ALEXANDRIA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) announces that Salvatore J. Cassano has been appointed to its Board of Directors effective June 1, 2016.

“On behalf of the directors, I am pleased to welcome Sal Cassano, Commissioner, FDNY (Ret.) to the Board. With 44 years in the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), at every uniformed rank level, he will add a valuable perspective to our organization as we continue to grow in the First Responder market,” said General Ralph E. “Ed” Eberhart, USAF (Ret.), Chairman and President of AFBA.

Commissioner Cassano served as the 32nd Fire Commissioner in the New York City Fire Department, leading the United States’ largest fire department with more than 16,000 fire, EMS and civilian members, and an annual budget of $1.6 billion. In his tenure with the FDNY he steadily rose through the ranks from firefighter, to lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, deputy chief, deputy assistant chief, and assistant chief. Prior to joining the FDNY, Cassano served in the U.S. Army. He currently serves on the Board of Advisors for Zito Partners, a public relations and marketing communications firm.

About AFBA – Founded to Serve Our Great Nation

Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) was established in 1947 with the support of the General of the Army, Dwight D. Eisenhower to ease the strain on military members and their families. At that time, military members could not purchase life insurance that would pay a death benefit if the member was killed in combat. AFBA continues to honor the mission set forth by its founders—to promote the welfare of its members and their families by providing high quality, low cost life insurance products and other financial benefits and services in peace and in war.