In This Issue:
- 2024 Impact: $14 Million in Assistance Delivered
- AFAF Campaign Kickoff
- Honoring Lt. Gen. (Ret) Michael D. McGinty
- New AFAS Resources Library – Find What You Need, Faster!
- Meet the Relief Societies Webinar – Watch On-Demand
- Did You Know – AFAS Helps Pay for Cranial Helmets
- Supporting Organization Spotlight – General Atomics
- Smart Giving: Qualified Charitable Distribution
2024 Impact: $14 Million in Assistance Delivered
In 2024, AFAS provided $14 million in direct assistance to more than 15,500 Airmen, Guardians, and their families – offering critical financial assistance, education support, community programs, and disaster relief.
Going forward, we will endeavor to continue to be the trusted lifeline for our force and their families.
Air Force Assistance Fund (AFAF) Campaign Kick Off!
The 2025 Air Force Assistance Fund (AFAF) campaign is officially underway! Now in its 52nd year, this annual fundraising event kicked off February 24th and is the only Department-authorized campaign For Airmen & Guardians, By Airmen and Guardians!
The funds raised directly support AFAS and the other three charities dedicated to helping Airmen, Guardians, and their families. These contributions allow us to continue providing vital emergency financial assistance, educational scholarships, community support, and disaster relief – and to stand ready to assist those in need.
Donate today:
· www.AFAssistanceFund.org
· Text AFAF to 50155
Honoring Lt Gen (Ret) Michael D. McGinty
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lt. Gen. (Ret) Michael D. McGinty, former AFAS CEO and decorated Air Force fighter pilot. Throughout his distinguished career, he dedicated himself to serving our nation and advocating for Airmen, Guardians, and their families. “General McGinty was a good man who loved Airmen and loved the mission of AFAS. We’ll miss him.” said Maj. Gen. (Ret) Ed Thomas, AFAS CEO.
A memorial service was held on February 26th in San Antonio, and he will be laid to rest at the United States Air Force Academy. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who had the honor of serving alongside him. His legacy of service and leadership will not be forgotten.
New AFAS Resources Library – Find What You Need, Faster!
Looking for information about our programs? We’ve made it easier on our website to find key information, fact sheets, application instructions, and more – all in one place.
And this is just the beginning. We’ll continue to add new insights, program updates, and helpful tools to better support Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Check back often to see what’s new!
Explore the Resources Library today: www.afas.org/resources/
Meet the Relief Societies Webinar – Watch On-Demand
Curious how the military relief societies support service members and their families? Recently, the CEOs of all four aid societies – Army Emergency Relief, Air Force Aid Society, Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, and Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society participated in an insightful webinar hosted by The Bob Woodruff Foundation and Navy Federal Credit Union.
During this Q&A, the leaders discussed a wide range of topics, including the types of assistance available to their service members, eligibility requirements, the process for seeking support, and other valuable insights into the vital work they’re doing to serve our military families.
You can watch the full webinar here.
Did You Know? – AFAS Helps Pay for Cranial Helmets
If your child requires a cranial helmet to correct head shape due to medical necessity and TRICARE does not cover it, AFAS can help with the costs.
Helmet molding therapy, or cranial orthosis, is a treatment where a specially designed helmet is used to gently reshape a baby’s skull. While medical diagnosis is needed for this treatment, TRICARE and most insurance providers classify it as a cosmetic procedure, leaving families to cover the cost on their own.
Recognizing the financial burden this places on military families, and their commitment to helping their children, AFAS will pay for the cost to purchase these cranial helmets. Families applying for assistance will need to provide a medical prescription for the helmet and a cost estimate from the provider.
If you or someone you know could benefit from this support, reach out to AFAS today! Learn more at www.afas.org.
Supporting Organization Spotlight: General Atomics
We are proud to recognize General Atomics, a company dedicated to advancing technology and innovation in support of the military community. As a valued partner, General Atomics recently contributed $25K to support our mission and help ensure our critical resources are available when our service members need them most.
Thank you, General Atomics, for your support. Your partnership makes a difference!
Smart Giving: Qualified Charitable Distribution
With tax season in full swing, now is the perfect time to explore tax-wise giving strategies that can benefit both you and AFAS. If you’re 70½ or older and have an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), consider a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). You can support our mission while reducing your taxable income – and fulfill the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD).
Learn more about this tax-smart way to give here.