AFAF aids joint base community

Published Feb. 7, 2013
By Airman Sean M. Crowe
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Joint base key leaders and community members gathered to kick off this year's Air Force Assistance Fund Feb. 4, 2013, at Tommy B's Community Activities Center here.
The AFAF is the Air Force's charitable organization that raises money from Airmen for four charities to aid Air Force families.

Col. Rick Williamson, 305th Air Mobility Wing commander, described background information about the AFAF and its intent within the Air Force.

The money donated through the AFAF goes directly back to JB MDL Airmen, said Williamson. Airmen should spread the word regarding donations to the AFAF. The AFAF helped the many people Hurricane Sandy affected and can relieve local individuals and families.

AFAF raises funds for the following charities:

-The Air Force Aid Society has provided worldwide emergency financial assistance to Airmen and their families for the past 67 years.

-The Air Force Enlisted Village provides widows of retired enlisted Airmen a place to live. The village has been home to more than 1,500 surviving spouses since 1975 and currently provides housing to 450 people.

-The Air Force Village is a similar retirement home exclusive for widows of Air Force officers. Their mission is to honor widows for the sacrifices they made while serving side by side with their spouses.

-The LeMay Foundation helps widows of all Air Force retirees, both officers and enlisted, through financial grants of assistance.

Each charity offers help to members of the Air Force family in unique and specific ways.
Master Sgt. Sean Flower, 305th AMW plans program NCO in-charge, shared how the AFAF helped him through a financial crisis.

Flower and his ex-wife divorced in January 2006, leaving him to provide for himself and his two daughters.

"I was too proud and scared to ask for help," said Flower. "I went to the Family Support Center after using all my leave and they set me up with three months' worth of child care grants from the AFAF. I have since paid back those grants, although I was not obligated."
Flower's story is just one of many stories regarding AFAF supporting the Air Force community.

"I advise all young Airmen and supervisors to not be too timid to ask for help in times of need," said Flower. "I regret not asking for help sooner."

The joint base community donated just more than $95,000 last year. This year's goal is $96,100.

Individuals interested in donating should contact their unit's first sergeants for information on their AFAF representative.