Meet the new MacDill Air Force Aid Society officer

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  • By Thunderbolt staff report
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The MacDill Air Force Assistance Fund campaign is running through March 15. However, various forms of aid are available to MacDill members and their families year-round.

Mark Stanford, MacDill Air Force Aid Society officer, took the time to talk to the Thunderbolt about assistance available to members in need...

Thunderbolt: As the Air Force Aid Society Officer at MacDill, what are your responsibilities?

Stanford: As the Air Force Aid Society Officer, I administer AFAS emergency assistance and programs. I ensure all of the consultants along with key personnel here at the center are trained to provide emergency assistance. I also assist the Installation Project Officer during the annual Air Force Assistance Fund drive.

Thunderbolt: Is the AFAF only for Air Force members?

Stanford: Air Force Aid Society emergency assistance is available to Airmen and their eligible family members to meet immediate needs in an emergency situation. The Society provides interest free loans and grants based on the individual's needs for basic living expenses, emergency travel, vehicle expenses, funeral expenses, medical and dental cost, childcare/respite, moving expenses and miscellaneous expenses.
Army, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard personnel can also apply for emergency assistance here at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. We are partners with Army Emergency Relief Society and the Navy Marine Corp Relief Society.

Thunderbolt: Is it an interest free loan? How long does on have to pay it back?

Stanford: Loans are interest free loan and the length is on the member's financial circumstances. Grants are decisions based on the member's situation. AFAS responds to genuine emergency situations and offers stabilizing assistance based on the emergency situation. The applicant is required to complete the AFAS application stating their emergency need. All requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Falcon Loans are loans with up to $750 that can be used for emergency needs such as basic living expenses, car repairs, emergency travel, or other approved needs. The streamlined application process for a Falcon Loan requires no budget information, backup documentation, or first sergeant and commander approval.

Thunderbolt: How would one apply for or get more information about aid available to them?

Stanford: Military or eligible family members who have an emergency need and are near MacDill Air Force base may apply for emergency assistance at the Air Force Aid office in the MacDill AFB Airman and Family Readiness Center. U.S. Air Force personnel or eligible or family members can even apply for assistance online at https://my.afas.org/memberportal/Login/Login.aspx. All other branches of the service and retirees will need to apply at the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

Thunderbolt: What would you like to add?

Stanford: If you want to help someone in need, donating to the Air Force Assistance Fund is a great way to do this. Your money will provide, so to speak, direct assistance to someone here at MacDill.