JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Tex. -- When I was first approached and asked if I would be interested in standing-up the Airman for Life (A4L) program, my answer was “absolutely not”. There is history behind my response; in the early years of my employment with the Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) program I was tasked to provide support to the sustainment population, the AFW2 veterans, of our program. This had been a long-term issue within the program, and based on the numbers, an impossible task. We just did not have the manpower or resources to case manage a population of 7K plus AFW2 veterans, a much smaller number back then – yet still an unsolvable dilemma. I tried to come up with a system to call and assist our warriors who were no longer actively case managed, and it resulted in an epic fail. You see, the truth of the matter is the branches of service are not funded to take care of veterans…that is the Veteran’s Administrations’ mission and they are provided funding and resources accordingly.
AFW2 has tried on various occasions to implement a veteran program, with different faces, using the same formula and predictably falling short every time. When asked to take on this tasking again, I told my Branch Chief he was setting me up for failure, and again, I am not interested. Then he posed a question that later resulted in, unbeknownst to me at the time, my volunteering by default. What would you do different to make it work? My answer: a social media platform, closed Facebook group where pertinent veteran information is posted, warriors share their experiences, networks, resources, and contacts. This would allow a small staff, in this case Brandy Farias and myself, the ability to provide support, answer questions, and provide a roadmap to Air Force, Veteran Administration, and veteran benefits and entitlements. His response…make it happen.
A4L is about making a commitment to the AFW2 Veterans for Life. My experience has been, in most cases, the roadblock to any veteran not doing something is because they do not know where to start, they don’t know a program exists, or they don’t know who to contact for help. A4L is about making the connection to those networks and resources, keeping our warriors updated on changes, and making them aware of new programs and policies. A4L has assisted warriors with a Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR) promotion to MSgt, entitlements for an incarcerated veteran’s family, Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) application advisement, Household Goods (HHG) move waivers, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare questions and much more.
We take our role in providing timely and accurate assistance and answers to questions very seriously. Personally, Airman for Life means family to me…an incredibly unique demographic of individuals who share a camaraderie that only those who have walked in their shoes can understand. If you are not enrolled in A4L you are missing out. Each member is valued and brings a fresh perspective to this diverse group. It is our collective life experiences that strengthens our overall resiliency and resolve…we are much stronger together…then we are apart…FAMILY!