The Air Force Aid Society, Inc. is the official charity of the Air Force. Its three-pronged charter promotes the Air Force mission by providing worldwide emergency assistance to members and their families, sponsoring educational assistance programs and offering a variety of base community programs that improve Airman and family welfare. Most AFAS interest-free loans and grants are for short term or one-time emergencies such as food, rent and utilities. We also help with car repair and emergency travel requirements. Each case, regardless of the request, is treated individually and the society will review all requests for assistance and try to help if the assistance falls within the general thrust of the AFAS charter.

Click here to apply for an interest-free loan.

The annex is in the Technical Student Training Area. New military members are provided a class loaded with helpful information on money management program which will give great insight and tips to managing a budget. Every student leaving Keeler must be in touch with a sponsor for their base; staff help make that happen. The staff reaches out to students’ spouses either in person or via mail to ensure they get connected with resources to make their new life easier.

There are resources for spouses and family members to enhance their marketability and discuss positions unique to the individual. Classes are held in resume writing, interview and salary negotiation, MyCAA, Spouse Priority Placement and more. The Guide to Gulf Coast Employment has a wealth of contacts for area employers in a variety of career areas. Annually Keesler applies for grant funds through Air Force Aid for spouse education programs. The A&FRC has a Certified Federal Job Search Trainer who teaches federal employment classes.

The Casualty Office reports, makes notification to and assists the next of kin of deceased military members. They provide services to active duty Air Force only, and retirees of all branches of service. Active duty military members who are retiring receive a mandatory briefing about the Survivors’ Benefit Plan, which can provide financial support for a spouse after the member’s death. Single members are required to complete the forms as well.

We have reference materials for review in house. Check out the Keesler Public Folder “Transition Employment Opportunities” in Microsoft Outlook (base access computers only) for local and national jobs. Several computers with cable internet wireless access are available for personal email, resume writing, job search and more.

Heart Link is a quarterly orientation for Air Force spouses with less than five years affiliation, with the military or just new to Keesler and want information. Spouses learn about the customs and protocols of the Air Force as well as the numerous programs and services available in support of the military family. 

The professionals are available to help service members, spouses, family members and children. They can address issues such as marriage and relationship issues; deployment and reintegration; parenting, sibling and family issues; depression; grief and loss; and other concerns. Consultations are free, anonymous and no records are kept.

Money management is a big concern in the Air Force. Anyone can make an appointment for individual counseling, particularly prior to a major purchase such as an automobile, or a change in lifestyle such as marriage, divorce or adding a child. The M&FRC has an accredited financial counselor who can provide a free My FICO score and credit report by appointment only.

The area has a broad scope of responsibilities, such as Commanders Key Support Program, adoption and elder care programs, Heart Link, Spouse Appreciation Day and more.

During TDYs or deployments we offer programs that can assist you and your family. There is worldwide DSN access for loved ones. Your spouse can receive a certificate for programs such as Give Parents a Break. A Deployed Spouses function is offered monthly as a way for spouses and children to join together for fun and networking with others in similar situations.

Moving to a new base or community is a normal part of military life, but still a major event for the family. Assistance is provided to single or married members and their families to adjust to the Gulf Coast on arrival or to prepare for their new base upon departure. Click here for sponsor training and information.

The SLO works with parents, school officials and base leadership to identify and work through barriers for military dependents’ education.

Preparing to separate or retire from the military or federal civil service? The transition assistance staff schedules mandated transition counseling, career planning, development of job search skills and access to employment opportunities. Seminars show you how to convert your military accomplishments to civilian counterparts, make a budget and learn of Veterans’ Administration benefits. Military members must attend the mandated pre-separation counseling 365 days before separation or retirement and before attending the TAP Workshop. Resumes may be reviewed and recommendation made.

This program functions as the community’s resource for base-wide and many off-base volunteer activities. Volunteers acquire skills to enhance personal and professional development. There are annual base and community volunteer service recognition events.

For voting assistance please see resources below:

Air Force Voting Assistance Program
Federal Voting Assistance Program
Keesler Voting Office email: vote.keelser@us.af.mil