‘Taking Care of our own’: Air Force Aid Society assists military members Published Oct. 2, 2007 By Family Support Center TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- Taking care of "Our Own" is a phase that is heard and used frequently. That phrase originated with the Army Air Corps and World War II Army Air Forces whose members wanted to "take care of their own." Through their desire to assist military members and their families, the Air Force Aid Society came into existence. The Air Force Aid Society, since its creation in 1942 as a non-profit organization, has helped countless members of the Air Force community. At Tinker Air Force Base that assistance begins when a member makes the request through his commander or first sergeant. The commander provides the member with a letter that is given to the Family Support Center requesting Air Force Aid Society assistance. "Once we receive the letter requesting assistance a community readiness consultant is assigned to assist the military member," said Jane Allen, flight chief for the Tinker Family Support Center. According to Ms. Allen there is only one exception, that is when there is a death in a member's immediate family; the member can contact the Family Support Center directly. Commanders, first sergeants and supervisors play an important role when it comes to using AFAS. "These individuals are the ones at the units who know what is going on with their troops and who can encourage them to seek help if they are experiencing financial problems. These problems may even be affecting their performance at work," Ms. Allen said. The Family Support Center also assists personnel from all branches of military service. "Our staff works with Army, Navy, Marine Corps relief societies and Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Fund when Soldiers, Sailors and Marines need assistance," she added. When emergency assistance is requested through the individual's first shirt the military member is directed to the FSC. The community readiness consultant combines an assessment of the emergency situation and an evaluation of the member's personal budget in order to make a decision on whether the individual qualifies for an interest free loan, grant or combination of both. Upon case approval financial assistance is provided when a qualifying individual cannot otherwise pay for specific basic needs essential to continued personal effectiveness as an Air Force member. "Some individuals immediately expect us to provide them with a grant. The decision to provide an interest free loan or grant is made by the Air Force Aide Society or Military Relief Society for a specific service," Ms. Allen said. "Once the decision is made to provide financial assistance the community readiness consultant will issue a check or checks to the individual's creditors," she added. Most assistance is provided as an interest free loan with repayment set according to the military member's budget surplus. For more information on the Air Force Aid Society, call the Family Support Center at 739-2747.