Air Force aiding Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tabatha McCarthy
  • 20th FW Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Air Force Aid assists Airmen in numerous ways whether it's getting them home for a loved one's sickness, passing or to assist in helping Airmen pay bills they cannot afford.

Among the Air Force non-profit organizations is Air Force Aid is one of the most popularly used.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Perris Coleman, 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron unit fitness program manager, lost his brother and was able to get home the day he found out with the help of Air Force Aid, to be with his family.

"As a two-striper, I was able to get to San Francisco, California from Okinawa, Japan in a matter of a day, with the help of my First Sergeant and Air Force Aid," said Coleman.

Air Force Aid not only helps Airmen with emergency travel, it also helps with bills, childcare, emergency rent assist, mortgage assist, funerals, telephone bills, food, and the majority being vehicle repair when Airmen don't have enough money in savings.

This non-profit organization gets its support from Air Force funds; Airman and Family Readiness does not solicit donations but some people who have used the aid give back to show their appreciation.

If any Airmen need to utilize this organization, they simply need to either visit their Airman and Family Readiness Center or go online, have identification card and current leave and earnings statement and let the employees know what they need it for, fill out some papers and if it's an emergency the Readiness Center will write out a check of up to $750.

The loan or money that Airmen receive is called a Falcon loan; this doesn't require budget information, backup documentation, or First Sergeant/Commander approval.

"Helping people is what we do and it makes my day to help Airmen in need," said Carolyn Bridges, Shaw AFB Airman and Family Readiness Center.

The Air Force's mission is to help relieve as much stress to Air Force members and their families by assisting them in financial issues.

For more information, visit http://www.afas.org/Assistance/FalconLoan.cfm or contact your local Airmen and Family Readiness Center.