Tinker’s AFAS is well used Published March 4, 2013 By Brandice J. O'Brien Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The Air Force Aid Society at Tinker assisted more than 200 families with emergency loans in 2012 equating to roughly $147,000. The society also offers community programs and grants as well as scholarships. Active duty, guard, reservists, retirees and dependents are eligible for many of the programs. "It's well utilized," said Lena Jackson, 72nd Force Support Squadron Community Readiness consultant and Air Force Aid point of contact. "This is the place to go when there's nowhere else to turn for certain types of emergencies." Founded in 1942 as a private nonprofit organization, the Air Force Aid Society was Gen. Henry "Hap" Arnold's answer to members of the Army Air Forces who faced unique challenges -- emergency assistance to the families of war victims, as well as educational assistance to those families -- during World War II. Emergency assistance offers interest-free loans for short-term, one-time issues such as food, rent, and utilities. The society also helps with car repair and emergency travel requirements. The society also has several community programs including Respite Care and Give Parents a Break. Respite Care provides financial assistance to families with special needs' members and Give Parents a Break offers specified periodic evening and weekend child care for deployed families and others with unique hardships. The General Henry "Hap" Arnold Education Grant Program is available to offset higher education expenses by providing $2,000 scholarships to dependent children and spouses. The money doesn't have to be used toward tuition. It can also be used for books, fee or other direct education costs. The program is competitive and interested candidates do need to apply every year to prove a financial need. Applications are being accepted through March 8 at www.afas.org. Different from the Combined Federal Campaign, the society provides services strictly to Air Force families and will decline services to the general public. Surviving on individual donations, the society, Air Force-wide, received $6.8 million in donations in 2012. More than 40,000 contributions benefitted families throughout the Air Force, equaling approximately $17.8 million in assistance. For more information go to the Air Force Aid Society website at www.afas.org, or call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 739-2747.