In This Issue:
- Air Force Birthday Giving Supports Military Families
- Connecting with Our Force at AFA Conference
- Financial Lift-Off: Gain Confidence Managing Money
- Did You Know – Disaster Relief Goes Beyond Hurricanes
- Supporting Organization Spotlight – L3Harris Technologies
- Giving Made Easier with Donor-Advised Funds
Air Force Birthday Giving Supports Military Families
In celebration of the U.S. Air Force’s 79th birthday on September 18, our generous donors came together to raise more than $50,000 for Airmen, Guardians, and their families! We are especially grateful to our longtime partner, First Command Financial Services, who provided matching funds so that our donors’ gifts could go twice as far.
For 79 years, Airmen have answered the call to serve, while their families have made sacrifices of their own. From demanding deployments and frequent PCS moves to unexpected financial hardships, these families face challenges that can place tremendous strain on their financial stability and well-being.
Thanks to everyone who contributed, AFAS can continue to be there when it matters most. Every dollar raised goes directly toward helping Airmen, Guardians, and their families navigate life’s challenges.
Connecting with Our Force at AFA Conference
The AFAS team enjoyed three days of meaningful conversations with Airmen, Guardians, military leaders, and corporate partners at the Air & Space Forces Association’s annual conference at National Harbor, Maryland.
A special highlight was a conversation with Kelly Stewart, daughter of legendary actor and decorated Air Force veteran Jimmy Stewart, about her father’s remarkable life, military service, and the new film Jimmy, which AFAS is helping bring to service members at overseas military installations.
Thanks to AFA for bringing this incredible community together!
Financial Lift-Off: Gain Confidence Managing Money
Managing money can be challenging, but building financial confidence starts with the right tools. Financial Lift-Off, a free online course developed with the USAA Educational Foundation, helps Airmen and Guardians strengthen their financial skills, from budgeting and managing debt to building emergency savings.
85% of course graduates reported increased confidence in managing their finances. As one participant shared, “This course made me realize that my finances aren’t as bad as I thought they were, I just need to use my budget and work on my emergency fund.”
An Added Bonus: If you’ve received a no-interest loan from AFAS, completing the course can reduce the outstanding loan balance by up to $500.
Build your financial confidence and get started today at afas.org/lift-off.
Did You Know – Disaster Relief Goes Beyond Hurricanes
Hurricanes and tornadoes aren’t the only natural disasters that can disrupt the lives of Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Flooding, wildfires, power outages, and other unexpected emergencies can leave military families facing sudden financial challenges.
Through August 31 of this year, AFAS has provided more than $2.5 million in disaster relief and special assistance to help military families facing challenges ranging from tropical storms and drought conditions to emergency evacuations overseas.
When the unexpected happens, Airmen, Guardians, and their families can turn to AFAS for financial assistance to help them recover and move forward.
Learn more at afas.org.
Supporting Organization Spotlight – L3Harris Technologies
This month, we proudly recognize L3Harris Technologies for its continued generosity and commitment to strengthening the lives of Airmen, Guardians, and their families.
During the recent AFA Air, Space & Cyber Conference, L3Harris Vice President Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Thomas Gould presented a generous donation to AFAS. The event also brought our mission full circle: an L3Harris employee and recent Virginia Tech graduate shared her personal connection to AFAS, having received tuition while earning her degree. Her story is a powerful reminder of how support today creates opportunities for tomorrow.
Thank you, L3Harris, for investing in the people and families behind the mission and helping build brighter futures!
Giving Made Easier with Donor-Advised Funds
October 8 marked DAF Day, and we’re highlighting a simple, powerful way to make a difference for Air Force and Space Force families!
A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) allows you to set aside funds for charitable giving, potentially receive immediate tax benefits, and support the causes closest to your heart over time.
Supporting military families through your DAF is now easier than ever! Through a partnership with DAFpay, you can recommend a grant directly from your fund using the new DAFpay option through our online donation page.
Ready to make an impact? Visit afas.org/donate to get started!