Falcon Loan program helps Airmen through financial emergencies

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Frank Casciotta
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Senior Airman Shakcon Smith awoke one morning in January to a phone call from her mother with the news her grandmother had passed away.

Devastated and not knowing what to do, Smith, the element chief of outpatient records for the 71st Medical Support Squadron, called a friend who suggested she get in touch with her first sergeant.

"Before I even got the chance to call, my first sergeant called me and said he had contacted the Airman & Family Readiness Center," said Smith. "After I got myself together I went to base and they (A&FRC) had everything set up for me, to the point where I could have left that day."

Smith didn't have the funds to pay for the trip home but it wasn't a problem thanks to the Falcon Loan program.

"The people from Airman & Family Readiness didn't ask any questions, they just said this is an emergency and they would take care of me," said Smith. "The Falcon Loan paid for my plane ticket, and even gave me spending money just in case I needed gas and things like that.

"It's a great program, and paying back the loan was easy," said Smith. "It just comes out of my paycheck in small increments. I don't even miss it."

The Falcon Loan is an Air Force Assistance Fund program designed to help Airmen in emergency situations.

The program will give active duty Airmen up to $750 on four different occasions within their career.

There is a minimum three-month repayment program, but the 10-month payment plan is preferred, said Tech. Sgt. Amy Snyder, the NCO in charge of Airman and Family Readiness with the 71st Force Support Squadron.

Air Force National Guard and Air Force Reserve servicemen must be on Title 10 orders for a minimum of 15 days to be eligible for a Falcon Loan, said Snyder.

"It's really easy to do," said Angel Dominguez, a community readiness consultant at the A&FRC. "When someone finds themselves in need of help, all they have to do is log onto www.afas.org and create a profile, or give us a call, and that same day and we will take care of them."

If an Airman needs more than $750 they can get a normal loan, which is also interest free. It just requires a little more paper work, said Snyder.

"There are even grants available," said Snyder. "For example, if there is a death in the family, a person could be given a grant to help cover costs."

"It's a shame to see an Airman go to these payday loan places in town, where the interest rates are astronomical," said Dominguez. "They can come here and get an interest free loan, and we'll set them up with a budget plan so they won't get caught short again."

For more information about the Falcon Loan program, or any other service available at the A&FRC, call 213-6330.