// sets and returns the index in a combo box for a selected field and value
// if value is not found, the data object will be pushed into the combo box
private function setComboBoxIndex(cb:ComboBox, field:String, value:*, data:*):int{				
       var result:int = -1;
        if (value > -1){
	        var idx:int = 0;					
		for (idx=0; idx