AFAS: Airmen helping Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Adawn Kelsey
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Air Force Aid Society is the official charity of the Air Force and is dedicated to supporting Airmen and their families when they need it most -- in times of emergencies.

The AFAS has many programs for permanent party and active duty military members, their spouses and dependents, Air National Guard and Reserve members on Title 10 orders and Retired military.

This program was established in 1942 by Gen. Henry "Hap" Arnold and his wife. The society has grown over the years and has created new programs further supporting the military members, dependents and retirees.

Lisa Sanders, Sheppard Air Force Aid Society officer and Airman & Family Readiness Center work life specialist, said the program provides temporary relief for Airmen. She said it helps provide basic supplies during emergency situations. The program will not cover non-essential items such as television sets, electronics or to pay credit card debt.

"In times of emergencies, the AFAS helps to resolve short term problems with financial needs, vehicle repairs, basic living expenses such as food, gas and even car insurance," Mrs. Sanders said. "We offer programs for education, child care, in some cases zero-interest loans and in some cases grants."

One case Mrs. Sanders spoke about was of an Airman with a young baby and a very ill wife. The couple was struggling because the mother became too sick to care for the baby and the Airman worked during the day.

"The AFAS was able to give the Airman and his wife grants to hire a care giver not only for the baby, but for his wife as well," Mrs. Sanders said. "When they were back on their feet, he became a strong component of the AFAS and gave back. When he told his friends about the program, they began contributing as well."

Mrs. Sanders said bridge loans are available for surviving spouses or dependents of deceased active duty or retired Air Force personnel and death benefits can take a month or more to take effect. She said the program gives families a bereavement period so they have a sense of relief until they get benefits and can pay the AFAS back.

"A good friend of mine was stationed at Sheppard when his wife passed away," Mrs. Sanders said. "He did not have the means to pay for the funeral costs and came to the AFAS. They were granted a bridge loan until the death benefits kicked in and was able to pay the money back."

Mrs. Sanders said AFAS offers many other programs for which various people can apply. She said there are options like Bundles for Babies, Child Care for Volunteers and the "Give Parents a Break" program.

"These types of programs are aimed towards helping parents out," she said. "Bundles for Babies, for example, informs new parents of safety precautions, dental care for their little one and health information. Another is the 'Give Parents a Break' program, which gives Air Force parents a few hours to themselves while their child is being taken care of at the Child Development Center."

Mrs. Sanders said the AFAS also has youth education programs. One of the programs is the Youth Employment Skills program which is volunteer based and directly benefits that child, she said.

"The Yes program is a volunteer program for all high-school aged children in grades nine through 12 of active-duty Air Force members," Mrs. Sanders said. "For every hour that the child volunteers, they receive $4 per hour for up to 250 hours of volunteer work. The money that they make will be put in to an account that they can apply towards their post-second education or training."

For more information on programs, donations or questions and concerns please call Michael Brown, Airman & Family Readiness ASAF officer at 676-2913.