‘Overwhelming demand’ ends military charity’s $150 gas grant program within hours

The official charity for the Air Force and Space Force offered lower-ranking enlisted airmen and guardians $150 in one time gas support. Applications for the program, described as a way to help offset higher fuel costs, opened May 11 with promised payment via direct deposit. In a program flyer, administrators said applications would close on May 15, or when funds were exhausted. The program, however, closed the same day it opened due to high interest, officials said. “Due to overwhelming demand, this program reached its funding cap and is no longer accepting applications,” the Air & Space Forces Aid Society’s website now says. In a statement to Task & Purpose, retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Ed Thomas, who leads the nonprofit, said, “We worked closely with our Military & Family Readiness Center partners to make this support available directly to eligible Airmen and Guardians, and demand quickly exceeded expectations.” Thomas added: “Thanks to the generosity of partners across the national security community, we can provide support during a time when many need it most.” According to American Automobile Association, the average cost of gas nationwide is $4.52 as of Monday, more than 44 percent higher than the $3.73 average recorded a year ago.