AFA Charleston Serving Veterans and Neighbors in Need

September 1, 2026

The Air & Space Forces Association Charleston Chapter continues its commitment to serving veterans and the greater South Carolina Lowcountry community through its ongoing partnership with the nonprofit organization Warriors Haven.

As part of this partnership, the chapter routinely supports a monthly initiative providing meals to individuals experiencing homelessness, including veterans in need.

For a recent outreach event, AFA Charleston Chapter President Makenzie Guerra, an active-duty Airman, coordinated with Airman Leadership School to gather student volunteers from Joint Base Lindsey Graham—formerly JB Charleston. Working alongside Warriors Haven, the team prepared and packaged 50 meals for distribution to members of the local homeless community.

Meals prepared by AFA Charleston Chapter and Warriors Haven volunteers, ready for distribution to members of the local homeless community.
AFA Charleston Chapter President Makenzie Guerra and ALS Class 26-E volunteers pose in front of the property after completing the demolition and cleanup work.

The initiative provides an opportunity for AFA Charleston and local Airmen to serve beyond the installation while supporting a population that includes fellow veterans. By regularly contributing volunteers to the monthly effort, the chapter helps Warriors Haven continue providing meals and assistance to those facing hardship throughout the Lowcountry.

In another instance, an AFA Charleston community partner, Julie Neira with Julie Helps Veterans and Warriors Haven, reached out with an opportunity to assist a local veteran. The chapter immediately began coordinating support.

Guerra partnered with ALS Class 26-E to assist with property clearing at the veteran’s home. The volunteers cleared overgrown vegetation and removed debris from around the home, allowing the veteran homeowner to navigate the space more safely. By completing the work through volunteer support, the team also helped eliminate the significant cost of hiring professional landscaping and clearing services.

Overgrown vegetation surrounds a veteran’s home in Charleston prior to the AFA Charleston Chapter and ALS Class 26-E cleanup effort.
AFA Charleston Chapter members and ALS students clear brush and debris from the veteran homeowner’s yard.

The efforts demonstrate the impact that can be made when service members, veterans, and community organizations work together. Through partnerships with organizations such as Warriors Haven and Julie Helps Veterans, and through engagement with local Airmen, AFA Charleston continues to find meaningful ways to serve those who have served.

The AFA Charleston Chapter is proud to support its local veteran community and remains committed to strengthening connections among Airmen, Guardians, veterans, and the Lowcountry community.