AFAS aids Airmen through tough times

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class David Owsianka
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The Air Force Aid Society is a non-profit organization known for helping Airmen and their families through various financial emergencies. One Luke Airman shared his story about how this benefit has helped him through good times and bad.

Staff Sgt. Estevan Bateman, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron avionics craftsman, was in need of emergency aid twice in his Air Force career.

"The first time I needed help was when my wife gained custody of her two children," he said. "We didn't have enough money to cover moving expenses, but AFAS was there to help and gave us a $1,300 grant to move the children from Montana to Arizona."

The next time Sergeant Bateman needed help, the circumstances were very different. He said it was during the most tragic part of his life.

"My wife died and I didn't have enough money to pay for the funeral," he said. "So, AFAS gave me a $4,000 loan to cover the immediate expenses."

Because Air Force Aid Society through the AFAF helped him through some very challenging times, Sergeant Bateman said he felt the need to give back. So, he volunteered to be the AFAF point-of-contact for his flight, which donated about $2,000.
"I was surprised by the generosity of my fellow Airmen," Sergeant Bateman said. "They have inspired me to donate more than normal this year."

In total, Luke members raised $86,566 during the 2011 AFAF campaign, exceeding their goal by 15 percent.

"This program provides comfort for those who are in need of aid and financial funding during an emergency. The funeral arrangements were a tough time to get through. The financial aid took tension and stress away from me knowing I would be able to take care of my wife."

Each case is treated individually, and the society reviews all requests for assistance to help if the assistance falls within the general thrust of the AFAS charter, according to the AFAS website. Most AFAS loans are interest free and are for short-term or one-time emergencies.

Senior Master Sgt. Andrew Marulis, 56th Component Maintenance Squadron avionics flight chief, said Sergeant Bateman's situations are exactly what the Air Force Aid Society is here for.

"The aid allowed him to take better care of his family during those extremely tough times," he said.

For more information about AFAF, call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at (623) 856-6550.