AFA Grant Supports Furloughed Personnel at Buckley SFB

AFA’s Mile High Chapter #127 in Colorado provided essential assistance to Buckley Space Force Base personnel and their families during the 2025 government shutdown and holiday season. Using a $1,000 grant from AFA’s United Forces & Families program, the Mile High Chapter enabled the First Sergeant Council’s Operation Warm Heart to meet immediate needs by packing and delivering 50 family-sized food bags to the furloughed staff of Buckley’s child development and youth centers.

The effort helped alleviate financial hardships faced by employees and their families who were not receiving pay during the shutdown and still provided critical childcare to sustain Buckley’s no-fail mission set. Continuing their support into the holiday season, Operation Warm Heart organized a dorm morale event led by Tech. Sgt. Melissa Edwards, delivering 384 holiday stockings to dorm residents, boosting morale for those staying local during the holidays.

With the remaining funds, the organization concluded its season of giving by hosting an appreciation breakfast to honor the efforts of various support agencies across the installation, many of which included employees who were furloughed and still served during an increased state of uncertainty.

The event highlighted the resilience of the community and the importance of collective support not only to the Mile High First Sergeant Council, but also to the various service members, civilians, and families they support.