An amazing mentor introduced me to AFA when I moved to Keesler Air Force Base and it was an absolute game changer for me. Not only did I develop myself professionally, but I was given the opportunity to meet, and learn from, remarkable leaders spanning the country and decades across Air Force history. Being an AFA member has truly been an enriching and aweinspiring experience.
- KRISTINE RICHARDSON, AFA MEMBER -
Thank you for being a member of our great Air & Space Forces Association! The strength of our organization rests with the more than 123,000 members dedicated to supporting our United States Air & Space Forces. Thanks for being part of our family.
I joined AFA nearly 20 years ago because I care deeply about our Airmen, Guardians, and their Families. I’ve never had the privilege to wear the uniform myself, but it is the honor of a lifetime to spend my days serving those who do. As AFA’s Vice President for Member & Field Relations, I am passionate about finding new ways to serve our members and our Air Force and Space Force family.
In this guide, you will find a summary of the amazing benefits and programs AFA provides. I encourage you to take advantage of as many as possible and become an active member of AFA in your local chapter. We need more dedicated volunteers like you!
As a member, I know you are also passionate about advancing AFA’s mission. This guide has a lot of information on how we’re advancing the AFA mission around the world. We can always do more and I hope you will help. If you have ideas for how we can better serve our Airmen, Guardians, and their Families, I want to hear from you! Our organization is growing rapidly and so must our mission work.
Thanks for being a member of our AFA family. We appreciate you and we’re standing by to support you. KARI VOLIVA
Air & Space Forces Association Vice President, Member and Field Relations www.linkedin.com/karivoliva kari@AFA.org
As with all things in life, AFA’s magic rests with our people. When you join AFA, you are joining a network of more than 123,000 members dedicated to supporting our Air & Space Forces. We bring together Airmen, Guardians, spouses, senior leaders, civilians, and industry partners. When you attend one of our events, you gain valuable knowledge and insights. However, you also leave a little prouder of our amazing Department of the Air Force family. We’re proud to make these connections and we can’t wait to connect with you!
Board of Directors
https://www.afa.org/board-of-directors/
Our Staff
https://www.afa.org/about/meet-our-staff
1201 S. Joyce Street, C6 Second Floor Arlington, VA 22202
CHAPTERS
More than 1,000 volunteer leaders who lead 200 AFA chapters around the country advance AFA’s mission and take care of our Department of the Air Force family. Chapter members mobilize to hold events with key Air Force and Space Force speakers, advance aerospace education in their local communities, support the needs of local Airmen and Guardians, and much more.
https://www.afa.org/field
https://www.afa.org/afa-in-action
https://www.afa.org/field/
https://www.afa.org/about-us/ governing-documents
https://www.afa.org/membership/field-awards
EDUCATE
We hope you will join fellow AFA members, Airmen, Guardians, senior DAF leaders, and industry experts at some of AFA’s professional development opportunities. At events like our Air, Space & Cyber Conference and AFA Warfare Symposium, you will engage in rich discussion and gain unique insights into aerospace power, opportunities, and challenges for our Air Force, Space Force, Airmen, and Guardians.
AFA believes in the power that students hold in securing our nation’s future. Yet, only 16 percent of American high school seniors are interested in careers in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM). To equip our students with the knowledge and skills required for future innovation, we must increase the number of students and teachers in STEM fields.
AFA is part of the nationwide initiative to improve STEM learning—including aerospace education—to better prepare students for the competitive global economy and increase their chances of becoming future leaders who solve our nation’s toughest challenges.
www.afa.org/educate
AFA’S NATIONAL YOUTH CYBER EDUCATION PROGRAM
https://www. uscyberpatriot.org/
AFA IS HELPING LAUNCH STUDENTS INTO STEM CAREERS
https://www. stellarxplorers.org/
SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS
Many of our nation’s Airmen, Guardians, and their Families are on missions to complete higher education degrees. For years, the Air & Space Forces Association has funded those efforts as part of its own mission to support and encourage the prosperity of our nation’s Air & Space Force community.
In 2023, AFA contributed more than $100,000 to Airmen, Guardians, their spouses, and their children through 12 unique scholarships. The scholarships help fund college tuition, flight school, dental school, Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings, and even full rides to certain universities.
www.afa.org/scholarships
AEROSPACE EDUCATION PROGRAMS
AFA Scholarships - Air & Space Forces Association
Many of our nation’s Airmen, Guardians, and their spouses and families are on missions to complete higher education degrees. Scholarships help fund college tuition, flight school, dental school, Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings, and even full rides to certain universities. Applications are accepted December 1 to April 30 each year. Selections will be announced in July.
AFA EDUCATION GRANTS
AFA is proud to step in and offer three types of education grants to teachers or instructors that may encounter a lack of funding for a proposed innovative, aerospace-themed projects in the STEM field.
1. Educator Grants
Every year, AFA awards $20,000 in grants to 40 educators poised to make a lasting difference. The grant process is competitive. A committee of aerospace education experts reviews all qualified applications and scores them based on their detailed grant proposals. AFA Educator Grant applications are accepted from September 1 through December 15. Educator Grants are awarded in February.
2. CAP Grants
AFA is proud to offer $250 grants to Civil Air Patrol (CAP) units to advance aerospace education and STEM initiatives for cadets and in outreach initiatives. Grants are issued twice a year. Deadlines are June 30 and December 31 each year.
3. JROTC Grants
AFA offers grants of $500 to JROTC units to advance aerospace education in the classroom. These grants enhance students’ understanding of the critical role aerospace plays in today and tomorrow’s society. AFA is proud to partner with JROTC to operate aerospace education programs in 30 classrooms to reach hundreds of cadets annually. https://www.afa.org/grants-for-education/
ADVOCATE
Leaders never stop learning and AFA is committed to ensuring you stay updated on the top issues facing the Department of the Air Force today. As an AFA member, you have access to the greatest Air Force and Space Force thought leadership.
AFA members receive a daily fix of Department of the Air Force news delivered right to your inbox every day. There’s no more reliable source for news about your Air & Space Forces.
https://www.airandspaceforces.com/dailyreport/
Air & Space Forces Magazine is the monthly journal of the Air & Space Forces Association and among the world’s foremost publications on defense, aerospace, and airpower.
https://www.airandspaceforces.com/
The Mitchell Institute is the only aerospace power-focused think tank in the nation’s capital. The Institute informs the national security debate, educates about the essential role of aerospace power, and cultivates aerospace-minded talent.
https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/
SUPPORT
One of the best parts of being an AFA member is joining something bigger than yourself. Supporting our Air Force family has been an important piece of AFA’s mission since our inception in 1946. More than 75 years later, we remain committed to supporting all DAF families. We believe that improving the quality of life for Airmen, Guardians, and their Families is directly linked to stronger Families, united Forces, and the mission effectiveness of our Air & Space Forces. AFA members around the world consistently step up to lead efforts to improve the quality of life for our Airmen, Guardians, and their Families.
UNITED FORCES & FAMILIES (F2)
AFA stood up our United Forces & Families (F2) programming in 2022 with a mission to further expand our support and influence to improve the quality of life for our Airmen, Guardians, and their Families. Our F2 community builds on AFA’s 120,000+ member network, a dedicated grassroots organization around the world, and a mission-driven staff to advocate for and present solutions to address the top quality of life challenges. AFA has invested $150,000 in a variety of grants for quality of life initiatives directly benefiting Airmen, Guardians, and their Families. We believe that stronger families continuously build stronger Forces.
www.afa.org/F2
WOUNDED AIRMEN & GUARDIANS PROGRAM (WAGP)
Dedicated AFA members like you created AFA’s Wounded Airmen & Guardians Program in 2011 to support the more than 16,000 seriously wounded, ill, and injured Airmen and Guardians enrolled in the Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) program. We have provided more than $1,000,000 to wounded Airmen, Guardians, and their families and will continue to grow thanks to your support.
www.afa.org/wap
YOUR DISCOUNTS & BENEFITS
To see all member benefits available to you, visit the Member Benefits page on our website:
https://www.afa.org/member-benefits/
TRAVEL
To access travel program information and discounts, log in.
HotelEngine
Hotel Engine is a free and exclusive members-only hotel booking platform that connects AFA members to deeply discounted hotel rates. Take advantage of an average of 26% off public rates at more than 150K+ hotels; no contracts, annual fees, or minimum spends; and superior 24/7, U.S.-based customer support.
AVIS
Avis Car Rental operates one of the world’s best-known car rental brands with approximately 5,450 locations in more than 165 countries. Avis has a long history of innovation in the car rental industry and is one of the world’s top brands for customer loyalty. AFA members save up to 35%.
Budget
Budget Car Rental is one of the world’s best-known car rental brands with approximately 3,350 locations in more than 120 countries. Budget is an industry leader in providing vehicle rental services to value-conscious travelers and operates the second-largest truck rental business in the United States, through a network of approximately 1,650 locations. AFA members can enjoy savings of up to 35% off Budget PAY NOW rates!
FINANCIAL PROGRAMS
USAA
USAA is proud to be the Preferred Provider of Financial Services for the Air & Space Forces Association. Please visit usaa.com/afa or call 877-618-2473.
Statera
Are you prepared for the risks you’ll face in retirement? Ever wonder how to insulate your retirement from stock market volatility? Inflation? Longevity? Statera Retirement has the answer, and the innovative SIM™ retirement system is now available as a benefit through your AFA membership. Click here to learn more and schedule your complimentary analysis!
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Brookdale Senior Living
Brookdale Senior Living is the nation’s leading operator of senior living communities and is committed to its mission of enriching the lives of the people it serves with compassion, respect, excellence, and integrity. The Company operates more than 650 independent living, assisted living, and Alzheimer’s and dementia care communities across the U.S. To learn more about the exclusive benefits and eligibility for you and your family, visit Brookdale.com/afa today.
Life Line Screening
Did you know that you may be at risk for life-threatening diseases and yet have no symptoms? Life Line Screening evaluates your risk for several of today’s most critical–and often undiagnosed–healthcare conditions. Take advantage of your AFA Member Discount vital screenings when Life Line comes to your neighborhood:
• *AFA members save money on vital screenings
• Stroke, Vascular Disease, and Heart Rhythm Package: $135 for AFA Members. Your savings: $105
• Complete Wellness Package: $145 for AFA Members. Your savings: $130 Learn More here. Mention coupon code BBPA-001 and the discount will be applied to your appointment. Need help? Call 1-800-908-9121
Active & Fit
Sign up at Active & Fit Direct and gain a gym membership to your choice of 12,200+ standard gyms and/or 5,800+ premium exercise studios with 20-70% discounts. To access your AFA member discount, log in.
AFA INSURANCE
AFA members are eligible to participate in a variety of group insurance programs. Like our Air & Space Forces, our membership is diverse and inclusive of individuals in all walks of life. We want to make sure that you’re covered no matter what. Visit AFA’s insurance website for full details and to apply: http://afainsure.com/
Home & Auto
In return for our members’ efforts to support Airmen and Guardians, the AFA has joined forces with USAA to protect your investments in life. Protect your home, car, and belongings with industry-leading service and coverage designed to fit your budget and your needs. To learn more, click here.
Dental
As an AFA member, you can smile and rest easy knowing that you’re protected against the rising cost of dental care with flexible dental insurance coverage. Take advantage of valuable and affordable dental protection for you and your family. All of our options are competitive, efficient and easy to access. To learn more, click here.
Life
Find flexibility to suit your needs now and in the future. As an AFA member, you can take advantage of various life insurance plans, including 10-Year Level Term Life, Decreasing Term Life, and Term Life Insurance. To learn more, click here
Accidental Death
Accidents happen when we least expect them. As an AFA member you can have peace of mind that you and your family are protected year-round, and anywhere in the world by taking advantage of the AFA GroupAccidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance Plan. To learn more, click here.
Senior Whole Life
Help prepare for the unexpected and reinforce your family’s financial safety net with up to $25,000 in benefits. Take advantage of a permanent policy with guaranteed protection for your loved ones that lasts a lifetime. To learn more, click here.
AFA INSURANCE
Short Term Recovery
While Medicare and TRICARE are comprehensive plans, they simply weren’t designed to cover all of your hospital and home recovery care expenses. This member benefit helps take care of expenses during recovery at home or in the hospital that may not be covered by other plans. Benefits are paid in addition to other coverage that you may have. To learn more, click here.
Hospital Indemnity Insurance Plan
Ages 64 and under: Cash benefits complement your insurance and help pay for the unexpected and high out-of-pocket costs associated with a hospital stay. To learn more, click here.
Long Term Care
Protect your assets against the cost of long term care with customized protection through the variety of individual plans available to AFA members. Members have access to special discounts, multiple carriers, multiple products, wider underwriting, and service for life. To learn more, click here.
Tricare Supplements
Out of pocket medical expenses can add up quickly. That’s where supplemental insurance coverage can be helpful to you and your family. AFA Members who are eligible TRICARE recipients are also eligible for competitively priced supplement coverage that goes with you anywhere. To learn more, click here.
Pet
AFA members can have peace of mind knowing that every member of the family - even those with four legs - is fully secure. With a pet insurance plan, you’ll no longer have to worry about cost if your dog or cat has to make an emergency visit to the vet. To learn more, click here.
LEGAL SERVICES
MetLife Legal Plans
YOUR LIFELONG SAFETY NET
You never know when legal problems will derail your plans. But with affordable services through AFA, you’ll always know you have protection.
For $216 a year, MetLife Legal Plans covers you, your spouse and your dependents for a range of personal legal issues, including: Wills • Trusts • Adoption • Debt collection defense • Traffic ticket defense
UNPARALLELED VALUE
Choose from 15,000 attorneys across the United States for unlimited phone and office consultations, plus full representation. With no deductibles, no co-pays, and no claim forms, you can save hundreds on typical attorney fees.
AFA members can enroll every November through December for the following calendar year. Please log in to claim this benefit. Need help? Call 1-800-291-8480.
SHOPPING DISCOUNTS
LifeLock® by Norton
Identity theft can happen easily. LifeLock makes protection easy, too.
The sensitive info you send online can easily be stolen by identity thieves. That’s why LifeLock by Norton detects and alerts you to potential identity threats that you may not spot on your own. If you become a victim, we work to fix it. Identity thieves have had it dangerously easy for too long. Now it’s easy to help protect yourself. LifeLock. Identity theft protection starts here.
Check out available products and receive a 35% discount for the life of your membership by using promo code AFAMEMBERS at lifelock.com/offers. Questions? Reach out to LifeLock at 800-868-2991.
Office Depot
Because you’re a member of the Air & Space Forces Association, you now have access to exclusive “members only” discounts through a variety of programs like Office Depot, OfficeMax, Lenovo, and more! Start shopping now!
SHOPPING DISCOUNTS
PODS
Move or store with PODS and get 10% off initial delivery, first month’s container rental, and long-distance transportation. You can pack and load on your schedule and when you’re ready, we’ll deliver your container across town, across the country — or if you need interim storage — to one of our secure facilities. And if you’re Active duty, we’re here to help with your next PPM/ DITY PCS Move. To learn more, visit www.pods.com/afausa or call 866.556.9574
UPS
The world moves fast – and your AFA UPS® Savings Program has the tools you need to help you move even faster. Let UPS® help make you unstoppable. Members enjoy the following savings every time you ship:
• 50% off Domestic Next Day / Deferred
• 30% off Ground Commercial / Residential
• 50% off International Exports & 40% off Imports
• Up to 50% off on additional services
• Plus, UPS Smart Pickup® service is free Log in to access this AFA member benefit.
MemberDeals
Access exclusive savings on theme parks, hotels, concerts, movie tickets, & more. Check out MemberDeals who provides AFA members with a unique opportunity to access exclusive offers to the world’s greatest entertainment and travel brands, including Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort™, Cirque du Soleil® and SeaWorld® Parks and Entertainment, and many other worldwide offers and attractions are available all with special pricing not available to the public. Log in to learn more about the program and access deals.
CAREER
Filtari
Your online history can secretly hurt your job search. Don’t let it define you; take control with Filtari. In today’s digital age, even a single inappropriate social media post from years ago can overshadow your qualifications and derail your career aspirations. Filtari scans and neutralizes these potential pitfalls, ensuring your online presence champions your professionalism and dedication. Exclusive for AFA Members: Receive a 33% discount on our services Log in to utilize your discount.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
Shop AFA
ShopAFA.org is your home for premium Air Force and Space Force gifts, branded merchandise, novelty products and more. Show off your AFA pride, start shopping at https://shopafa.org/
People from ALL walks of life can be active participants in the Air & Space Forces Association! There are many meaningful, purposeful opportunities to contribute to and support the AFA mission. I have found that AFA is a remarkable community with room at the table for all who wish to serve.
- JANELLE STAFFORD | AFA NATIONAL DIRECTOR, CENTRAL AREA -
