In the early 1950s, Air Force Lt. Col. Carroll Payne worked closely with the families of several crew members killed in a series of training flights. Saddened by the survivors’ financial difficulties, he began laying the groundwork for the company that would become First Command. In 1958, First Command was founded with a simple goal: to improve the financial well-being of service members and their families. They strive to give military families the peace of mind that comes from being prepared and the confidence that comes from being at their best, in every facet of their lives.