In This Issue:
- Standing Behind Those Who Answer the Nation’s Call
- Celebrate the Air Force’s 79th Birthday & Double Your Impact
- $4.4M+ Awarded for Education
- New Space Force Leadership Joins the AFAS Board
- Did You Know – First Sergeants Have a New Resource
- Supporting Organization Spotlight – USAA
- Put Your RMD to Work
Standing Behind Those Who Answer the Nation’s Call
Across the globe, and especially in the Middle East, Airmen and Guardians are answering our nation’s call. Operation Epic Fury is the latest example. And at home, families are carrying the demands of service.
We saw that firsthand during a recent visit to Moody Air Force Base, home to the 23d Wing and 93d Air Ground Operations Wing. Many Airmen from these wings have been away from home for months, supporting demanding combat missions. As deployments continue, and the uncertainty that comes with them, families will need support through separation, reintegration, and the challenges ahead.
That is why AFAS exists.
Our Air Force Chief, General Ken Wilsbach, has challenged us to do all we can to support the Force—especially deployed Airmen and their families during this time. Visits like this just remind us of the incredible men and women who serve and they never serve alone.
Celebrate the Air Force’s 79th Birthday & Double Your Impact
On September 18, we celebrate the 79th birthday of the U.S. Air Force and honor the Airmen and families who have served throughout its history.
In honor of this milestone, our generous friends at First Command Financial Services will match every gift to AFAS, dollar for dollar, up to $25,000, doubling the impact of your support for our service members and their families.
Celebrate the Air Force Birthday by helping ensure our military families have support when they need it most. Donate today at afas.org/donate.
$4.4M+ Awarded for Education
Education continues to be an important part of how AFAS helps military families build a stronger future. This year, AFAS awarded 1,566 students more than $4.13 million in need-based Hap Arnold Education Grants, surpassing the number awarded in 2025.
In addition, AFAS awarded $300K in Merit and Grit Scholarships to recognize students for their academic achievement, leadership, perseverance, and determination. This included 30 Merit Scholarships and 30 Grit Scholarships, with each recipient receiving $5,000 to support their education.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients!
New Space Force Leadership Joins the AFAS Board
AFAS is pleased to welcome Gen. Douglas A. Schiess, Chief of Space Operations, and his wife, Debbie, to our Board of Trustees.
On September 3, Gen. Schiess became the third Chief of Space Operations of the U.S. Space Force, bringing decades of military leadership and experience to his new role. Together, Gen. and Mrs. Schiess bring a deep connection to the Space Force community and valuable perspective to the AFAS Board.
We look forward to their leadership and insight as we continue strengthening support for Airmen, Guardians, and their families.
Did You Know – First Sergeants Have a New Resource
First Sergeants are often one of the first people Airmen, Guardians, and their families turn to when they need help.
AFAS recently introduced a new First Sergeant Desk Guide designed specifically for First Sergeant use, providing an easy reference to financial assistance, education support, family and community programs, eligibility, how to apply, and more.
Service members and their families can turn to their First Sergeant for assistance, including help connecting with AFAS programs and support.
Supporting Organization Spotlight – USAA
This month, we recognize USAA for its continued generous support of AFAS and investment in our military community.
Through its Honor Through Action initiative, USAA is partnering with AFAS to strengthen financial education and readiness for Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Their support helps AFAS provide resources that empower military families to build greater financial stability and be better prepared for life’s unexpected challenges.
We are grateful for USAA’s continued partnership and commitment to the people behind the mission.
Put Your RMD to Work
A Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) can do more than meet a retirement requirement; it can make a difference for Airmen, Guardians, and their families.
If you are required to take an RMD, generally beginning at age 73 for traditional IRA owners and certain retirement plan participants, you may be able to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly to AFAS (EIN: 54-1797281). Your gift can count toward your annual RMD while helping provide meaningful support to military families.
Turn your RMD into support that goes where it’s needed most. To learn more about making a QCD to AFAS, contact our Individual Giving Manager, Rachel Fowkes, at .
Please consult your financial or tax advisor regarding your individual circumstances.