An Air Force chaplain’s son receives education support from AFAS
Captain Chadwick Potts joined the Air Force in 2003 to serve God and his country. He has found his calling serving as a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force for the past 17 years. Capt. Potts’ son, Ezekiel, says that his father has found comfort with the Air Force family he counsels and supports. The chaplain has also found that these Airmen are there for the Potts family when needed, Ezekiel says.
This includes education support from the Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) for Ezekiel. Eligible dependent children and spouses of active duty and retired Airmen can work toward their dreams of a college degree with AFAS education grants, scholarships and interest-free loans.
Ezekiel applied for education assistance before he started college at Concordia University Wisconsin. With the high cost of a college education, Ezekiel knew he would need help to avoid having huge student loan debt. “Without scholarships or assistance, I would have finished four years of college with $80,000 of debt,” he says.
Fortunately, the Society was there for the Potts family to help Ezekiel better afford his education. “Thanks to AFAS, I will be able to breathe easier after college and focus on important things,” Ezekiel explains, “instead of constantly having to worry about overwhelming debt.”
Ezekiel can now focus on school and keep up his good grades. “AFAS has helped significantly in allowing me not to have to worry about money issues while at school,” he says. Instead, Ezekiel can think about his future and pursue his goals with much more focus. Currently, in the Pre-Seminary program, Ezekiel plans to enter church work as a pastor after college.
As much as Capt. Potts has given to his fellow Airmen as a chaplain, they have given back to his family. Ezekiel says that the support from AFAS and its donors “has been amazing. Your gifts are appreciated more than you know.”
The Air Force Aid Society is the official charity of the U.S. Air Force and has been meeting the unique needs of Airmen and their families since 1942. AFAS works to support and enhance the USAF mission by providing emergency financial assistance, educational support, and community programs. Since 2008, AFAS has provided more than $215 million in direct support to Air Force families. Visit www.afas.org to learn more, apply for assistance or to donate.