Program lends helping hand to Airmen in need Published Oct. 24, 2008 By Danielle Gregory Tinker Public Affaris TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Tinker provides aid to those in need. The Air Force Aid Society, official charity of the Air Force, was created in 1942 and the program has been a part of Tinker since the beginning. Tinker's Airman and Family Readiness Center coordinates the program by providing financial assistance through coordination with unit commanders, first sergeants and AFAS headquarters. The program benefits all active duty, retired Air Force members and their dependents; Air National Guard and Reserve on extended active duty away from their home. It also assists spouses and dependent aged children of deceased Air Force, active duty or retired. It provides for emergency assistance in the form of an interest-free loan or grant, to help in times of financial crisis. Master Sgt. Gary Smith said the program provides military members quick financial assistance for crisis in: basic living expenses, medical, dental care, emergency travel for a death in the family, vehicle repair, respite care and other emergencies. "In July, we had a young Airman that came from tech school with his wife, who was seven-months pregnant at the time. In the process of getting settled into their new base, the air-conditioning went out on their only transportation. The cost was going to be close to $800," said Sergeant Smith. "Needless to say, the young family did not have an extra $800 to cover this expense. Through the first sergeant from his unit, we were contacted by the military member. He explained his situation and we asked him to bring certain documentation with him to an appointment we had set up. Although this loan process is typical, certain documents are needed, depending on the situation." For this situation, the individual was asked to bring a current LES, current title, registration, insurance and an estimate from a reputable repair facility. "Typically, we coordinate with AFAS HQ to approve the loan, but we have authority locally in certain situations. The member's LES and income expenses are reviewed to determine the ability to repay the interest-free loan. Repayment is usually 12 months, but can be extended to meet extenuating circumstances," said Sergeant Smith. Once everything was verified, the check was written to the repair facility and the individual took his car in to be fixed. The services are only open to those members previously mentioned above. AFAS will not pay for non-essential living expenses, credit card debt, cover bad checks or pay taxes and legal fees. AFAS also provides many other Community Enhancement Programs: Bundles for Babies lets new parents that participate in a financial education class, receive a bundle of baby items from Gerber, approximately $75 worth. The Give Parents a Break program to allow parents a break for a few hours to help alleviate stress from deployments, extended work hours and family separations. Child Care for PCS provides up to 40 hours of free child care, 20 hours at departing base, 20 hours at arriving base, to allow parent free time to pack, unpack and attend briefings. Child Care for Volunteers provides up to 20 free hours of child care to parents who volunteer and support various base organizations. This provides an income opportunity for on-base child care providers. The Car Care Because We Care program provides free oil changes and car inspections to spouses of members deployed more than 30 days. It also provides for first-term Airmen who attend Personal Finance Program brief during FTAC. The Phone Cards program provides a $20 phone card to deployed members to assist in staying in contact with their family. A Spouse Employment program is available only at certain bases. It provides entry-level employment training to spouses and helps spouses with first-time employment. They also provide the "General Henry H. Arnold Educational Grant" to a dependent child or spouse enrolled as a full-time student. Multiple grants are offered, but the application process is only done once a year. The process starts in December and is completed in March for the following school year and provides a $2,000 grant. For more information on this program, contact Tinker's Airman and Family Readiness Center at 739-2747.