Air Force Aid Society - Joint Base Lewis McChord

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Air Force Aid Society Logo in Tacoma, Washington State
AFAS Banner in Tacoma, Washington State
McChord Airmen celebrate the anniversary of AFAS in Tacoma, Washington State

Installation Listings

Installation Listing Category

Geographical Address

City
Duty Station(s)
Public Address
100 Joe Jackson Blvd. Bldg. 100, Room 1091 Joint Base Lewis-McChord 98438
latitude
47.13
longitude
-122.49

Contact Info

DSN
Operator: 357-1110
COMM
+1(253)982-7027 | +1(253)982-2695 | Base operator: +1 (253) 967-1110
Operating Hours
Monday 7:30am-4:30pm Tuesday 7:30am-4:30pm Wednesday 7:30am-4:30pm Thursday 7:30am-4:30pm Friday 7:30am-4:30pm Saturday Closed Sunday Closed Federal Holidays Closed For after-hours Emergencies Closed

Air Force Aid Society (AFAS)

The Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) is the official charity of the United States Air Force

The Society supports the Air Force Mission by providing worldwide emergency financial assistance to Airmen and their eligible Family members, sponsoring educational assistance programs, and offering an array of base community enhancement programs that have a positive impact on the welfare of Airmen and their families.  We’re here to meet immediate needs in an emergency.  The Society provides interest-free loans and grants based on the individual situation.

Who does AFAS help?

  • Active Duty Air Force members and their dependent Family members
  • Retired Air Force members
  • Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve personnel on extended active duty over 15 days under Title 10, U.S.C.

How does AFAS help?

Emergency Assistance can be given as:

  • an interest-free standard loan
  • a grant
  • a combination of a grant and interest-free loan

The majority of AFAS assistance is provided in the form of interest-free loans with repayment of these loans helping to fund future assistance. Grant assistance will be fair and equitable and not be provided simply because an individual has a deficit and cannot repay a loan.

Falcon Loans (specific type of AFAS Loan)

A Falcon Loan allows Air Force members to receive emergency financial assistance in a more streamlined process.

  • They are intended to meet specific emergency needs
  • Must be paid back within 12 months
  • Have a dollar limit of $1000 or less and must meet all the emergency criteria as a standard loan.
  • Falcon Loans are only for active-duty members

Education Assistance with AFAS

The second prong of the Society’s charter is education assistance.  ​​​​​​The General Henry H Arnold Education Grant Program provides need-based education grants to eligible spouses of active duty and deceased Air Force members and dependent children of active, retired, and deceased members.

AFAS typically awards 3,000 grants range from $500 - $4,000 each. Applications are accepted on-line only; they are normally accepted during the Nov.-Mar time frame. Go to www.afas.org/education-grants to apply or for more information.

How to Receive AFAS Assistance & After-Hours Emergencies

If you are on or near JBLM you can complete an on-line application on the following website:  https://my.afas.org/memberportal.  Once your application is submitted you should call the nearest AFAS office to set up an appointment, OR

Visit your Air Force Aid Society Section by going to the AFAS office at 100 Colonel Joe Jackson Blvd. on McChord Field or call us at +1 (253) 982-2695 during our duty hours:  Monday thru Friday, 0730-1630.  AFAS Sections are located at Air Force bases worldwide – most are located at the Airman and Family Readiness Centers.

If you’re away from JBLM but near an Army Post or Navy/Marine Corps or Coast Guard base the Air Force Aid Society has reciprocal agreements that allow you to receive assistance through these other agencies.  You can apply for assistance at any of the services of emergency relief societies.

AFAS also has a reciprocal agreement with the American Red Cross.  If you’re not near a military installation, contact the Red Cross at +1 (877) 272-7337 to do a referral to AFAS.

AFAS After-Hours Emergencies (evenings and weekends):  Call the American Red Cross at +1 (877) 272-7337 or you can call your unit First Sergeant will who will be able to contact a local AFAS representative.

Community Enhancement Programs

The Society also offers a number of targeted quality of life community programs to help ease some of the stresses affecting Airmen and their Families.  Some of the more popular programs are:

  • Child Care for PCS
  • Child Care for Volunteers
  • Bundles for Babies
  • Care Car Because We Care
  • Local Education Spouse Employment

For more information, call +1(253)982-2695.

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