I have been there. You know the golden rule once the husband leaves all things must break. The car will mysteriously never start. The heat goes out in the middle of winter or the air conditioning dies on the hottest day of the year. It never ceases to amaze me how things fall apart when we really need them to work and behave properly. In the military we have a unique opportunity for assistance when life hands us lemons. Each branch provides a program to assist in the emergency needs of it members. I recently had first hand experience with a financial snafu. I was awaiting reimbursement from a medical trip which we had initially paid out of pocket. We expected reimbursement with in a few days as instructed but it turned out errors do occur and we were left with bills needing to be paid and not enough money in the jar. Concerned that the repayment wouldn’t be received in time I turned to the Air Force for help. The Air Force Aid Society is a non profit organization to assist active duty members and their families in times of financial distress or to achieve higher educational goals. I have worked with them in the past when I needed to fly home on an emergency flight and they have always been more then helpful. It was rather easy, just a bit of information about our issue and pay stub and they were able to alleviate a great deal of stress. A few days later the repayment arrived but with out the Air Forces assistance I might not have been able to pay my important bills.

Each branch of the armed forces as an emergency program. They are all governed by their own rules and regulations but they have a common goal. Each one assists their members in times of financial hardship. Hardships could include the ability to buy food, make a car payment, pay rent or mortgage, or even fix your sole means of transportation.  Below are the links to the programs by the branches they serve. If you find yourself in need don’t be afraid to ask. The men and women who run these programs are there to help.

Air Force Aid Society
Army Emergency Relief
Navy - Marine Corps Relief Society
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance

~Amanda, Sygnet Creations