AFAS offers new emergency loan Published March 5, 2008 By Tech. Sgt. Angela Shepherd 1st SOW Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- The Air Force Aid Society launched its new Falcon Loan March 3 to encourage Airmen who need immediate financial help to seek aid from the AFAS rather than resorting to a high-interest lender. This new, interest-free loan of up to $500 is intended to help Airmen pay for basic living expenses such as rent and utilities, vehicle expenses such as payment and repairs, emergency travel, and medical and dental expenses. "Falcon Loans are not free money," said Thelma Few, a community readiness technician at the Airman & Family Readiness Center. "The AFAS is relaxing the loan process in hopes that Airmen will feel less threatened to come forward for help." Active duty Airmen of all ranks, including officers, are eligible for the Falcon Loan. Guard and Reserve Airmen on active duty orders are also eligible. According to the AFAS, applying for the loan is a simple, three-step process. First, the Airman in need of assistance should complete an application, which can be found online at www.afas.org. Second, the Airman needs to gather their military ID and most current leave and earnings statement. Finally, they need to visit the A&FRC with all three of these items. Once approved, a check is given to the Airman in their name. After funds have been distributed, the loan must be repaid within three to 10 months or before the Airman's separation date, and it must be accomplished through an allotment. In the event an Airman is deployed and the spouse needs assistance, they may also apply for the loan, but only if they have a power of attorney. The check is issued in the spouse's name in this instance. "Our hope with the Falcon Loan program is that these Airmen will be drawn back to the A&FRC for a follow-on visit to discuss their financial situation," Ms. Few said. For more information, call 884-5441 or visit www.afas.org.