AFAS | An Official Charity of the U.S. Air Force https://afas.org/ Air & Space Forces Aid Society Fri, 13 Mar 2026 14:15:18 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 https://afas.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/cropped-WEB_F_AFAS_80th-Logo-1-32x32.jpg AFAS | An Official Charity of the U.S. Air Force https://afas.org/ 32 32 March 2026 AFAS Insider Newsletter https://afas.org/news/mar-2026/ Tue, 10 Mar 2026 13:52:46 +0000 https://afas.org/?p=19147 In This Issue: 1. Middle East Evacuation Assistance Available 2. AFAS Turns 84: A Legacy of Caring for Our Force 3. Partnerships in Action: Two Airmen Receive Vehicles 4. Spouses – CSU Scholarship Applications Due March 31 5. Did You Know – AFAS Can Help After Personal Disasters 6. Supporting Organization Spotlight – Mercy Medical Angels 7. Giving Through a Donor Advised Fund   Middle East Evacuation Assistance Available Airmen, Guardians, and their families affected by evacuation requirements in the Middle East may apply for financial assistance through AFAS. We will work directly with those families impacted by evacuations from Air Force installations, U.S. Embassies and Consulates, and other affected areas. Assistance can help cover essential needs as families navigate the challenges that follow an evacuation. AFAS is also working closely with the other Military Aid Societies — Army Emergency Relief (AER), Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA), and Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS). Through these partnerships, eligible service members may receive assistance from a nearby sister-service aid office if needed. We remain committed to standing beside our military service members and their families wherever they serve.   AFAS Turns 84: A Legacy of Caring for Our Force Yesterday, March 9, AFAS proudly marked its 84 th birthday. When our founders, General Hap and Bee Arnold, created the organization, they did

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February 2026 AFAS Insider Newsletter https://afas.org/news/feb-2026/ Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:01:46 +0000 https://afas.org/?p=19107 In This Issue: 1. $11.6 Million in Support in 2025 2. Reminder: $2,500 in Tuition Assistance for Spouses 3. Celebrating 84 Years of Supporting Our Force 4. Did You Know – Retirees Are Eligible for AFAS Support 5. Another Government Shutdown Avoided – How We Prepared 6. Supporting Organization Spotlight – PMI 7. Tax Season Reminder & Thanks   $11.6 Million in Support in 2025 Thanks to the generosity of our donors and mission supporters, $11.6 million in support reached more than 12,600 Airmen, Guardians, and their families in 2025. This support included: $6.0M in financial assistance for urgent and everyday needs $4.4M in scholarships and education support, helping spouses and children pursue academic and career goals $1.1M in community programs designed to reduce stress and strengthen family well-being When our country faced uncertainty during the government shutdown, AFAS responded quickly by providing $1.5M to help 939 families manage pay gaps, food needs, and other urgent expenses. Together, these efforts reflect our commitment to financial stability, opportunity, and mission readiness for Air and Space Force families.   Reminder: $2,500 in Tuition Assistance for Spouses Through the Bee Arnold Spouse Tuition Program, eligible spouses can receive up to $2,500 to pursue education and training that builds in-demand skills and supports meaningful employment. Funding may be used for short-term job training or

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January 2026 AFAS Insider Newsletter https://afas.org/news/jan-2026/ Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:38:47 +0000 https://afas.org/?p=18981 In This Issue: 1. Money for College – Scholarships Now Open 2. Earn a GED at No Cost – New Education Opportunity 3. How 270+ Airmen & Guardians Made it Home for the Holidays 4. $500 Loan Credit for Completing Financial Education Course 5. Did You Know – Car Seat Support Increased to $200 6. Supporting Organization Spotlight – Leidos 7. Charitable Bequest – Leave a Lasting Legacy   Money for College – Scholarships Now Open Students pursuing a full-time undergraduate degree for the 2026-2027 academic year can apply now for need-based financial support to help cover the cost of their education. Hap Arnold Education Grants are available to eligible spouses and children of Airmen and Guardians. Award amounts are based on the applicant’s Student Aid Index (SAI) from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form and the cost of attendance for the chosen college or university. In addition, these applicants can apply for additional funding through our Merit and Grit Scholarships, and our interest-free Supplemental Loan Program. Applications are open through April 30, 2026. Learn more and apply: afas.org/haparnoldgrant Spouses: Full CSU Scholarship Available One eligible spouse of an Airman or Guardian will be selected to receive a full Columbia Southern University (CSU) scholarship, covering up to 60 credit hours toward an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral

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AFAS Unveils New Name and Logo https://afas.org/news/afas-unveils-new-name-and-logo/ Mon, 15 Dec 2025 21:37:00 +0000 https://afas.org/?p=18878 December 15, 2025 Today, Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) announced it has changed its name to Air & Space Forces Aid Society, while retaining its well-recognized acronym. Get all the details.

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December 2025 AFAS Insider Newsletter https://afas.org/news/dec-2025/ Tue, 09 Dec 2025 17:02:02 +0000 https://afas.org/?p=18788 In This Issue: 1. Big News is Coming December 15! 2. Giving Tuesday Success – $406K Raised! 3. Mercy Medical Angels: 1-Year of Impact 4. Happy Birthday Space Force! 5. Did You Know –Scholarships & Education Support Available 6. Supporting Organization Spotlight – NFCU & BWF 7. Smart Giving in 2025 and 2026   Big News is Coming December 15! We have something exciting to share with you! On December 15, AFAS will unveil a major update to our identity – one that reflects who we are today and the military families we proudly serve. Stay tuned for the announcement next week and be sure to visit our website and social media channels. You won’t want to miss it!   Giving Tuesday Success – $406K Raised! This year, we once again teamed up with our sister military relief societies – Army Emergency Relief (AER), Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA), and Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) – to raise crucial funds for military families through our #MakeGivingYourSuperpower campaign for #GivingTuesday. Together we raised more than $406K to support service members and families across every branch. This is an amazing 33% increase from the nearly $305K raised last year. And thanks to Lockheed Martin’s incredible contribution, that impact was doubled! This momentum matters, because every dollar raised helps provide financial assistance, education

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November 2025 AFAS Insider Newsletter https://afas.org/news/nov-2025/ Wed, 12 Nov 2025 18:54:03 +0000 https://afas.org/?p=18738 In This Issue: 1. Happy Veterans Day – Honoring All Who Served 2. Food Assistance & Financial Support During Government Shutdown 3. AFAS in Action – Events & Outreach 4. Board Updates – Welcome CSAF & CMSAF 5. Did You Know – Recipients Can Track Application & Loan Details Online 6. Supporting Organization Spotlight – Rolls-Royce 7. Make Giving Your Superpower this #GivingTuesday   Veterans Day 2025 – Honoring All Who Served Behind every veteran is a story of courage, sacrifice, and service. This Veterans Day, honor their legacy by supporting Airmen and Guardians who continue to serve with that same commitment. Your generosity ensures our Airmen, Guardians, and their families never face life’s challenges alone. Make a gift today! Text AFASVET to 44834 or visit our website.   Food Assistance & Financial Support During Government Shutdown During a government shutdown, we remain committed to supporting Airmen, Guardians, and their families who are impacted. Available assistance includes: SNAP & WIC Support AFAS provides food grants for eligible Airmen and Guardian families who may have missed Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) payments. Applicants can apply online at www.afas.org and need to select “Basic Living Expenses” and then “Food” in the application portal. Pay Gap Assistance If paychecks are affected, AFAS provides no-fee, no-interest loans to

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October 2025 AFAS Insider Newsletter https://afas.org/news/oct-2025/ Tue, 14 Oct 2025 17:27:13 +0000 https://afas.org/?p=18659 In This Issue: 1. Government Shutdown Update 2. $58K Raised to Honor 78 Years of Service 3. Connecting at the AFA Conference 4. Board Updates and Remembrance 5. Did You Know – AFAS Can Help with Food Purchases 6. Supporting Organization Spotlight – Northrop Grumman 7. Financial Readiness – Plan with Purpose   Government Shutdown Update Over the holiday weekend, AFAS provided $1 million in 0% interest loans to service members when a lapse in military pay appeared imminent. With the October 15 paychecks now expected, we remain optimistic that funding will resume. However, If the shutdown continues and the next pay period is affected, we will once again be ready to help. There are no credit checks, no command involvement, and no fees – just quick, confidential support when it’s needed most. We also encourage service members to contact their financial institutions. Many banks and credit unions offer no-interest loans or paycheck protection programs during government shutdowns (though some may require registration or enrollment to access these benefits). For the latest updates, check our social media channels or visit www.afas.org.   $58K Raised to Honor 78 Years of Service Thanks to your generosity and the support of our matching partner, First Command Financial Services, we raised a total of more than $58K during this year’s Air Force Birthday Campaign

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September 2025 AFAS Insider Newsletter https://afas.org/news/sept-2025/ Wed, 10 Sep 2025 14:11:20 +0000 https://afas.org/?p=18534 In This Issue: Topics Celebrate the Air Force Birthday & Double Your Impact! Board of Trustees Meeting Update $300K in Scholarships Awarded! Strengthen Readiness with Financial Lift-Off Did You Know – AFAS Helps with Menth Health & Counseling Costs Supporting Organization Spotlight – Lockheed Martin Support Tomorrow – Include AFAS in Your Will   Celebrate the Air Force Birthday & Double Your Impact! On September 18, the U.S. Air Force celebrates another year of service and sacrifice. AFAS is honored to mark this milestone once again by partnering with First Command Financial Services, who will generously match every donation, dollar-for-dollar, up to $25,000. Your gift ensures we can continue providing critical financial assistance, whether covering a rent or mortgage payment, repairing a vehicle so the service member can get to work, or providing travel expenses during emergencies. Join the celebration by making your matched gift today: www.afas.org/donate Board of Trustees Meeting Update On August 19, we met with our Board of Trustees to reflect on the incredible progress AFAS has made this past year and to discuss the path ahead. Together we’ve expanded categories of support, enhanced programs, and simplified access for families in need.   We also welcomed six distinguished leaders and a new advisor to our Board: Lt Gen (Ret) Thomas Bergeson Maj Gen (Ret) Steve Lepper Maj

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August 2025 AFAS Insider Newsletter https://afas.org/news/aug-2025/ Tue, 12 Aug 2025 13:50:54 +0000 https://afas.org/?p=18484 In This Issue: Topics 1. PCS Support Reminders – Child Care, Pet & Vehicle Transportation 2. Annual Report Now Available 3. Spouses – Money for Job Training & School 4. Did You Know – AFAS Helps with Adoption Expenses 5. Event Highlights – AFSA Summit and M&FRC Training 6. Supporting Organization Spotlight – BWF 7. Become a Monthly Donor   PCS Support Reminders – Child Care, Pet & Vehicle Transportation Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves can bring logistical difficulties, physical and emotional strain, and unexpected costs for military families. AFAS can help ease some of the financial stress related to these moves. Here’s how we can help: Child Care for PCS – We offer $200 per dependent (up to $1,000 per family) to help with temporary child care expenses. Approved funds are sent directly to the service member via ACH or Zelle. Pet PCS Transportation – Because pets are family too, AFAS offers interest-free loans to help cover out-of-pocket transportation costs for a dog or cat. Vehicle Shipping – If the new duty station is more than 350 miles away, we provide interest-free loans to help ship one personal vehicle. For details on eligibility and required documentation, visit our website, www.afas.org. Annual Report Now Available Explore the impact we’ve made thanks to the generosity of our donors, supporters, and

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July 2025 AFAS Insider Newsletter https://afas.org/news/july-2025/ Tue, 08 Jul 2025 15:03:35 +0000 https://afas.org/?p=18420 In This Issue: 1. New – Free Online Financial Education 2. $4 Million in Scholarships Awarded 3. Did You Know – AFAS Gives $150 for a Child Car Seat 4. Campaign to Connect – JB McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Visit 5. Updated Leaders Guide Now Available 6. Supporting Organization Spotlight – USAA Educational Foundation 7. Gifts in Memory & Honor New – Free Online Financial Education We are excited to announce the launch of Financial Lift-Off, a free, online course developed in partnership with the USAA Educational Foundation. This program delivers practical financial education and helps strengthen money management skills. What You’ll Learn Through short and interactive modules, participants will explore: • Setting financial goals • Building and managing a budget • Saving for emergencies • Managing debt responsibly. Bonus for Loan Recipients Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve members who received a new AFAS loan on or after May 1, 2025, are eligible for a $250 loan credit after completing the course. Financial readiness supports mission readiness! Learn more and enroll now: www.afas.org/lift-off Questions? Email: liftoff@afas-hq.org $4 Million in Scholarships Awarded AFAS is proud to have awarded $4 million in scholarship to 1,506 spouses and dependents of Airmen and Guardians for the 2025-2026 academic year through our Hap Arnold Education Grants. This need-based financial assistance supports full-time undergraduate studies at 2-year, 4-year, and

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