As the U.S. government shutdown continues, AFA stands with our military families who are facing increased challenges and financial insecurity heading into the holiday season. Among the sacrifices our military service members make for each and every one of us, they should not have to worry about receiving their paychecks or how they are going to feed their families, yet that is exactly what is happening during this government shutdown.

Some of the issues facing our military families during the government shutdown to date:

· 3 million active-duty personnel are required to serve, potentially without pay.

· More than 33,000 National Guard members are being forced to work without paychecks and those on Title 10 or Title 32 orders will continue in a normal duty status without pay.

· Military tuition is paused.

· Thousands of student veterans are reporting delayed or stalled GI Bill payments due to system disruptions and limited staffing.

· 27% of military spouses are federal employees who may be without pay increasing the overall hardship to these families.

· Military pharmacies are unable to fill prescriptions and order medications due to lack of funding.

· DoD schoolteachers who are not getting paid due to the shutdown are incurring hardships of their own while they try to teach military connected children.

AFA has $100,000 earmarked for emergency assistance grants and support for impacted Airmen, Guardians, and their Families.

We’re asking you, as a corporate member of AFA, to join us in our efforts to double this support by making your best contribution today to add to our outreach. Every donation will go directly to support our United Forces and Families Emergency Assistance Grant Program. Our nation’s military families thank you!