In the pictures above, you'll see a brave little boy named Thatcher, his bright smile shining from beneath a special helmet. Thatcher is the son of Kayleigh, a dedicated logistics specialist I had the privilege of working alongside. When my own daughter faced a similar medical challenge requiring a helmet that Tricare wouldn't cover, it was Kayleigh who guided me. She walked me through the process of applying for aid from the Air Force Aid Society (AFAS), one of the four official charities of the Air Force Assistance Fund. Thanks to the AFAF and the compassionate assistance of the AFAS, my daughter received the care she needed. Thatcher's story, like my daughter's, is a powerful reminder that the support from the AFAF directly reaches the families of our fellow Airmen, providing relief and hope when it's needed most. The AFAS can provide assistance for a variety of needs, including medical expenses not fully covered by insurance.