Air Force, Army programs offer long-term support for surviving military families

A presenter outlined two service-specific programs that provide long-term support for surviving family members. For Air Force-related families, the presenter described Air Force Families Forever (AFF) as "a long-term support program for surviving family members of Air Force, Air Guard, and Space Force personnel" and said support is available through military and family readiness centers at installations.

The presenter then described the Army's Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) as the official Army program offering long-term support, counseling, case management and advocacy for families of fallen service members. "SOS ... provides long-term support, counseling and grief services," the presenter said, and also helps families navigate paperwork and deadlines and access education and financial benefits.

The presenter recommended checking the military and family readiness centers nearest to a survivor's installation for localized services and contact information. The presentation linked these service-specific programs to broader referral resources like Military OneSource for additional information.