In This Issue:
1. Gas Grant Pilot Program Supports 3,300+ Airmen & Guardians
2. Helping Military Families Travel to Critical Medical Care
3. CSU Scholarship Recipients
4. Still Time to Support the Official Air Force Charity Drive
5. Did You Know – Support for Special Needs Family Members
6. Supporting Organization Spotlight – Boeing
7. Ready to Respond When Disasters Strike
Gas Grant Pilot Program Supports 3,300+ Airmen & Guardians
Launched in early May, our Limited-Time Gas Grant Pilot Program provided more than $500,000 in assistance to over 3,300 Airmen and Guardians in grades E1-E6 (including Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve members).
The response exceeded even our expectations, highlighting the financial pressures many junior enlisted service members continue to face. Due to the overwhelming demand, AFAS increased available funding during the pilot, allowing us to assist additional service members.
We appreciate the patience of those who applied as our team worked quickly to process requests and are also grateful for the feedback received throughout the pilot. Input helps us continue evaluating and evolving our programs to meet the changing needs of our Force.
Helping Military Families Travel to Critical Medical Care
Accessing specialized medical care can be challenging for military families, especially when treatment requires long-distance travel.
Through our partnership with Mercy Medical Angels, 594 trips totaling $48K were provided between July 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026, helping service members and their families access medical treatments, PTS/TBI care, rehabilitation services, and other specialized healthcare needs.
We are grateful for this partnership and look forward to continuing to help military families get to the care they need.
CSU Scholarship Recipients
Each year, AFAS partners with Columbia Southern University (CSU) to provide educational opportunities for Airmen and Guardian spouses pursuing their academic and professional goals.
We’re pleased to announce this year’s scholarship recipients: Jennifer Hartzog and Harley Lopez. Each will receive a 60-credit-hour scholarship to pursue an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree at CSU.
Congratulations to both deserving spouses as they continue their educational journey.
Still Time to Support the Official Air Force Charity Drive
The Air Force Assistance Fund (AFAF) is the Department of the Air Force’s official fundraising campaign to take care of our own. It raises critical funds to support Airmen, Guardians, retirees, Guard members, reservists, spouses, and their families.
As the only campaign “For Airmen & Guardians, By Airmen & Guardians,” it supports AFAS and three other Air and Space Force charities dedicated to helping service members and their families when they need it most.
Thank you to everyone who has already contributed. There is still time to make a difference.
Learn more or donate today: afassistancefund.org
Text AFAF to 50155
Did You Know – Support for Special Needs Family Members
Caring for a family member with special needs can bring additional financial challenges and expenses. Equipment, therapies, and other specialized needs can create unexpected financial burdens for military families.
Through our Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), eligible Air Force and Space Force families can receive up to $3,000 per special needs family member over a two-year period to help offset qualifying expenses and support the family’s unique needs.
Learn more: afas.org
Supporting Organization Spotlight – Boeing
This month, we recognize Boeing for its continued support of AFAS and our mission to help Airmen, Guardians, and their families.
We are especially grateful to Lt Gen (Ret) Samuel Cox and Lt Gen (Ret) Timothy Fay for their leadership and commitment to strengthening the military community through partnership and service.
Support from organizations like Boeing helps ensure AFAS can continue meeting the evolving needs of our Force.
Ready to Respond When Disasters Strike
When disasters occur, military families often need help immediately – not weeks or months later.
Whether responding to hurricanes, typhoons, wildfires, or other disasters, AFAS works to provide rapid financial assistance so Airmen, Guardians, and their families can focus on recovery and rebuilding, and not the immediate financial hardship.
That response is only possible because of the generosity of donors and partners. Learn more about supporting the mission at afas.org/donate.