September 2025 AFAS Insider Newsletter

Celebrate the Air Force Birthday & Double Your Impact!

On September 18, the U.S. Air Force celebrates another year of service and sacrifice. AFAS is honored to mark this milestone once again by partnering with First Command Financial Services, who will generously match every donation, dollar-for-dollar, up to $25,000.

Your gift ensures we can continue providing critical financial assistance, whether covering a rent or mortgage payment, repairing a vehicle so the service member can get to work, or providing travel expenses during emergencies.

Join the celebration by making your matched gift today: www.afas.org/donate

Board of Trustees Meeting Update

On August 19, we met with our Board of Trustees to reflect on the incredible progress AFAS has made this past year and to discuss the path ahead. Together we’ve expanded categories of support, enhanced programs, and simplified access for families in need.

We also welcomed six distinguished leaders and a new advisor to our Board:

• Lt Gen (Ret) Thomas Bergeson
• Maj Gen (Ret) Steve Lepper
• Maj Gen (Ret) Scott Vander Hamm
• Maj Gen (Ret) Craig Wills
• Maj Gen Frank Verdugo
• CMSgt (Ret) Phillip Easton
• Yolanda Easton (New advisor)

We thank them for their guidance and ongoing support.

We’re also deeply grateful to the Honorable Robert F. Hale for his 10 years of dedicated service, including his leadership on our Audit and Finance Committees. His friendship and trusted counsel made us better, and his expertise and unwavering commitment have made a lasting impact on the Airmen, Guardians, and families we serve. We thank him for his service to our nation and our military community!

$300K in Scholarships Awarded!

Congratulations to our 2025 Merit and Grit Scholarship winners! This year we awarded 30 Merit Scholarships and 30 Grit Scholarships, each valued at $5,000. That $300,000 in educational support helps incoming freshmen pursue their college goals.

Merit Scholarships recognize academic excellence, while Grit Scholarships honor personal resilience. Both are awarded through a competitive application process among top Hap Arnold Grant applicants.

We’re proud to stand with these students. Learn more about available scholarships for spouses and dependents at: www.afas.org   

Strengthen Readiness with Financial Lift-Off

Have you checked out Financial Lift-Off? This free online course (created with the USAA Educational Foundation) is designed to help Airmen and Guardians build confidence in managing money. In just a few short modules, participants will learn practical skills – from creating a budget to managing debt.

Loan Credit Reminder: Individuals who received a new AFAS loan on or after May 1, 2025, are eligible for a $250 loan credit after completing the course.

Strengthen your financial readiness and get started today: www.afas.org/lift-off

Did You Know – AFAS Helps with Menth Health & Counseling Costs

The stresses of military life can take a toll on mental well-being. As we observe Suicide Prevention Month, we recognize that while seeking help takes courage, not all counseling or therapy is fully covered by insurance.

AFAS can help. We provide financial assistance to help cover the fees associated with mental health counseling and related therapy for active duty Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Because readiness and resilience start with taking care of our people. Learn more or apply at: www.afas.org

Supporting Organization Spotlight – Lockheed Martin

AFAS is proud to once again recognize Lockheed Martin for their generous $250K grant and continued partnership. Their support helps us expand programs and provide critical assistance to Airmen, Guardians, and their families when they need it most.

We’d also like to thank Lt Gen (Ret) John Dolan, who serves on our Board and champions AFAS within the Lockheed Martin community, and Tiffany King whose partnership and advocacy help make this collaboration possible.

We are extremely grateful for Lockheed Martin’s long-standing commitment and for standing with our force!

Support Tomorrow – Include AFAS in Your Will

One of the easiest ways to create a lasting legacy is by including Air Force Aid Society in your will or living trust. This planned gift costs nothing today and ensures your support continues for generations of Airmen, Guardians, and their families.

If you’ve already included AFAS in your estate plans, please let us know, we’d love to thank you for your generosity! To learn more visit https://afas.giftlegacy.com or contact our Individual Giving Manager at: