Greetings from Ed Thomas, Maj Gen (Ret), USAF
As I reflect on my first two months as CEO of Air Force Aid Society (AFAS), I am humbled by the generosity of AFAS supporters and honored to be a part of this community that plays such a vital role in helping Airmen, Guardians, and their families.
I am spending a lot of time listening to and learning from our AFAS staff, donors, volunteers, partners, and other constituents. Because it’s impossible to meet everyone quickly, our team created this short video in the hope that it helps you get to know a little more about me and my commitment to the AFAS mission.
My journey of discovery will continue over the next several months. At the same time, there are three areas that will receive our immediate—and longer term— efforts at AFAS:
- Strengthen the team. We will invest in our staff, so they are trained, cared for, and ready to meet the needs of Airmen and Guardians.
- Launch a Campaign to Connect. We will build stronger relationships with those on the front lines with the people we serve. The Military and Family Readiness Centers, First Sergeants, Command Teams, spouse organizations, and others can help us make sure that our support programs are reaching the people who need them most.
- Launch our Defense Sector Fund Campaign. We will build partnerships with defense-related companies with whom we share the common goal of sustaining ready forces and families so that we can do more, and give more.
Beginning this week, I’ll be starting a “listening tour” at bases around the country to see how AFAS can better serve our force. And I’d love to hear from you! If you have feedback on our work, or suggestions for ways we can provide better support for our Airmen, Guardians, and their families, I invite you to reach out to me at .
It’s going to take all of us, working together, to be the best we can be.
Our ultimate goal is to make sure that every Airman and Guardian has the support they need to keep our Air Force and our Space Force strong, resilient and mission ready. Thank you for joining us, and supporting us in our mission!
Aim High and Semper Supra!
Ed Thomas, Maj Gen (Ret), USAF
Chief Executive Officer
Air Force Aid Society