WASHINGTON, October 20, 2020 – Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) establishes The General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant in honor of Lieutenant General John D. Hopper, Jr. to pay tribute to the former CEO. Funding for the endowed grant was made possible…
Funding will be used to help Air Force families impacted by COVID-19 WASHINGTON, August 27, 2020 – Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) received $3.5 million in combined grant funding from USAA and Lockheed Martin Corporation to help airmen, space professionals, and their families facing hardships due to COVID-19. USAA has committed $2.5 million and Lockheed Martin Corporation has provided $1 million to AFAS to offer emergency financial assistance and educational support. “USAA and Lockheed Martin have been longstanding supporters of our service members. We truly appreciate their contributions during these uncertain times,” said AFAS CEO retired Lt. Gen. John D. Hopper, Jr. “We are navigating many new arenas and this increased funding will help to stabilize those households that are now down to one income because of a recent job loss. It will also aid Air Force families facing extra expenses for remote learning due to school closings.” The grants will be used by AFAS to provide emergency financial assistance in the form of no-interest loans and grants. In addition, AFAS will offer interest-free educational loans up to $1,000 for out-of-pocket college expenses for Air Force families with dependents attending college. Air Force families having a financial need with dependents in grades K through 12, can also apply for one-time $250 grants through a new Virtual Schooling Grant initiative
This includes a named grant in honor of the fifth CMSAF Robert D. Gaylor WASHINGTON, August 25, 2020 – The Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) awarded $5.7 million in General Henry “Hap” Arnold education grants and merit scholarships to 2,048 college and university students for the 2020-2021 academic year. Of the recipients, one student was awarded the distinguished General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant in honor of the fifth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (CMSAF) Robert D. Gaylor. “We are proud of all of our scholars, and especially excited to award a named grant in CMSAF Gaylor’s honor,” said AFAS CEO, retired Air Force Lt. Gen. John D. Hopper, Jr. “We know the funds these students receive will help to advance not only their current educational goals but also their long-term career endeavors.” Each year, AFAS awards General Henry “Hap” Arnold education grants to the dependent spouses and children of active duty and retired airmen. Recipients will receive AFAS educational grants and merit-based scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000 to cover college tuition costs. The grants awarded are based on financial need and take into consideration an Air Force family’s income and the student’s educational costs. Each grant awarded is named in honor of individuals or organizations that have exemplified extraordinary service to the U.S. Air Force.
Air Force Aid Society is pleased to announce the 2020-2021 academic year recipients of the AFAS Merit Scholarship. Congratulations to these 20 outstanding Air Force dependent students, who will each receive up to $5,000 towards their tuition and other college expenses! NAME UNIVERSITY Jake Engelbrecht University of Missouri – Columbia Anna Hagel Faulkner University Alexandria Elliott University of Mary Hannah Baradon University of Florida Madison Reuter Texas A&M University Maria Maisonet University of Nevada – Las Vegas Kadie Warnock Auburn University Ashley Gangaware Wilkes University William Van Houten University of Oklahoma Jonathan Almquist Texas A&M University Corpus Christi Emily Swartzer Auburn University Colton DeKinder Oklahoma State University Andrew Pasco California Institute of Technology Christian Pierce University of Delaware Gabriel Randall University of North Dakota Brooke Boone University of Utah Emily Stuart Miami University Michael Baker University of Central Florida Grace Mozitis Atlantic Cape Community College Jefferson Hodges Colorado School of Mines
WASHINGTON, May 27, 2020 – Air Force Aid Society officially announced today that the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (CMSAF) Kaleth O. Wright will assume the CEO role effective October 1, 2020. Wright will replace the current CEO, Lt. Gen. John D. Hopper, Jr., USAF (Ret.), who announced his retirement plans early this year. Hopper will remain in the role until October. “I’m excited about this next chapter following my retirement from the U.S. Air Force. It’s been an invaluable experience to serve alongside so many great airmen over the past 31 years,” said Wright. “I admire Lt. Gen. Hopper and look forward to building upon the success and great things he and his staff have done at the Society to help so many of our Air Force families.” Wright is the 18th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. This is the highest noncommissioned officer position. He has held this role since February 17, 2017, and is responsible for more than 410,000 enlisted Air Force members. He also serves as the advisor to the Chief of Staff and Secretary of the Air Force on issues related to welfare, readiness, morale, and proper utilization of the enlisted force. Before he was appointed CMSAF, Wright served as the Command Chief Master Sergeant of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe
In an interview and podcast with Stars and Stripes, Hopper shares how the Air Force Aid Society is helping Airmen and their families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s the link to the full podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/military-matters/id1492342435?i=1000470387714