Air Force Assistance Fund: Part 4 Published April 16, 2009 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In this week's segment supporting the Air Force Assistance Fund campaign, I will share a few examples of how the Air Force Aid Society has benefited Team Travis members in need. Most Team Travis members know the stresses that come along with military life. Perhaps one of the primary stresses facing families is that of deployment. Not only does this put pressure on the person deploying, but also family left behind, particularly when it comes to caring for children or paying bills. One Team Travis Airman recently experienced the strain of deployment first-hand. The Travis member came to the Airman and Family Readiness Center with little hope left after returning home from a deployment. He was behind on his bills and had a family to support. While deployed, his spouse did the normal shopping and a little extra because of the extra money they were receiving during the deployment. Because his spouse thought her husband set up the bills to be paid automatically, she did not pay them while he was overseas. The family needed immediate financial help, so they called the Airman and Family Readiness Center to set up an Air Force Aid appointment. The AFRC got the family right in and assessed their situation. Their unpaid bills such as rent, car payment and insurance were bad, but their unpaid credit card bills were worse. They had more than $1,900 in overdraft charges. The Air Force Aid officer got them immediate financial assistance set them up with a free, professional financial counselor at the AFRC and spoke to the bank about reducing the overdraft fees. After the family began changing their spending habits, they started to feel better about their finances. Today they make a game of saving. They also enjoy the luxury of having extra spending money after making a commitment to each other to follow their spending plan. In addition to getting Air Force Aid, or buget-planning help, the AFRC also offers additional Air Force Aid assistance. Below is a list of some of the services the AFRC and AFAS offers. Falcon Loan- It is a $500 loan made directly to the member, for basic living expenses such as rent, a car payment, an insurance payment, food, gas and phone bills. You may receive two loans during your career. The Falcon Loan was designed to prevent members from going to the payday lenders who charge 300 percent interest. If you have an AFAS loan out, you do not qualify for a Falcon Loan. However, you may still be eligible for other assistance. Education assistance- The General Henry H. Arnold (Hap Arnold) Grant is a $2,000 grant to military spouses and high school senior dependants pursuing their education. If you are married to a military member, you both qualify for this grant. Car Care Because We Care- All families who have a spouse deployed receive a free 18-point safety inspection, oil change and lube for free. Bundles for Babies-This workshop is for expectant parents. Topics include: Budgeting for baby, reducing stress, calming a crying baby, saving for babies college and much more. You receive a free layette of baby items for attending this 2-hour workshop. Child Care for PCS- Receive 20 free hours of child care (per child) for arrival/departure of your duty station. Child Care for Volunteers- Receive free child care for volunteering in community non-profit programs. Give Parents A Break- This program is for families experiencing unusual stress or have a spouse who is deployed. AFAS will pay for 4 hours of child care for the first Saturday of each month. Funeral Assistance- AFAS provides immediate bridge loans to assist with funeral expenses. The loan is paid back when insurance benefits are received. Respite Care- Families with special needs children can receive a free certificate for child care reimbursement. See AFAS officer for details. For more information or to set up an appointment, call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 424-2486.