2016 ANNUAL REPORT HELPING AIRMEN SINCE 1942 A LEGACY OF HELPING AIRMEN When the world was consumed by war, General Hap Arnold, and his wife, Bee, chose to sow the seeds of optimism about America’s future. The Arnolds wanted the children of deceased American Airmen to grow up knowing they were supported by their larger OUR MISSION Air Force family. In 1942, General Hap and Bee Arnold created the Army Air Forces Aid Society. Now known as the Air Force Aid Society, this new organization was chartered To support Airmen and enhance the Air Force mission by relieving emergency for “the establishment of a trust fund, the principal of which is to be invested to provide financial distress, helping Airmen and their families achieve their educational income for the continuing problem of Air Force needs, mainly after the war.” goals, and improving their quality of life through proactive programs The Arnolds had a bold vision in a time of war. They knew what a world war could do to a generation of people, and they set about to provide critical help for the post-war health OUR VISION of American Airmen and their families. At the war’s end, General Arnold gave a speech to “thank all those who fly and those who make flying possible.” He understood that no one To be a charitable institution that embodies the concept of Airmen helping soars to victory or achievement alone – all Airmen are connected and must support each Airmen – that is embraced by Airmen and those who support Airmen other as a family. Today, the Air Force Aid Society continues to focus on that ideal of Airmen helping Airmen. Air Force Aid Society has been named a 4-Star Charity – the highest As the official charity of the U.S. Air Force, the mission of the Society is to support Airmen rating possible – by Charity Navigator, the nation’s leading independent and enhance the Air Force mission. That aim is as important today as it was in 1942. evaluator of charitable organizations. AFAS received this high rating as a result of our fiscal efficiency and transparency. Whenever, wherever and however necessary… Airmen will take care of their own. AFAS 2016 Annual Report 1 A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO It is a pleasure to report that 2016 was another very successful I am happy to share that 2016 was another outstanding year year for the Air Force Aid Society. How gratifying it is to judge of providing support to the Airmen that make our United States success by the number of Airmen and their families AFAS has Air Force the greatest in the world. helped during the past year. Because of the generosity of those The Air Force Aid Society was pleased to support Air Force who support AFAS, the Society assisted those Air Force families families with more than $15 million in direct support via with nearly $15 million in direct support via 52,000 individual 52,000 individual assists. This direct support took shape assists. AFAS provided no-interest loans and grants to address across all three of our core mission priorities – emergency family emergencies, higher education assistance through grants financial assistance, educational support, and community and scholarships, and quality of life improvements through enhancement programs. The Honorable William A. Moorman, community programs around the world. Lieutenant General John D. Hopper, Major General, USAF (Ret) Jr., USAF (Ret) The heart and soul of our ability to help Airmen is fundraising, Can there be a better metric for success than being able to say that when Airmen and and key among our fundraising efforts is the Air Force Assistance Fund Drive. Once again, their families are in need, the Society has been there to meet those needs – every day Airmen stepped forward in 2016 to tangibly demonstrate the ideal of Airmen helping for the last seventy-four years? Sustaining the AFAS mission is the epitome of Airmen Airmen – the philosophy upon which this Society was founded by General Hap Arnold and helping Airmen, in the most direct manner possible. his wife back in 1942. I have been privileged during both my active duty career and my years of service on the The Air Force Charity Ball (which raises funds dedicated to helping Airmen through AFAS) AFAS Board of Trustees to hear many of the stories – sometimes heartwarming and continues to be a highlight of each year. We remain grateful to the Officers’ Spouses’ Club sometimes heartbreaking – of what AFAS support has meant to Air Force families in crisis. of DC for organizing and hosting this wonderful event, an event that continues to raise Many have told me: “If it were not for the Air Force Aid Society, I don’t know how we would more than half a million dollars for our mission each year. have made it.” I would be remiss when mentioning the Charity Ball if I didn’t offer special thanks to our corporate donors. Many of our corporate sponsors and Charity Ball supporters have As you review this Annual Report, it is my hope that you won’t see just facts and figures. been with us for the long haul. It is an absolute fact – their support has made a positive I hope that you will focus on the real Air Force families behind those numbers. I hope that change to the lives of countless Air Force families. And, of course, standing shoulder to you will recognize in their stories the gratitude and trust that comes from knowing that shoulder with our corporate sponsors are our individual donors. Support from those in the Airmen continue to help Airmen, generation helping succeeding generation. Together, Air Force community and beyond remains continuous, unwavering, and inspiring! we are fulfilling an unbroken promise that leads all the way back to General Hap and Mrs. Arnold. None of this happens by circumstance. The Society is indeed fortunate to have the leadership and guidance of a capable and compassionate Board of Trustees. We The small staff of AFAS, every one of them dedicated to the mission of supporting were honored in 2016 to welcome General David L. Goldfein, newly appointed USAF Airmen and enhancing the Air Force mission, simply could not do the job alone. AFAS Chief of Staff, and his wife Dawn Goldfein, to the Society’s Board. We also welcomed counts on the Air Force’s first line supervisors, first sergeants, and commanders to make the Honorable Robert F. Hale, former Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller), to this sure Airmen know that AFAS is there to support them. AFAS depends on countless others outstanding group of volunteer leaders. in the Airman & Family Readiness Centers, who serve as the daily face of AFAS in the field. I also wish to share our deepest gratitude with the dedicated caseworkers serving as AFAS also counts on every Airman, as well as our Air Force friends, who generously donate AFAS representatives in Airman and Family Readiness Centers across the globe. These to the Society with the confidence that they are directly supporting the great men and men and women make our Airmen a priority 24/7/365. Lastly, but certainly not least – a women who proudly serve in the United States Air Force. salute to the incredible staff at AFAS HQ. Frankly, they couldn’t be any leaner in number, but every time they are called on to do more, they bring the expertise and compassion to It is my honor to serve as the President of the Board of Trustees of the Air Force Aid make the right things happen. Society. Every member of our Board serves without compensation while bringing an incredible level of talent and commitment to that service. I speak for all of them in saying We remain committed to meeting the evolving needs of Airmen. Meeting the challenge that it is an honor to collaborate in this way to support our Airmen and their families through would not be possible without our donors, friends, and champions. It would not be the work of the Air Force Aid Society. possible without YOU! Thank you for a continued commitment to helping us help our Airmen. AFAS 2016 Annual Report 3 BOARD OF TRUSTEES THE AFAS NETWORK Ensuring Airmen Worldwide Access to Society Programs Air Force Aid Society is governed by a distinguished group of volunteer Trustees comprised of current Air Force leaders and personnel, former Air Force leaders and members of the civilian community – fulfilling the vision of our founder, Gen Hap Arnold. 2016 Board of Trustees* The Honorable Deborah Lee James, Secretary of the Air Force General David L. Goldfein, Chief of Staff, USAF Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Cody 2016 Board of Trustees – Officers Ms. Kathleen K. Barchick The Air Force Aid Society is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. Operating with an Lieutenant General Christopher F. Burne President efficient staff of 21 allows the Society to keep overhead expenses low and ensures that Chief Master Sergeant Athena Cody, USAF (Ret) The Honorable William A. Moorman, 100 percent of individual donations are used to help Air Force families. Major General, USAF (Ret) Mr. Eli A. Cohen Airman and Family Readiness Centers (A&FRCs) around the world are home to base level Vice President Lieutenant General (Dr.) Mark A. Ediger AFAS sections. Community readiness consultants and technicians in those A&FRCs Major General Alfred K. Flowers, Chief Master Sergeant Dennis L. Fritz, USAF (Ret)) oversee AFAS programs at the base level, disbursing emergency assistance loans and USAF (Ret) grants. These base level AFAS representatives are invaluable to our mission-driven Mrs.