Air Force Aid Society: Dedicated to Airmen

  • Published
  • By Karan Godette
  • Community readiness consultant
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE, Mont. --  The Air Force Aid Society, a private non-profit organization, supports the Air Force mission by relieving financial distress of Air Force members and their families, and assisting with and improving quality of life through proactive programs.

The Air Force Aid Society offers many programs and financial aid opportunities, including:
  • Bundles for Babies: This class is available to all active-duty military personnel expecting a new baby. It does not matter how many children the member already has and it is available to all ranks. The class offers education on various topics ranging from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, calming a baby, financial changes and much more. Parents leave the class with $75 worth of baby items. Classes are held the first Monday of every month from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
  • Child Care for Permanent Change of Station: This program gives all active-duty military personnel 20 free hours of child care per child to be used within 60 days of their arrival to, or departure from, Malmstrom. Those interested should bring a copy of their PCS orders to receive a child care voucher. Vouchers may be used at the Child Development Center, Youth Center or Family Child Care homes based on availability.
  • Give Parents a Break: This program is designed to alleviate stress. The program is available to all active-duty military personnel and families of deployed Airmen. To receive a voucher, visit a community readiness consultant at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. Vouchers are used at the Child Development Center typically on the first Friday of every month from 5 to 10 p.m. or the first Saturday of every month from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. unless it falls on a holiday. Actual dates are available at the Child Development Center.
  • Heart Link: The purpose of the Heart Link Program is to strengthen military families and enhance mission readiness. Appreciating that spouses play an important goal in re-enlistment decisions, therefore impacting retention, the overall program goal is to ensure spouses are aware of their importance to, and inclusion within, the Air Force. The program includes orientation activities consisting of presentations, interactive games and exercises. A program highlight is a visit from the 341st Missile Wing commander who presents a coin to each spouse for completing the program.
  • Falcon Loans: These loans are intended to meet specific emergency needs. They are available to active-duty Air Force personnel (including spouses with Powers of Attorney) as well as Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard members activated under Title 10 U.S.C. for 15 days or longer. Falcon Loans must be repaid within 10 months (or by estimated time in service, if less than 10 months) and are meant for emergency needs up to $750 for the following purposes: Basic living expenses, vehicle expenses, emergency travel, medical and dental expenses, and child care expenses.
  • Traditional Loans: These are available for emergency needs exceeding $750 for the purposes listed above and more. Grants are awarded on a case by case basis.
To apply, visit www.afas.org or contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 731-4900.