Palm Springs AFA

Relief Resources for Airmen and Guardians During the Government Shutdown

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As the federal government shutdown continues, many active-duty Airmen, Guardians, civilian employees, and military families are facing uncertainty about upcoming paydays. The October 15 paycheck was issued after funds were temporarily shifted, but future pay cycles—starting with October 31—remain uncertain if the shutdown continues into November.

The Air & Space Forces Association’s national publication recently outlined available relief resources and key points of concern affecting our Airmen and Guardians.

Financial Impacts

  • The shutdown threatens to delay pay for uniformed personnel and civilian employees alike.
  • Dual-income military households face particular strain if one or both paychecks are interrupted.
  • Civilian employees and contractors are already experiencing furloughs and missed pay.
  • If the shutdown extends, the Department of Defense may lack the authority to issue paychecks beyond mid-November.

Assistance and Relief Programs
Several organizations are stepping up to provide help during this period:

  • Air Force Aid Society (AFAS): Has already distributed more than $1 million in emergency assistance to Airmen, Guardians, and their families.
  • USAA: Offering no-interest paycheck advance loans (up to approximately $6,000) to eligible members.
  • PenFed Credit Union: Providing paycheck advances and deferral programs for members who receive federal pay deposits.
  • Other financial institutions serving military and government members are offering “skip-a-payment” and hardship options; check with your bank or credit union for details.

Base-level services supported by non-appropriated funds—such as childcare and libraries—are continuing operations where possible, helping maintain some stability for families.

Recommended Actions

  • Check eligibility with your financial institution for advance or deferral programs.
  • Monitor official updates regarding pay and benefits for active, Guard, and Reserve personnel.
  • Communicate early with landlords, lenders, and utilities if you anticipate payment delays.
  • Seek assistance from non-profit organizations such as the AFAS if you are directly affected.

Why It Matters
Beyond immediate financial strain, the ongoing uncertainty impacts morale, readiness, and family stability across the Air and Space Forces community. Relief programs can help bridge the gap, but they cannot replace the government’s responsibility to pay its servicemembers.

For the full article, visit the Air & Space Forces Association’s national site:
https://www.airandspaceforces.com/shutdown-relief-programs-airmen-guardians/

B‑21 Raider Moves Forward: Key Progress

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A second B-21 Raider, the nation’s sixth-generation stealth bomber, joins flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., Sept. 11. The program is a cornerstone of the Department of the Air Force’s nuclear modernization strategy, designed to deliver both conventional and nuclear payloads. (Courtesy photo)

Northrop Grumman has delivered a second B‑21 Raider flight test aircraft to Edwards Air Force Base. The addition of this second aircraft significantly boosts the flight test campaign.

The testing is now moving beyond basic flight performance — the focus is shifting to mission systems and weapons integration, which are critical for future operational capability.

Ground test efforts continue in parallel. Engineers are subjecting the Raider to extreme mission condition simulations and durability testing (e.g. simulated lifetimes), and so far it’s been performing better than earlier digital models predicted.

Support, Sustainment, & Upgrades

Northrop Grumman is developing an enhanced software package aimed at enabling the B‑21 fleet to receive seamless updates—ensuring that the aircraft’s mission capabilities and weapons systems can evolve to meet future threats.

For training and maintenance, the company is putting in place full‑scale support systems: simulators, immersive labs, virtual environments, and a Fleet Management Tool for maintenance and sustainment. This infrastructure is designed so that when B‑21s are deployed, squadron crews, maintainers, and support personnel are ready.

Bigger Picture & Strategic Implications

The expansion of testing with more aircraft accelerates the path toward operational readiness. Having more test assets allows for faster validation of systems, weapons, and mission performance.

The B‑21 is being positioned as a cornerstone of the U.S. long‑range strike capability, incorporating both nuclear and conventional roles.

From Newsroom at Northrup Grumman https://news.northropgrumman.com/b-21-raider/Northrop-Grumman-Advances-B-21-Raider-Across-Test-and-Production

Remembering the Korean War – 75 Years of American Airpower

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Today marks the 75th anniversary of the start of the Korean War — a pivotal moment in the early history of the United States Air Force. Just three years into its existence as a separate branch, the USAF was called into action in its first major combat operation.

The war introduced the world to the age of jet combat, with aircraft like the F-86 Sabre playing a key role in shaping modern aerial warfare. It was a proving ground for tactics, technology, and the valor of American Airmen.

We honor those who served during the Korean War — pilots, crews, and support personnel — whose service helped lay the foundation for the airpower we rely on today.

Image: USAF 75th Anniversary Korean War graphic (2025)

Major Lee Cohen – Honor Flight Mission #18

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**Join Us in Welcoming Him Home!**All are invited to participate in a special **Welcome Home Celebration** this **Sunday, May 18, at 12:30 p.m.**, when Major Cohen and fellow veterans return from their “Tour of Honor.” Bring your flags, signs, and applause as we give these heroes the welcome they truly deserve!

📍 **Location:** LAX – Southwest Airlines Terminal 1, Baggage Claim Area

✈️ **Flight:** Southwest #WN3261

The Palm Springs Chapter 134 of the Air & Space Forces Association proudly honors one of our own—USAF Major (Ret.) Lee Cohen—on his selection to **Honor Flight Southland’s Mission #18**. Major Cohen joins a distinguished group of veterans receiving an all-expense-paid journey to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice.

Major Cohen’s Air Force career spans pivotal moments in Cold War and Vietnam-era history. Commissioned in 1959, he began his service in electronic warfare with the EB-57, testing NORAD defense systems and training interceptor pilots. Later, he flew with the 317th Fighter Interceptor Squadron in Alaska—recognized twice as the best in the Air Force—before deploying to Southeast Asia during Operation Rolling Thunder. There, he flew 119 ½ combat missions over North Vietnam in EB-57s and F-102s.

For his courageous service, Major Cohen was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and nine Air Medals. After contributing to planning efforts for the return of American POWs and serving in key operational roles, he retired in 1978 as a Major. He now resides in Beaumont, California.