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AFAF: Airmen supporting each other

  • Published
  • By John Stuart
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  It's a well-known fact that the Air Force takes care of its own. Each year that ethos is reinforced, in part, by donations of numerous individuals all focused on one goal: helping out their fellow Airmen in need.

Since its inception, the Air Force has instituted its official charity, the Air Force Assistance Fund, for this very purpose. And each year at Tinker, Airmen and civilians alike extend a hand financially to those in our midst in need.

This year, the 42-day campaign will take place from March 27-May 7. During this time all Tinker personnel (military, civilian and contractor) have the option to donate toward the Air Force Assistance Fund.

The AFAF comprises four different charity funds: Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Enlisted Village Indigent Widows' Fund, Air Force Village Indigent Widows' Fund and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation. Each weekly April issue will highlight one of these funds, the distinctions of each and opportunities to give to these invaluable charities.
Air Force Aid Society

The AFAS is the oldest of the four charities and in its 68 years of service focuses on helping active-duty Airmen and retirees.

Last year the AFAS assisted in providing money for 486 different requests at Tinker for financial help, in the form of zero-interest loans (464) and grant assists (11). The society considers these requests when individuals and families go through times of personal and family emergencies.

In total, the AFAS gave out $275,000 to Tinker Airmen, while individuals on base donated $105,000 to the society.

In 2009 more than 42,000 Airman and family members Air Force wide received assistance totaling $21.6 million.

All active-duty Airmen are eligible, and on-base representatives best determine needs through a low-stress interview process.

The society helps Airmen in numerous ways, but mostly through zero-interest loans.

These loans help with a host of financial needs such as:
· rent and mortgage payments
· home utilities
· home repairs
· costs for emergency travel
· vehicle repair and maintenance
· vehicle payments
· food

Other appropriations may be approved, including medical or dental needs, moving costs and funeral costs among others.

Part of the society's programs is the General Henry H. Arnold Education Program, which the society manages. The educational program has given out more than 85,000 grants since its inception in 1988.

The staff at the Airman and Family Readiness Center on base is readily available to meet and discuss potential needs.

"Our enlisted people just starting out make the least amount of money," said Julia Gant, Tinker Air Force Aid Officer. "Sometimes you run into unexpected emergencies and you need a good place to go that's interest free. It's going to actually enhance the mission because we're able to relieve some of the stress that you would sometimes have."

For more information contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at Tinker at 739-2747 or go online at www.afas.org.