Dear Lyne,

I wanted to let you know how grateful I am to you personally, and to AAFMAA in general, for the incredibly efficient and kind support you have given me at this terribly sad time. Everyone has been so helpful and patient with me; Paula, Sarah as well as Sherry and Melaney.
Each person helped me so very much, at a time in my life where I was incapable of handling my own affairs and needed help, which was given generously and pleasantly. It is wonderful to find that there are people in this world that are so nice to others in need.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart,
Maria F.
AAFMAA Widow

Thank you so much, Sarah. Both you and Sherry have been such a tremendous source of information for me so far, that I understand now why my dad raves about AAFMAA. I spoke with him tonight to update him on the calls and told him I would see what other information I can get from a call with the VA using the guidance you provided today.

My siblings and I have been a bit overwhelmed with everything and I must admit that after having spoken with both you and Sherry, I allowed myself to take a breath and shed a few tears of relief. It was so comforting to know there is someone on the other end of the phone to help guide us and make sure my dad's and mom's best interests are looked after.

My deepest appreciation to you both. I am very, very impressed with the assistance you provide.

God bless you both!

Joan

Dear Mr. Lincoln,

I have been an AAFMAA member for many years and want you to know how much my family and I appreciate the outstanding service we have received over the years from your superb staff. Their patience with my efforts to understand some of the complex transactions I was undertaking was remarkable. I, over time, must have been helped by every member of your staff at least twice and all deserve the highest praise for their efforts. Particularly appreciated were the efforts of Kathie Ballard who didn’t make mistakes as I just did in providing accurate, very responsive and patient help. In today’s very impersonal world where you are often put on “endless” telephone “holds” until you hear a recording or an unfamiliar foreign voice, talking to AAFMAA is one of life’s remaining little joys. Again, sir, many thanks for the fine organization you have created and for the wonderful people in it.

Sincerely,
Alvaro R. Gonzalez
Member since 1965

Walt Lincoln, President:

Ann and I had the opportunity to visit Mr. Jim Malley, Executive VP and COO yesterday at AAFMAA’s Reston, VA Office. What a great visit it was. You have a devoted team of outstanding professionals. The meeting was especially productive for us. Both Ann and I were impressed by the office layout, the knowledge and responses by each of the Staff and the overall efficient way that the visit was conducted. We would like to thank each of the individuals who helped us so well yesterday: Mr. Jim Malley (Executive VP & COO), Ms. A.E. Lyne Babin (Manager, Member Services), Ms. Sarah Bumgardner (VA Coordinator, Member Services), and Ms. Melina Selimbegovic (Manager). They were indeed an impressive team. We thank you and them for all that they did for us.

LTG John D. Bruen
US Army Retired
Member since 1961

Sir,

I am an 82 year old retired Army 06 who has been a member of your organization for some number of years. Over the time of your stewardship, I have taken advantage of quite a number of the organization’s offerings; all with my much appreciation of your personal commitment. Before we both “move on”, I want to thank you for your dedication to the mission of AAFMAA and your superb efficiency and leadership over the years. Quite frankly, no one in similar organizations such as TRO/MOAA, USAA, the three services Federal Credit Unions, and so forth, can come even close to your contributions over the years. I know the constant strain and stresses placed on you by the membership and the boards you have so ably served has taken a toll on your everyday life. Regardless, you have always managed to stay one step ahead for the benefit of all of us “in the field”.

I sincerely appreciate you.

Richard E. Evers
Member since 1960

Thanks. You answered all my questions – it was much appreciated. Joining AAFMAA was one of the smartest things I ever did.

Kief Tackaberry
Member since 1971

Dear Paula,

Thank you very much for all your time and attention that you have given me over these past few months. I couldn’t have gotten through all the paperwork associated with my husband’s death without your assistance. You were always patient with me and showed me only caring and kindness. I will never forget how helpful you were to me. I think that at the present time all the paperwork is complete and in the proper hands, thank to you. A job well done!

Barbera A. Crosby
Member since 1974

I've always meant to say this and I never have and for that I am sorry. Thank you so much for the time and energy you have spent throughout the years to teach me about life insurance, take care of the myriad of issues I've had, and always responding to my calls and emails. Because of what you have taught me I have been able to help hundreds of soldiers over the years. I am impressed by your professionalism and dedication. Thank you for all of your help and insight over these many years, because of you AAFMAA has my lifelong business.

Sincerely,
Matt Hipp
Member since November 2005

My husband Scott flew AH64 Apache for the 8/229th. He was stationed out of Ft. Knox. He loved flying more than anything! He was just like a child when telling someone exactly what that machine could actually do!

Terrible events in our lives such as sickness and death are things that happen to other people...not our family. But it did! I do not remember much about that time, just that some officials, all friends, came to our home and my Scott was gone! Thank God that Scott was always aware, especially since being called back to active duty to deploy to Iraq, of the importance of having life insurance. Our future, especially that of our children, was always a concern for us. AAFMAA was very helpful and quickly provided us with what we needed. If I remember correctly my brother handled most of the work for me, but there really wasn't that much. It was such a relief to not have to worry about finances during such a terrible and heartbreaking time in our lives. I am not sure what my children and I would have done without it. No one ever wants to plan for tragedy, but my family learned first-hand that it is so worth it to plan and prepare to take care of your family and loved ones just in case!

Thank you again!

Tracy Lathram,
Widow of Scott Lathram
U.S. Army, Member since 2004

I really wanted to take the time to compliment you on the performance of one of your staff. Most times people are really determined to comment when something goes wrong. In this case, I wanted to share my comments because the service was excellent.

I have been dealing with the VA for just over 10 years and have always found it quite difficult to fully grasp all the nuances of their system and communications. Over that time I received assistance from AAFMAA and AFSC but although that was consistently good service, it was not on par with my most recent experience.

I had submitted a reconsideration of my status based on a change in my medical condition and had gotten a response from the VA that confused me. I was put in touch with a Ms. Sarah Bumgardner and came away from that first phone call absolutely assured that I had the best support anyone was going to get. Sarah, without even seeing my paperwork and just hearing me stumble through some of it, immediately assessed my situation, explained in a clear and concise manner what my "way ahead" was, told me exactly what I had to do and instantly followed up with some additional support. She even answered questions I did not know enough to ask but really did need to know.

Sure enough, things went exactly as she said they would and when I got some additional paperwork, she again clearly explained the impacts. She even caught a mistake they made (I had noticed it but forgot to mention it when I sent her the paperwork) and sent me the paperwork to get it fixed.

Not only was I instantly assured that I was being provided expert advice, the amount of time it took to get a response was also exceptional. Same day, if not within the hour; every time!

If there's a poster child for customer service, this is it! Really super job.

LTC (Ret) Rob Dow
Member since 1977

Since becoming members of AAFMAA and switching our whole life and adding term policies, we have realized increased savings and value. This has come at a most critical time, as I have recently retired from the Military (Army), and every dollar saved is a plus. Although our previous insurance provider was good, it could not compete with the great savings and exceptional service provided by all of the associates of AAFMAA. The associates took a personal interest in my needs and advised me with a quality product. You were able to provide a whole life policy that was cheaper than the similar policy I obtained from my previous insurance carrier seven years ago. That is truly amazing!

Thanks again for the great service!

James Dawes,
SFC U.S. Army (RET)
Member since 2007

My memory isn’t good enough to remember the details but it does remember the stories. Stories solidify the treasures one remembers. So with some nostalgia I recall several cases where AMAA (now AAFMAA) came to the rescue with their services. The most memorable was when my parents passed away in ’03 and the caring, competent way your representatives walked me through the intricacies of dealing with the administrative aftermath. Also vivid in my memory is the lack of any negative press about AAFMAA. In any conversation with classmates, widows, elderly friends…you name it, there is always a smile when your association is mentioned. What more can I say…you epitomize character and competence, the foundation trust is built upon. You have a well deserved amount of TRUST equity.Thank you for all you serve.

C. H. “Stretch” Dunn,
Colonel U.S. Army (RET)
Member since 1966

I have been a member of Army Air Force Mutual Aid Association since my senior year at West Point….over 42 years. Over that time I have witnessed an unparalleled level of professionalism, care and compassion from AAFMAA staff members and management as they respond to the needs of service members and their families. There are a lot of companies that sell insurance; there is only one AAFMAA. While on active duty I made it a point to tell young officers that they should become members of the association, not for the insurance, but for the peace of mind that their family would receive quality and timely assistance if something happened to them. And my experiences with families who have lost loved ones who were members have validated my guidance time and time again.

Mo Faber,
Colonel U.S. Army (RET)
Member since 1966

I have been a member of AAFMAA since 1983 and had always looked to the organization as one that my father had always belonged to and that was supposed to provide a series of services that I seldom if ever used, or considered using, beyond the basic insurance coverage.My father on the other hand had properly filled out the forms and kept his records and information up to date with AAFMAA. When my father passed away, I found myself charged with the task of first finding and then processing the myriad of insurance claims, financial instruments, and Veterans Affairs benefits to which he and my mother were eligible. It was in this moment of need that the professionals of AAFMAA stepped in to help. The organization provided my mother and I with immediate advice and assistance. Your help went a long way in allowing me to quickly and efficiently deal with my father's estate and thereby alleviate some of the stress and anguish associated with my father's death. More than anything else I remember how easy it was to deal with you all and the great assistance that you all provided to my mother and me. Thank you.

H Dreher Kinney III LTC,
US Army (Retired)
Member since 1983

In 1971 I was a brand new 2 LT on active duty as an Infantry Officer stationed at Fort Bragg. The night before I signed into my first duty station, I received news that my mom was dying. I drove home the next day, but she had died in Walter Reed Army Medical before I could get there. My dad, a career Army officer, was a member of AAFMAA. Despite my grief and shock over my mom’s death, I took notice of the great service they provided my dad during this difficult time. I saw the value of the important services AAFMAA provide at a critical time. Over the years, I have appreciated the great service AAFMAA continues to provide. On numerous occasions, I have called for assistance and have never failed to receive solid information rendered in a helpful and friendly fashion. Additionally, I have especially appreciated the Life Insurance opportunities that are available. I congratulate the leadership and staff of AAFMAA for their great work in supporting Military families.

Ch (COL) Scott McChrystal,
USA (RET)
Member since 1988

When I discovered that my company term policy was unaffordable beyond age 55, I had to find other Life Insurance. As an airline pilot in the Reserve, I have at least two coverage problems- aviation and war. I needed one policy that would cover me in any eventuality. Several companies gave me favorable quotes. They consumed months of my time, but when their policies were finally issued, they’d switched carriers to spun-off subsidiaries and the premiums were sixty percent higher than quoted! I wasn’t impressed. Insurance is about more than just peace of mind; it’s about a reliable partnership to assure the welfare of your family in the event that you no longer can. I saw AAFMAA’s ad in Air Force Times. There it was- “No war, No aviation, and No terrorist clauses”. I was able to get an instant quote at their website. In fact, they came in under that quote when my wife and I were given a better rating. I took out three policies with AAFMAA; they delivered precisely as advertised. Thanks AAFMAA!

Sincerely,
C.M.
Member since 2007

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am deployed to Southern Afghanistan currently, and know it was difficult to get the information your company needed. Thank you for working with my wife in my absence. I want to assure you I am healthy as a horse, but the insurance policy gives me a tremendous sense of peace of mind. This is a dangerous place, and I am concentrating on my mission, but for me to know my family will be OK financially allows me to focus on my job because everything will be OK if something happens to me. Thanks, and God Bless. Hooah!

Sincerely,
Raleigh Jones
Member since 2006

AAFMAA is among the best…if not the best. - Barry D.

Excellent organization…been with them for decades. - Randy D.

This is a great organization. I highly recommend it to all Military officers. I have been with them for many years and they continue to improve every year. -Jerry W.

I have had AAFMAA $800k of insurance on the husband for almost six years now and through three deployments…some term/some whole life. Also have $400k on me…some whole/some term. I recommend it to everyone! - Susen A. H.

This is a great organization that really cares about our Military members. - John A.

After researching all the options while preparing to retire after 33 years as a CMSgt, I chose AAFMAA over the other as my best option. AAFMAA offered the best coverage at the best price. I appreciate all you do for our Veterans. - Craig B.

I’ve been an AAFMAA member for a long time. I recommend it strongly to all the ROTC cadets at Houghton College where I have worked for the past 30 years. The survivor assistance service is worth the price of insurance, and more. Thanks to all at AAFMAA! -Bob D.

AAFMAA is an organization that provides “Awesome Assistance For Military Agents and Affiliates.” -Mike G.

Thank you for the prompt response to my issue…now that is terrific customer service! -Brian N.

AAFMAA is a fabulous organization and it is great for all Military! It is always good to have enough Life Insurance! :) - April L.

Every officer should enroll. Can’t beat it! - Gerald W.

I have been a member of AAFMAA since the early 80s and AAFMAA has taken very good care of me…everyone should be a member and have insurance with them. - Robert B.

Thank you so much for this contest it is a wonderful way to honor mothers for all the wonderful things that they do. Kathleen M. is a sweetheart and I’m so happy that she is being honored for all the great things that she does. Thanks everyone. - Albert M.

I am a member of AAFMAA, I started before my last deployment to Afghanistan. AAFMAA Life Insurance from a name you can trust. - Daniel V.

AAFMAA has been serving me for over 30 years. I have never had a single complaint or issue with them. They are one of the best and most trusted organizations I know of. - Tim H.

I am proud to come from a family of veterans and proud to work for a company who serves them! My most humble thanks to all those veterans out there, not just today, but every single day! - Jodie Setnor F.