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AFAF lifts burdens for families in need

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ryan Throneberry
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Joint base leadership and community members came together to kick off this year's Air Force Assistance Fund at Tommy B's Community Activities Center March 5.

The AFAF provides a service-wide annual effort to raise funds through donations from Airmen for the charitable affiliates that provide support to Air Force families.

"This special day marks the start of a six-week campaign to raise money for Airmen and their families in need," said Col. Chris Patterson, 621st Contingency Response Wing commander. "In today's hard economic times and with deployment rates, they need our support more than ever."

The 2012 AFAF theme is "a commitment to caring" with a fundraising goal for the joint base is approximately $91,000. The AFAF encompasses four charities that exist to provide aid in times of need: the Air Force Aid Society, the Air Force Enlisted Village, the Air Force Village and the LeMay Foundation.

The Air Force Aid Society provided worldwide emergency financial assistance to Airmen and their families for the past 67 years. The charity raised $24.3 million in 2008 which provided more than 45,000 Airmen the chance to alleviate financial burdens.

The AFEV 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 AFV 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.

Denise Bard and her husband, Master Sgt. Charlie Bard from the 621st Contingency Response Wing, are just one family the AFAF has helped through financial turmoil.

Their son is autistic and requires special needs. The AFAF was able to provide them a way to cover the extensive medical bills and other expenses through grants and interest-free loans.

"Without the Air Force Assistance Fund, we would have struggled," said Denise Bard.

"For those who have donated in the past or have yet to donate, we thank you. This money will go to real families who need real help."

Patterson mentioned there are nearly 8,000 active-duty, guard and reserve Airmen and 2,000 civilian workers here. If each individual were to give up five dollars a month, the combined money raised would equal $600,000.

"There is strength in numbers," said Patterson. "It's not about Airmen giving more; it's about more Airmen giving."

Editors note: Information was provided by AFAF leaflet.