Funding will help military relief societies provide critical assistance to service members, retirees, and their families
STAMFORD, Conn., Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Philip Morris International's U.S. businesses (PMI U.S.) today announced $340,000 in donations to the four military relief societies: Air & Space Forces Aid Society, Army Emergency Relief, Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, and Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. The organizations provide critical financial assistance and support services to active-duty service members, retirees, and families. This funding brings PMI U.S.'s total giving to these organizations to $1,220,000 and comes as an increasing number of service members are actively engaged in conflicts around the globe. New data shows only 31 percent of military families feel they're getting the support they need right now, highlighting the need for robust support systems.
Military relief societies serve as an essential safety net for service members and their families, providing emergency financial assistance, education support, disaster recovery resources, financial counseling, and other programs that help ensure military families can weather unexpected challenges while maintaining readiness and resilience. Examples of this support include covering transportation costs to bring service members home for the holidays, paying upfront funeral expenses before survivor benefits can be accessed, and providing basic amenities during stays at emergency locations.
"Military families often face financial hardships that arrive without warning, from natural disasters, medical emergencies, and other life-changing events to unexpected relocation expenses," said Marian Salzman, SVP of Corporate Development & Senior Advisor to the U.S. CEO, PMI U.S. "These organizations provide support to service members and their families in times of critical need, and we're honored to assist. Through these sustained partnerships, we can help ensure that those who have served our country—whether in uniform or at home—can access assistance when they need it most."
The latest contributions reflect PMI U.S.'s continued commitment to supporting organizations that deliver direct and targeted assistance to address critical needs of military communities nationwide. Donation amounts were allocated across the organizations based on factors including the scope of their service populations, program reach, and demonstrated needs. This funding will support a range of programs designed to address both emergency and long-term needs:
- Air & Space Forces Aid Society (AFAS): The donation will help Airmen, Guardians, and their dependents access critical support ranging from emergency financial assistance and disaster relief to educational opportunities and family-based programs that promote long-term stability.
- Army Emergency Relief (AER): This contribution will help Soldiers and their families navigate unexpected financial hardships through emergency assistance programs covering housing, utilities, medical expenses not covered by insurance, emergency travel, vehicle repairs, food, and scholarships.
- Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA): Funding will strengthen CGMA's network of financial wellness and emergency assistance programs, including interest-free loans, grants, counseling services, education support, and relief for Coast Guard families facing unforeseen challenges.
- Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS): The funding will advance the Society's mission of supporting Sailors, Marines, retirees, and their families through financial assistance, financial education, and personalized resources designed to foster lasting financial resilience.
PMI U.S.'s ongoing commitment to these societies follows its "pragmatic philanthropy" model of corporate giving, a commitment to practical, long-term partnerships that deliver meaningful impact, with emphasis on service members, veterans, and their families across the country.
About Air & Space Forces Aid Society
Air & Space Forces Aid Society (AFAS) is the official relief organization of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force. Founded in 1942, AFAS provides financial assistance, scholarships & education support, family & community programs, and disaster relief to Airmen, Guardians, and their families.
For more information, visit www.afas.org.
About Army Emergency Relief
Army Emergency Relief is the official nonprofit of the U.S. Army with a mission of supporting active-duty Soldiers, retired Soldiers and their families in times of need. Established in 1942, AER continues to fulfill its commitment of empowering Soldiers and enhancing lives through grants, zero-interest loans and scholarships. AER's supports the well-being of Soldiers by helping alleviate financial stress and promoting economic stability through five areas of support: care during a crisis, basic needs and housing, health and wellness, workforce development and family support. Overall, AER supports over 30,000 Soldiers and families on an annual basis.
For more information, visit https://www.armyemergencyrelief.org.
About Coast Guard Mutual Assistance
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance is the official relief society of the U.S. Coast Guard. Founded and led by members of the Coast Guard community, CGMA has been Helping Our Own for more than 100 years. Today, more than 600 CGMA Representatives serve at over 140 locations around the world. CGMA provides grants, interest-free loans, and other assistance to help Coast Guard members and families navigate emergencies, disasters, education expenses, family needs, and other financial challenges.
Learn more at mycgma.org.
About Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
Founded in 1904, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) is a nonprofit military aid society that operates both ashore and afloat with more than 3,400 volunteers and 180 employees who assist active-duty and retired Sailors, Marines and their eligible family members during times of financial need. NMCRS provides a variety of financial, educational and other assistance and offers interest-free loans and grants for essential needs like food, rent, utilities, vehicle repairs, emergency transportation, disaster relief and more. NMCRS annually supports over 40,000 clients with more than $47 million in financial assistance. In 2025, over 211,000 active-duty and retired Sailors, Marines and their eligible family members received support through the various NMCRS programs and services. NMCRS' accessibility and personal interaction are major contributing factors to its success at its 213 locations around the globe. Its efficiency and effectiveness are recognized by its 4-star Charity Navigator rating and platinum rating for transparency with Candid.
For more information, visit www.nmcrs.org.
About PMI U.S.
Philip Morris International Inc.'s U.S. businesses are invested in America's future and advancing a smoke-free nation. The businesses are committed to providing the approximately 25 million legal-age consumers who smoke cigarettes with better, smoke-free alternatives and to ensuring the products are marketed responsibly. From PMI's global headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, and other locations nationwide, PMI U.S. contributes leadership, jobs, investment, and innovation in the U.S. The U.S. businesses employ more than 3,000 people across America and operate product manufacturing facilities, including in Aurora, Colorado; Owensboro, Kentucky; and Wilson, North Carolina. For more information, please visit www.uspmi.com.
References to "PMI" mean the Philip Morris International family of companies. "PMI U.S.," "we," "our," and "us" refer to one or more PMI U.S. businesses.
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SOURCE PMI US Corporate Services, Inc.
