delivery option in a war zone. MSG Ezzell related, "The workload here comes in cycles, so in between there are some breaks. Some people choose to watch movies. I chose to study and become certified. That way I can better my expertise and study without taking precious time away from my family when I'm back at home."

He enrolled in the CDFM program to gain a better understanding of the financial cycle, of fiscal law and acquisition, and of how accounting fits into the big picture. He sees the CDFM designation as a significant addition to his resume toward the day when he transitions from the military. MSG Ezzell plans to continue working in public service and hopes to enter the Department of Defense civilian workforce after he completes his military career.

MSG Ezzell has 17 years of active duty service. He hails from Whiteville, North Carolina, He and his wife Monica have two sons.