AFAF makes the difference, one family at a time

Photo By Staff Sgt. Emily Copeland | U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kenneth Walker (second from right), 7th Comptroller Squadron commander, his wife, Liz (far right), and his family smile for the camera after his daughter’s college graduation at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Liz received the Hap Arnold grant for two years under the Air Force Assistance Fund while attending college as a young spouse to then, Airman 1st Class Kenneth Walker. (Courtesy photo)  

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, TX, UNITED STATES

05.03.2017

Story by Airman 1st Class Emily Copeland 

7th Bomb Wing

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Air Force Assistance Fund is in full swing at Dyess and beginning to round the corner to the finish.
For those who may not be familiar, the AFAF is an annual effort to raise funds for the charitable affiliates that provide support to our Air Force family in need, which includes active duty, reservists, guard, and dependents, including surviving spouses.
The AFAF has helped Airmen and their families in times of need. Whether it be covering the cost of a plane ticket during an emergency or helping an Airman repair their broken down vehicle, the funds are in place to ensure every member is taken care of.
Another charity in affiliation with the AFAF is the Air Force Aid Society whose mission is very similar to the AFAF. The AFAS has the motto “Airmen helping Airmen” with a goal of using donations to support fellow Airmen.
With the help of the AFAS, Lt. Col. Kenneth Walker, 7th Comptroller Squadron commander, was able to help his wife, Liz, achieve her dream of attending and graduating college to become a paralegal while he was an enlisted Airman.
“With the help of the Air Force Aid Society, Liz was able to attend college without the stress of paying for books or tuition fees, which started her on the path to education and career development,” said Kenneth Walker.
Liz was awarded the Hap Arnold Grant for two years while attending college, which helped immensely in alleviating student loans and debt.
“Receiving the Air Force Aid Society’s Hap Arnold Grant as a young Air Force spouse helped me get started on my educational goals and enabled me to start my professional career,” said Liz Walker. “I’m very appreciative to the Air Force Assistance Fund and the donations that made that grant possible.”
Under the vision of the AFAS founders, General Henry “Hap” Arnold and his wife, the aid society has offered an education program that helps Air Force spouses and dependent children to attend college.
The Walker’s ensure to donate every year to the AFAF as a ‘Thank You” for helping them achieve their goals and continue to support the Air Force mission.
“We have contributed to the AFAF every year since receiving the grants,” said Kenneth Walker. “It truly makes a difference knowing every cent you donate goes to helping fellow Airmen in any situation.”
Recently, the AFAS awarded 2,632 education grants of $2,250 each and 19 $5,000 merit scholarships to the children and spouses of Air Force members.
“I would strongly encourage spouses and families to utilize these incredible resources to help realize their own dreams,” said Liz Walker.
As a commander and leader, Lt. Col. Walker tells his Airmen if they have a question about getting financial help, to just ask.
“Any time I’ve referred one of my Airmen to the Airman and Family Readiness Center, they’ve always came back with more information than they even knew existed,” said Kenneth Walker. “The opportunities to receive assistance are out there, you just have to look for them and ask the questions.”
For more information about the Air Force Assistance Fund or Air Force Aid Society, please visit www.afassistancefund.org

• Date Taken: 05.03.2017
• Date Posted: 05.03.2017 12:00
• Story ID: 232407
• Location: DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, TX, US