In This Issue:
- Disaster Relief Update
- Mercy Medical Angels: Providing Life-Saving Transport
- Campaign to Connect
- AFAS Honored as a KPMG Community Champion
- Supporting Organization Spotlight – HII
- Make a Lasting Impact This Season
Over $4M Disbursed in Disaster Relief
In response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, our team worked around the clock and provided over $4 million in aid directly to more than 4,700 Airmen and their families impacted by those devasting storms. We are extremely proud of our Operations Team’s hard work and the support of our generous donors!
Airmen and Guardians impacted by these hurricanes can still apply for emergency financial assistance through our Standard Assistance program. This includes all active duty, reserve, guard and retirees. Learn more and start an application.
Mercy Medical Angels: Providing Life-Saving Transport
We’re proud to share an update on our partnership with Mercy Medical Angels, who are providing critical medical transportation assistance to Airmen, Guardians and their families. Between July 1 and September 30, 2024, Mercy Medical Angels utilized AFAS-funded grant to provide a total of 155 trips, primarily for essential medical care and Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) treatments.
This support helps ensure our Air and Space Force community can reach their vital medical care – when they need it most.
Campaign to Connect Update
This November, we continue to spotlight our Campaign to Connect, a vital initiative aimed at strengthening relationships at bases across the country and those we serve. Highlights from two impactful trips include:
- F.E. Warren Air Force Base (WY)
AFAS CEO Maj Gen (Ret.) Ed Thomas recently connected with the First Sergeants, M&FRC staff, spouses and chaplains, discussing their incredible efforts and how they are addressing the needs of our service members. Thank you to everyone at F. E. Warren for your dedication and collaboration! - Joint Base Charleson (NC)
Kris McBride, AFAS COO, spoke to a First Sergeant Symposium and engaged with remarkable leaders. Kris also met with Chief Master Sergeant Lucero Stockett, Command Chief Master Sergeant of the 437th Airlift Wing, whose team plays a critical role in global contingency operations, supporting vital airland and airdrop missions.
These visits reinforce our commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of our Airmen and Guardians. We look forward to sharing more updates in the new year.
AFAS Honored as a KMPG Community Champion
We’re thrilled to share that Air Force Aid Society was recognized as this month’s KPMG Community Champion, celebrating our commitment to making a difference in the lives of Airmen, Guardians, and their families. This initiative, in partnership with Monumental Sports & Entertainment, honors individuals and organizations throughout the Washington D.C. area that are giving back to the community each and every day.
We’re grateful to be recognized alongside others who are positively impacting their communities and thank KPMG for their support!
Supporting Organization Spotlight – HII
We are proud to spotlight HII, America’s largest shipbuilder and a global, all-domain defense provider. With over 135 years of dedication to U.S. national defense, their mission is to protect peace and freedom worldwide.
As a valued Defense Sector Fund partner, HII recently contributed $25K to support AFAS’s mission of assisting Airmen, Guardians, and their families. This generous support helps ensure that critical resources and programs are available exactly when our service members need them most. Thank you, HII, for standing with us!
Make a Lasting Impact This Season
As the year draws to a close, we invite you to join our community of supporters and make a difference with two special giving opportunities:
- #MissionGIVE on Giving Tuesday – December 3
For the third year in a row, AFAS is joining Army Emergency Relief (AER), Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA), and Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) in the #MissionGIVE campaign for Giving Tuesday. With Lockheed Martin generously matching all donations up to $1 Million, every contribution you make will have double the impact.
- Space Force Birthday – December 20
Join us in honoring the 5th anniversary of the U.S. Space Force in the month of December! To celebrate this milestone, First Command will once again match donations up to $25,000, ensuring your gift will provide essential support to our Force and their families.
This season, your support has the power to reach even further. Thank you for standing with AFAS and making a difference!
Tax-Smart Giving
As you consider your end-of-year contributions, remember that certain gifts come with valuable tax benefits, such as IRA Rollovers, gifts of stock, or charitable gift annuities. These options not only support military families but may also provide tax advantages. Time is running out to make your gift count for 2024!
Visit AFAS Gift Legacy to learn more.