In This Issue:
- Giving Tuesday: Four Relief Societies, One Joint Mission
- Bringing a Special Movie Experience to Military Families
- A New Video Shines a Light on AFAS
- Strengthening Connections Across Our Force
- Did You Know – Family Wellness Grants Are Available
- Supporting Organization Spotlight – American Red Cross
- Honor a Veteran. Make a Difference.
Giving Tuesday: Four Relief Societies, One Joint Mission
Ready, Set, Give! Mark your calendars for December 1 and get ready to make a difference this #GivingTuesday. AFAS is joining forces once again with Army Emergency Relief, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, and Coast Guard Mutual Assistance to rally support for military families across all branches of service.
This year’s theme, Ready, Set, Give, reminds us that when it comes to supporting military families, we’re all on the same team. Together, we can help families overcome financial hardships, regain their footing, and remain mission ready.
And here’s the best part: Thanks to the generosity of Lockheed Martin, donations to the four military aid societies will once again be matched, doubling the impact of every gift!
Get ready to make a difference and join us! Visit afas.org/givingtuesday
Bringing a Special Movie Experience to Military Families
Service members and their families stationed overseas had the opportunity to enjoy free screenings of the new feature film JIMMY, about actor and war hero Jimmy Stewart, which premiered November 6.
Thanks to the generous support of Lockheed Martin and the Timothy T. Day Foundation, AFAS helped make these screenings possible in partnership with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) and Navy Exchange (NEX).
The film celebrates Steward’s remarkable life and military service. Through Vet Tix, eligible service members and veterans from all military branches, including their immediate family, can also enjoy complimentary screenings of the film.
A New Video Shines a Light on AFAS
Former Air Force Captain and popular content creator Sam Eckholm is helping introduce AFAS and its mission to a wider audience through a new video highlighting the support available to Airmen, Guardians, and their families.
With more than 2 million followers across his social media platforms, Sam is raising awareness of the many ways AFAS makes a difference, from financial assistance and education to family programs.
Watch the video and help spread the word about the support available to military families.
Strengthening Connections Across Our Force
Retired Maj. Gen. Ed Thomas, who leads AFAS, recently visited Hanscom Air Force Base, a small, historic installation just outside Boston where Airmen, Guardians, and civilians help develop critical capabilities that keep our Force connected and mission-ready.
During his visit, Ed met with base leadership, Military & Family Readiness Center staff, chaplains, and key spouses to discuss the needs of Hanscom families and how we can help address financial challenges that may affect their well-being and readiness.
We also welcomed Assistant Secretary of the Air Force Richard (Rich) Anderson, Col. Crystal Glaster, and Command Chief Jeremiah Ross to AFAS headquarters. The visit reinforced our shared commitment to supporting the well-being and readiness of Airmen, Guardians, and their families.
These visits help AFAS continue working alongside Air Force and Space Force leaders to better serve our military community.
Did You Know – Family Wellness Grants Are Available
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health. But for many, the cost of counseling or therapy can sometimes be a barrier to getting the support they need.
Through the AFAS Family Wellness Program, eligible Airmen, Guardians, and their family members can receive grants of up to $600 per person (up to $2,400 per family annually) to help cover out-of-pocket counseling and therapy expenses. This assistance does not need to be repaid.
AFAS has also partnered with Cohen Veterans Network to help cover these costs at any of its 23 Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinics. Telehealth appointments are also available, allowing individuals and families to access counseling remotely. Learn more in this Department of the Air Force article.
Supporting Organization Spotlight – American Red Cross
When a family emergency strikes, being there for loved ones matters most. Through our partnership with the American Red Cross (ARC), we provide financial assistance to help Airmen, Guardians, and their families travel when an immediate family member is seriously ill or passes away.
The ARC processes these emergency travel requests. Eligible family relationships include parents, stepparents, siblings, stepsiblings, children, grandparents, and those who have served in a parental role (in loco parentis).
We’re grateful for our continued partnership with the ARC and its important role in helping military families be together when it matters most.
To learn more about emergency travel assistance, visit afas.org/emergency-travel.
Honor a Veteran. Make a Difference.
This Veterans Day, November 11, we honor the brave men and women who have served our nation and the sacrifices they and their families have made.
Looking for a meaningful way to show your appreciation? Consider making a donation to AFAS in honor of a veteran, friend, or loved one. Your gift is a thoughtful way to recognize their service while helping Airmen, Guardians, and their families when they need it most.
It’s easy to honor someone special directly through our online donation form at afas.org/donate.