JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Edward W. Thomas Jr., CEO of the Air Force Aid Society, visited Joint Base Langley-Eustis last week as part of the organization’s “Campaign to Connect” tour.
Thomas met with Col. Matthew Altman, JBLE installation commander, and personnel from the Langley Military and Family Readiness Center, First Sergeant’s Council, and Chaplain’s Corps. The visit aimed to strengthen ties with the local JBLE community and gather direct feedback on the needs of Airmen.
The “Campaign to Connect” is an AFAS initiative designed to increase engagement with Airmen, Guardians and their families at the installation level. Through the tour, AFAS leadership hopes to better understand the challenges facing service members and ensure their programs remain responsive and relevant.
“To ensure we remain the world-class organization that Gen. Hap and Bee Arnold intended us to be, it is imperative that we continue to stand in the gaps for our teammates when they need it most,” said Thomas. “Our ultimate goal is to make sure every Airman and Guardian has the support they need to keep our Air and Space Forces strong, resilient, and mission ready.”
Founded in 1942 by Gen. Henry “Hap” Arnold and Eleanor Pool “Bee” Arnold, AFAS was created on the principle of Airmen helping Airmen. Now the official charity of the Air and Space Forces, the organization provides emergency financial assistance, disaster relief, education support, and community-based programs to support the well-being of service members and their families.
In 2024, the AFAS disbursed more than $158,000 in assistance to JBLE service members and their families. Assistance included no-interest loans and grants for emergency expenses, scholarships for dependents, and support initiatives like “Bundles for Babies” for new and expectant parents.
Altman emphasized the importance of the visit and the impact of AFAS’s mission on JBLE Airmen.
“The Air Force Aid Society plays a vital role in caring for our Airmen when they need it most,” said Altman. “Having Maj. Gen. Thomas visit JBLE reinforces the commitment AFAS has to our community and reminds us of the many ways it can support our service members and families with life’s challenges.”
Thomas’s visit to JBLE is part of a broader effort to ensure that AFAS resources are aligned with the needs of today’s military families and to raise awareness of the support available.
For more information about AFAS programs, eligibility requirements, or donation opportunities, visit www.afas.org.