May 8

The Dismukes’ Story A1C Matthew and Katie Dismukes’ son, Ryley, was born at just 25 weeks and required extensive medical care for the first few months of his life. As a newborn, Ryley was medivaced to Dallas Memorial where he underwent surgeries and remained at the hospital for several months. Air Force Aid helped the Dismukes by paying for their travel expenses between Tinker and Dallas and assisting with incidental expenses. Lorna Fairchild, the AFAS caseworker who worked with the Dismukes, told us: "You have made a definite difference in the life of one Airman in particular and he and his family are truly understanding what is meant when we say that the military family takes care of its own! You guys have been an absolute blessing for this family!" As the following pictures show, little Ryley has made wonderful progress. Ryley Dismukes at 4 months Ryley Dismukes at 8 months

After leaving my full time position as a head teller at a local bank, I could not have imagined where this new life journey would take me. When I first decided to go back to school, I was unsure if going back to school would cause a financial burden on my family. With the help of the General Hap Arnold scholarship, I was able to pay all of my tuition and books at Wayne Community College. I am very thankful for the education scholarship that I have received over these past two years. My overall success was highlighted on May 13, 2010 when I graduated from Wayne Community College with an AA degree graduating with honors.

Holly M. Egan
Spouse of TSgt Richard L. Egan
Seymour Johnson AFB


In April of 2010, I adopted my special needs sister. I was terrified because it seemed I was upside down in my finances. Being a single parent of a 15 year old for the first time was a challenge in itself and with the added financial issues, it was very overwhelming. I came into our Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) and spoke with a lovely lady named Debbie who really went above and beyond to help me with my situation. Debbie worked with the Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) and they assisted me in a way that made me speechless. Not only did they give me money to go pick up my sister in Indiana, but also provided money for food and hotel expenses. They even provided assistance to get my sister a bedroom set including the comforter and sheets! My sister and I were so delighted. I will never be able to fully thank AFAS and the A&FRC for what they did for me and my sister. We will forever hold a place in our hearts for their exceptional efforts to increase my morale and ease my mind so that I can be an effective parent as well as work stress-free. I am forever grateful and thank those who have donated and assisted to make the Air Force Aid Society possible.   ~ A1C Yulonda Murphy


I would like to thank you for financially supporting the Give Parents a Break program at Minot AFB, ND. This program fulfills a genuine need for the families of deployed members in a tangible way. It also provides an opportunity for families where paying a babysitter may be cost prohibitive. Give Parents a Break is a valuable resource for military families and is greatly appreciated.

My husband was deployed to Balad Air Base in July 2009. I stayed home at Minot AFB with our four children ranging from 3 to 11 years old. Like most military families, we are stationed away from our relatives and lack this support system. I learned about the Give Parents a Break program from the Airman & Family Readiness Center. I was provided with 4 hours of care, twice a month for all ages with an afternoon and evening opportunity. My children enjoyed themselves at the Youth Center and Child Development Center and looked forward to going. I am very grateful for the respite that it provided for myself and my children.

Give Parents a Break addresses the difficulties that military families face with a practical solution. I would like to encourage you to continue your support of this program. Thank you again for your financial contributions that make Give Parents a Break available.   ~ Rosanne Wilhelm


In June of 2009, I had recently PCSd to Italy. Being in a new country for the first time is a challenge all on its own. Well approximately two weeks after I arrived, my grandfather (who helped raise me) passed. I knew I needed to be home but being that I just moved, my finances were a little tight. To top that off, just the month prior I had wrecked my car and had to pay a huge insurance deductable, so yes money was REALLY tight. I had to put down deposits on my new apartment and utilities in Italy and that can get fairly expensive (a few thousand dollars). In order to get home I turned to the Air Force Aid Society, (via the Army) and they assisted me with a $1400 plane ticket back to the US with no hassle. I am forever greatful and thank those who have donated and assisted to make the Air Force Aid Society happen.   ~ SSgt Theresa Carter


SSgt Young, a Guardsman stationed in Myrtle Beach, came to AFAS for assistance with past due car payments, an electric bill, rent, and food. Mrs. Young wrote a letter and submitted it through the AFAS website seeking assistance because they had no where else to turn. She had lost her job as a real-estate/banking professional when her company closed their doors and left town still owing her multiple pay checks. To make matters worse, SSgt Young was not activated and was unable to find a job. They were facing eviction from their home and had very little food to feed their family. AFAS assisted with food, rent, utilities, and car payments totaling over $4500. Since receiving assistance, SSgt Young was offered a job in construction and Mrs. Young has been offered a job with a local retailer.   ~ The Young's Story


"Having just finished one semester on the General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant, I just wanted to write to thank you so much for all of your help! I had a terrific semester and learned more information than I could've imagined. I could not have done it without your generous assistance."   ~ Tom


"Help in a Time of Loss. Ten years ago my husband and I lost our baby. We were devastated by her death yet still had to make arrangements for her funeral. Although we were comfortable financially, we had recently purchased a home and didn’t have much extra money. Air Force Aid Society paid for all of the funeral expenses. They didn’t question that we weren’t married, they just offered us unconditional support. Years later, we are still grateful for the help given to us. My husband contributes every year knowing that we have the opportunity to help others in difficult times."   ~ Darlene


"In January 2009, I was medically retired after 18 ½ years of service. In Aug 2009 we lost our house to foreclosure. On 3 Oct 2009 my wife Shanna died unexpectedly at the age of 34. I contacted AFAS HQ on 7 Oct around 10AM. I was able to see my closest base AFAS office and in less than an hour received financial support to have my wife’s remains taken care of. It was a huge relief to us since we were already in the negative till the end of the month. As a single father now with 5 kids from 7 to 17, their quick service to me and my family was simply outstanding! Thank you very much for everything."   ~ Richard


AFAS assisted an active duty Master Sergeant assigned to Scott AFB with a $3000 grant to purchase special medical equipment to assist his 4 year old daughter who has Cerebral Palsy (CP). This Discovery Series bike allows severely handicapped children with CP get around either by themselves or someone pushing from behind.


The oldest son of a Captain assigned at Hill was diagnosed with autism. The boy had recently become an eloper (runner) who would run and hide while in public because he was scared and intimidated by new people. His parents had to track him down and when they found him the boy was very upset.

The family learned of a new program that uses special autism service dogs to assist those with autism. The dogs provide support to calm in times of stress, help prevent the child from running away, provide protection, and promote social interaction. Unfortunately, the family did not have funds to pay for the dog themselves and even with donations, they were still short. The Air Force Aid Society stepped in and provided a grant for the remaining balance so they could purchase the dog.


AFAS has been assisting a Staff Sergeant and his family at Dover with travel expenses and respite care after his son was diagnosed with a rare eye cancer at age 3 months. The family was transferred from Elmendorf to Dover to be near specialists. Now 20 months old, the child continues to undergo treatment at hospitals in Wilmington and Philadelphia. The frequent trips have been difficult on the finances of this family of four.


Staff Sergeant Slaydon was critically injured in Iraq when an improvised explosive device exploded about 2 feet from his face. The explosion left him completely blind. His left eye was gone. Doctors amputated his left arm above the elbow. He also suffered a collapsed lung and numerous facial factures and lacerations in the attack.

Sergeant Slaydon’s wife flew to Walter Reed and then followed her injured husband to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. The entire time she received support from a combination of people and resources. One of those resources was the Air Force Aid Society. AFAS paid their house payments for several months and took care of some unexpected expenses that came up while they were away from their home.

The Airman’s wife said that a team of Air Force members, along with financial support from the Air Force Aid Society, has “made it possible for me to spend most of my time with my husband, instead of dealing with bills and other distractions.”


TSgt Medina is a Reservist assigned to March ARB and is an inpatient at Pathway House in CA, being treated for severe PTSD occurring after being deployed four times to the AOR. He is married and has a 19 month old child. Before being admitted to the hospital TSgt Medina was an Air Reserve Technician at March ARB in the grade of WG10 making sufficient money to provide for his family. Since September 08, he exhausted all his sick leave and savings. Currently his family receives food stamps and WIC totaling $475 a month. When TSgt Medina’s spouse first contacted the Airman and Family Readiness Center she was seeking assistance for $12,800. The Air Force Aid Society, in conjunction with the Bob Woodruff Family Foundation provided grants to catch up their mortgage, had the utilities turned back on, and prevented the family vehicle from being repossessed.