AFAS provides emergency assistance to Airmen Published June 12, 2013 By Vera Carson Air Force Aid Society officer OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- One of the most important and useful programs offered by the Airman and Family Readiness Center is the Air Force Aid Society Program. AFAS is the official charity of the United States Air Force. Its three-pronged charter promotes the United States Air Force mission by providing world-wide emergency assistance to members and their families, sponsoring educational assistance programs and offering a variety of base-community programs to improve Airman and family welfare. All active duty and retired members and their dependents are eligible for AFAS assistance, as are the dependents of deceased personnel who died on active duty or in retired status. Air National Guard and Air Force Reservists when serving on extended active duty 15 days or more under Title 10, U.S. Code are also eligible. AFAS assist with interest-free loans and grants for short term or one-time emergencies such as rent, utilities and food. Members may also apply for emergency vehicle repair and emergency travel requirements when necessary. The program also maintains a cross-servicing agreement with emergency relief organizations of the Army, Coast Guard, Navy and Marine Corps; therefore, the A&FRC here can assist members of other branches with emergency services. Other programs supported by the AFAS include but are not limited to: Give Parents a Break, Bundles for Babies, Child Care for PCS, and Child Care for Volunteers. For additional information regarding emergency AFAS assistance or any of the supported community enhancement programs, call the A&FRC at 784-5440 or stop by Bldg. 769. Their hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.