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Humans of Scott: 'Show Me The Money', Staff Sgt. Calvin Sambo leads by example

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Shelby Rapert
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  

“Show me the money,” is more than a classic movie line, but is the battle cry for Staff Sgt. Calvin Sambo, 375th Comptroller Squadron budget analysis noncommissioned officer in charge and WSA resource advisor.


Sambo, who oversees budgeting, finance and analysis for the 375 Wing Staff Agency, was 13 years old when his father passed away. This led him to live with his sister and her husband, a former Air Force crew chief. After graduating high school, it was time for Sambo to choose his future.


“For me, it was either work three minimum wage jobs, and go to college or join the military,” said Sambo. “Initially, I was thinking about going to the Marines, but once I started talking to more recruiters and getting a more realistic aspect of what each branch provides, my goals aligned more with the Air Force.”

Airman stands with his arms crossed In front of the 375th Comptroller Squadron emblem.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Calvin Sambo, 375th Comptroller Squadron budget analysis noncommissioned officer in charge and 375th Wing Staff Agency resource advisor, poses for a photo on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Oct. 18, 2023. Sambo was highlighted for his management skills and aiding in the successful deployment of Rapid Dragon during Mobility Guardian 2023.(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Shelby Rapert)
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Since joining in 2015, Sambo has been stationed at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Sheppard AFB, Texas, Incirlik AB, Turkey, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii and is currently at Scott AFB, Illinois. Sambo moved to Scott AFB eight months ago and immediately stepped up, ensuring budgeting and resources are all on track for all of WSA.


With a four-man team, Sambo led funding allocations for over 160 deployers during the Mobility Guardian 2023 exercise, totaling $1.2M in funding. He also stepped up to deliver vital financial analysis support for the 375 Air Mobility Wing and 35 mission partners, optimizing resource allocation and capturing $108K in rebates.


“It’s my job to make sure that [the team] can execute the mission no matter what it is,” said Sambo.


Out of the uniform, when Sambo isn’t listening to music or watching anime, he roots for the Boston Celtics and Baltimore Ravens. One player in particular has had a lasting impact on Sambo and the way he holds himself to a higher standard.


“Ray Lewis was the middle linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens, and just seeing how he played and hit people, it looked like it hurt,” said Sambo. “But, you know, it just created something inside of me where I actually wanted to become competitive, so it started like some kind of competitive urge that I don't want to be carried.”


Although Sambo has become a leader to those around him, it doesn’t stop him from working together and taking care of his peers.


“Keep fighting the good fight,” said Sambo. “Military life can be hard sometimes, but look to the left and the right and let your family have your back and everything will be okay.”