AFAS allows an Airman’s kids to visit their grandfather one last time
Staff Sergeant Sean Patrick Laviscount joined the Air Force in 2013. He was supporting himself and his siblings while going to school and working a minimum wage job. Feeling small, he wanted to be a part of something bigger than himself. SSgt Laviscount knew he would find what he was looking for as an Airman.
Over the years, SSgt Laviscount has progressed in his career and also has grown his family. He and his wife welcomed their third child this past November. Unfortunately, a few months before his youngest son was born, SSgt Laviscount’s father-in-law, Peter, received a devastating stage four lung cancer diagnosis.
Peter loved being a grandparent and visited the family when he could. Peter wanted to meet his newest grandson, but his condition declined quickly. The doctors told Peter he only had six months left.
During this time, the Laviscounts received PCS orders to Lackland Air Force Base. Preparing for the move, the family of six had just finished paying off their debts. SSgt Laviscount didn’t have extra money for an unplanned trip.
Suddenly Peter’s condition deteriorated, and he headed for hospice. SSgt Laviscount was able to secure emergency leave, but he needed help with the unexpected expenses. He turned to the Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) in this time of need.
With help from AFAS, the Laviscounts flew to New York to visit Peter and spent three days with him before he passed. “My father-in-law was able to see his newest grandchild in his last moments and passed peacefully.” And with that last visit, SSgt Laviscounts says, “it fulfilled a man’s dying wish.”
When AFAS turned the loan into a grant, a load was lifted off the Staff Sergeant’s shoulders. “This made me realize that my fellow Airmen are looking out for me, and I’m not alone,” he says.
SSgt Laviscounts thanks everyone who has supported the Society, which gave him the means for his kids to see their grandfather one last time. To his fellow Airmen, he urges them not to suffer in silence. “Let your fellow Airmen carry you when you fall, and return the favor when you are strong enough to stand on your own.”
Incorporated in 1942, the Air Force Aid Society continues to meet the unique needs of Airmen and Guardians. AFAS works to support and enhance the USAF and USSF missions by providing emergency financial assistance, educational support, and community programs to Air Force and Space Force families. In 2021, AFAS provided over $13.5 million in assistance to more than 19,000 Air Force and Space Force families. Visit www.afas.org to learn more, apply for assistance, or to donate.