Education grants from AFAS allowed an Airman’s daughter to enjoy all aspects of college life
Lieutenant Colonel Linda Davis’s father was her role model, serving in the Air Force for 26 years. “The service, pride and purpose that runs deep in him carried over to me,” she explains. When it was time to consider military service opportunities for herself, Lt Col Davis, with help from her father, applied to the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC).
Because of her father’s service, Lt Col Davis is long familiar with the benefits of being part of the Air Force family. They have been there for her over the years, and in particular, she attributes an education grant from the Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) with her ability to be an Airman today.
Even with a variety of scholarships to help her attend college, including one from the Air Force ROTC, Lt Col Davis had to work several jobs to help pay for her schoolbooks and other living expenses.
Fortunately, Lt Col Davis’s father pointed her toward AFAS for assistance with her education-related expenses. The two completed the application for the General Henry “Hap” Arnold Grant, a centerpiece of AFAS education support. “I was fortunate enough to receive it many times throughout my three and a half years in college,” Lt Col Davis recalls.
With the grant, Lt Col Davis was able to participate in many clubs and play intramural tennis in addition to focus on her studies and work. “The Hap Arnold Grant removed the stress and pressure of college-related expenses,” she says. “I was able to immerse myself in my education as well as enjoy college. The grants allowed me to fully invest in my education.”
Now, after 20 years of service in the Air Force, she will proudly receive the rank of Colonel.
Recognizing the Society’s generous donors, Lt Col Davis reflects on how different her story could have turned out without the education assistance. “There isn’t a day that goes by that I am not grateful for the Hap Arnold Grants that I received,” she says. As a way to give back, Lt Col Davis continues to donate to AFAS so that she can help fellow Airmen.
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 U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force missions by providing emergency financial assistance, educational support, and community programs to Air Force and Space Force families. In 2022, AFAS provided over $12.5 million in assistance to more than 17,000 Air Force and Space Force families. Visit www.afas.org to learn more, apply for assistance, or to donate.