The Military Family Relief Trust Fund was created to provide a lifeline to currently serving members of all reserve components in Arkansas, including the Arkansas Army and Air National Guard, the Army Reserve, the Air Force Reserve, the Navy Reserve, and the Marine Corps Reserve.

The trust fund provides emergency assistance to ALL members of the reserve component in Arkansas when unexpected financial emergencies arise. These financial assistance programs help meet immediate financial needs and help make a positive step towards lasting financial solutions.

The assistance is intended to help reserve component members stabilize emergency situations. The collaborative process includes helping the member, or their family, create a budget for long term financial security while stabilizing the immediate need through non-interest loans, grants, or a combination of the two.

MSgt Daniel Wassom was tragically lost when a tornado hit his family’s home in 2014.

The guard is always present when disaster strikes. The Foundation intends to be there for Guardsmen when disaster strikes them.

Vilonia 2014 Tornado Damage

2018

The Military Family Relief Trust Fund awarded a total of $13,636 in grants. The average size of the grant was $1,240

2019

The Military Family Relief Trust Fund awarded a total of $19,342.33 in grants. The average size of the grant was $1,490

2020

The Military Family Relief Trust Fund awarded a total of $20,320 in grants. The average size of the grant was $1,270. Examples of the reasons for the grants include:

  • House Fire; funds to cover temp housing cost, etc.
  • Medical Student and delay of drill pay due to Coronavirus
  • Loss of income due to Coronavirus
  • Assistance needed after a series of financial setbacks
  • Delay in Pay at No Fault to the Solder/Airman
  • Emergency Vehicle Repair

2021

The Military Family Relief Trust Fund awarded a total of $27,628.91 in grants. The average size of the grant was $1,151,20. Examples of the reasons for the grants include:

  • Financial hardship after a roommate unexpectedly moved out
  • Financial hardship after pipes burst during Snowstorm
  • Financial hardship after loss of job due to COVID-19
  • House Fire
  • Pay issue at no fault of the Solder/Airman
  • Financial hardship after a tornado
  • Financial hardship following job loss
  • Financial hardship following a COVID quarantine
  • Vehicle Repairs, loss of income due to pregnancy
  • Child has cancer, parents can’t work due to quarantine requirements
  • Delay in Medical Pay following Injury on Duty unexpectedly lost job
  • Delay in workers comp after injury on State Active Duty
  • Financial crisis caused by divorce
  • Financial hardship following some unexpected fees
  • Financial hardship following the loss of a son by stillbirth

2022

To date, the Military Family Relief Trust Fund awarded a total of $7,153 in grants. The average size of the grant was $1,192. Examples of the reasons for the grants include:

  • Financial Hardship after job loss
  • Financial Hardship after unexpectedly providing for mother and siblings
  • Financial assistance for funeral costs of sibling.
  • Fire Damage to Home
Arkansas Guard Helicopter searches Mayflower, 2014

Examples of areas where service members have pursued Community Block Grants instead of the Military Family Relief Trust Fund:

Funeral Expense Assistance – for Non DEERS Enrolled Dependents (Parents and Dependents) | Cremation or equivalent)

TRICARE Reserve Select Initial Premiums – Tricare requires 2 Months in advance to start Healthcare coverage. For a family is $229.00 per month or a total of $458 required to start coverage or restart lapsed coverage

Homelessness Prevention Funding – Temporary Housing / Rental expenses associated with short-term housing, such as for billeting at one of the Military Posts until housing can be secured

Mortgage Funding Assistance

Utility Assistance – Money for Deposits to start new service or restore service.

Deposits for rentals and/or utility services

Emergency Home Repairs (Fire, Flood, Tornado, etc.)

Pre-paid Cell Phones – to assist members while applying for benefits or employment.