Air Force Aid Society lends a helping hand

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Valerie Hosea
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  It's difficult to stay focused on the mission when emergencies or financial hardships come up. That's why the Air Force Aid Society is there to lend a helping hand-and dollars-to those in need. 

Funds for AFAS are all from donations and loan repayments. One of the main donators is the Air Force Assistance Fund. AFAS is one of four Air Force charities that receive donations through the AFAF Fund campaign. 

This society was founded by General Henry "Hap" Arnold and his wife, Bee, in 1942. 

"It was one of the first displays of the wingman concept," said Lisa Sanders, a staff member at the Airmen and Family Readiness Flight. 

However, the purpose of the AFAS is larger than being a good wingman and more so to help an Airman get the mission done. 

"Sometimes military members have to make money stretch...if that family's having financial issues, the military member won't be able to focus on the mission," Mrs. Sanders said. 

When a service member is in a tight spot, AFAS offers their assistance to anyone who qualifies for it, including active duty members at their duty station, guardsmen and reservist on title 10 orders, retirees, retiree widows, temporary duty members and spouses of military members. Airmen and their families are not the only servicemembers to benefit from AFAS. 

"I am also the liaison for the Army Emergency Relief, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society and the Coast Guard Assistance Fund, and AFAS handles referrals from the Red Cross as well," Mrs. Sanders said 

AFAS assisted more than 19,000 people worldwide with personal emergencies and family crises, including more than 400 people from this base in 2008. The financial assistance totaled more than $13 million for AFAS and the Sheppard AFAS was more than $232,000 for 2008. 

AFAS also aids the cost of education by providing grants to qualified individuals. Last year, more than $8 million was awarded to more than 3,500 people, counting $80,000 in funds for 40 people from Sheppard.