The Air Force Casualty Services Program’s primary goals are to provide prompt, accurate reporting, dignified and humane notification, and efficient, thorough, and compassionate assistance to the next of kin for as long as needed. The Casualty Assistance Representative (CAR) works closely with commanders at all levels to ensure the success of the program. The CAR works closely with survivors of retired Air Force members to ensure potential benefits are applied in a timely manner. The CAR provides limited casualty service to members of sister services, certain foreign nationals, and civilians.

Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP): Military pay stops when a member dies. The SBP is a government program, which makes it possible for retiring members to ensure that after their death, their eligible survivors receive a portion of their military retired pay in the form of monthly annuities and VA benefits. The SBP was structured so that a surviving spouse cannot outlive the annuity, and it has Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs) incorporated so the annuity increases with inflation. An active duty member who has eligible dependents is automatically covered by SBP at the maximum level at no cost to the member while he/she remains on active duty. Prior to retiring, each member must decide whether to continue SBP coverage into retirement. The retired pay of those members who elect to participate is reduced by monthly premiums. The SBP is a unique plan: Government-subsidized premiums deducted from a participating member’s retired pay before taxes. SBP is the sole means for a member to continue a portion of their military retired pay to their eligible survivors. If a member chooses (with the concurrence of their spouse) not to participate in the SBP, an annuity cannot be paid.

Casualty/SBP Questions: For casualty related issues or SBP assistance please call Air Force Pentagon Casualty Services at 703. 697.1080.

To report an AF casualty please call the JB Andrews Command Post at 301.981.5058.

The Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) is the official charity of the U.S. Air Force and has been meeting the unique needs of Airmen and their families since 1942. AFAS’s mission is to support Airmen and enhance the Air Force mission by relieving emergency financial distress, helping Airmen and their families achieve their educational goals, and improving their quality of life through proactive community programs.​

Emergency Assistance
https://afas.org/

• FALCON LOAN: The AFAS Falcon Loan program is a streamlined application process to provide Airmen with expedited, no-interest loans up to $1,500 for specific financial emergencies.
• STANDARD ASSISTANCE: AFAS Standard Assistance may be in the form of a no-interest loan or grant. The purpose is to help Airmen stabilize emergency situations to better focus on the Air Force mission.

To apply for Air Force Aid, please go to: https://portal.afas.org/ea-eligibility/. For detailed instructions, please see AFAS Portal Registration and Sign-in Instructions.

To see what additional documentation will be required, please see AFAS Application Required Documents.

If you have any questions regarding training, please contact your unit training manager.

• GENERAL HENRY H. ARNOLD EDUCATION GRANT PROGRAM:
• Grants are awarded to qualifying Air Force dependents. Grants range from $500 to $4,000, with specific amounts awarded based on financial need. For more information, please check out the website for information: www.afas.org.

Merit Scholarships:

• Each year, AFAS awards a number of $5,000 merit-based scholarships to eligible incoming freshman college students, as a complement to the needs-based support allocated through the Arnold Education Grants program.

Supplemental Loan Program:

• Knowing that incidental college expenses for books, fees and supplies can be financially challenging for families already facing tuition, room and board costs, AFAS offers a no-interest $1,000 Supplemental Education Loan to help with these expenses.
• https://afas.org/how-we-help/education-support/

Bundles For Babies

• If you are an active duty member or spouse of an active duty member who is expecting a baby or is a parent at Joint Base Andrews, you are encouraged to contact the M&FRC to sign up for a “Bundles for Babies” class, and upon completion of the class, receive a free gift card for the base BX.
• This class offers you information that focuses on budgeting for your new baby from conception to college years, and a chance to find out what support programs are available both on-base and in the community.

Childcare for PCS

• Up to 20 hours of free child care, per child, is available through the Family Child Care program to military members PCS-ing in or out of Joint Base Andrews.
• Child care must be used within 60 days upon arrival or 60 days prior to departure.
• Visit the M&FRC with a copy of your orders to obtain a voucher.

EFMP Financial Assistance

• Q-Coded EFMP Families of Active duty service members, Active Guard Reserve (AGR), Guard/Reserve on Full-Time orders, and Traditional Guard/Reserve on long-term orders can receive up to $3,000 per EFMP-enrolled family member over a 5-year period for adaptive equipment, assistive technology devices, specialized activity fees (including siblings), or membership fees for organizations that provide special needs services.
• Apply at portal.afas.org and fill out an application for Standard Assistance; Q Code verification required. No budget needed.

Pet OCONUS PCS Transportation

• Active duty Airmen/Guardians, Guard and Reserve members PCS-ing OCONUS can receive up to $1,000 to financially assist with their cat or dog transportation overseas or back to the States.

Apply on the AFAS.org website by filling out an application for Standard Assistance; Budget, PCS orders, pet transportation invoice, and LES required.

Education Support

• According to www.afas.org, the AFAS helps Air Force families offset the cost of college education. They provide educational grants, scholarships and loans to the dependent children and spouses of active duty and retired Air Force members. The following scholarships are available to those who are eligible to apply:

Do you have a passion to help others? Do you want to make a difference or even explore new interests? Try volunteering! You will be glad you did!

If you are interested in volunteering, contact us for any new opportunities or reach out directly to the organization you would like to work with.

The Installation Voting Office is available to assist with:

• Voter Registration
• Registration Updates after Separation/Retirement
• Absentee Ballot Requests
• Info on State, Territory, or National voting deadlines
• Including information on special and primary elections
• If you need assistance, Military & Family Readiness Center is here to help you fill in and mail your voting materials.
• You can also access many voting-related questions and answers on the FVAP website.

The M&FRC staff work together with unit leadership to address personnel issues such as personal, interpersonal, and family concerns. Using a collaborative, multi-agency approach, the A&FRC assists leadership in addressing the organizations health, welfare, and readiness of its members.

• Morale and Workplace Dynamics: We offer team-building exercises to help individuals understand how to communicate effectively and work together more efficiently, to increase both morale and their level of camaraderie.
  
• Family Matters Consultant for Unit Commanders: We provide unit leadership assistance in assessing individual or family concerns and in making appropriate referrals.
  
• Facilitation of Personal Empowerment: Our team assist in providing individuals’ a better understanding of their contribution and significance in the USAF.

Any inquiries on these and any TAP Related classes/workshops please email 811fss.transition.assistanceprogram@us.af.mil

• Workshops Boots to Business – 2-day self-employment workshop is offered in collaboration with the U.S Small Business Administration (SBA), the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University (IVMF), the DOD, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Available Dates: 0830-1230: JUL 15-16, OCT 14-15
• DoL Career Exploration and Credentialing Track (C2E) – In this 2-day training, you will learn the technical aspects of the job search process and take interest and skill assessments to explore all your career ops. Available Dates: 0800-1600: JUL 22-23, SEP 16-17
• Federal Employment – Learn how to read a federal job announcement and target your resume to the specific position. Available Dates: 0900-1100: APR 25, MAY 23, JUN 20, JUL 25, AUG 22, SEP 26, OCT 24, NOV 14, DEC 19
• Franchising – Your Next Career Alternative – Discover the many franchises available to Veterans at discounted prices. Also learn the advantages and disadvantages of franchising. Go to https://vetforum.org/online-seminar/ to register.
• Senior TAP Workshop for Air Force O-6 and E-9s – This 5-day workshop includes all the details of the job search process including resume writing, interviewing, and salary negotiation. The week will also include information on stress management, financial planning, the mandatory VA Benefits and Services Briefing, as well as additional presentations. Available Dates: 0800-1600: JULY 15-19
• Tricare and USFHP for Retirees only – Important information regarding healthcare benefits for military retirees. Available Dates: 0900-1030: MAY 9, JUL 11, SEP 12, NOV 7
• VA Women’s Health Transition Class – This online, self-paced Women’s Health Transition Training is available for servicewomen and women Veterans to take anytime, anyplace at https://www.va.gov/womenvet/whtt/index.asp. Subscribe to the Center for Women Veterans emails for more information and updates about upcoming Women’s Health Transition Training course opportunities.