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Air Force Assistance Fund campaign ends May 4

  • Published
  • By Air Force Personnel Center News Service
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  For years, a big Wingman has been out there taking care of Air Force people. This year is no different, since the Air Force Assistance Fund's "Commitment to Caring" campaign is in full swing. The AFAF campaign, which began Feb. 12, ends May 4 so there is still time for Airmen to make a contribution that supports the Air Force's own.

Now in its 35th year, 100-percent of designated AFAF contributions benefit active-duty, Reserve, Guard, retired Air Force people, surviving spouses and families. Last year, Airmen exceeded the campaign goal of $5.3 million with more than $7.2 million. As of April 15, this year's AFAF campaign is $2.2 million short of its $5.7 million goal.

"The AFAF has a long tradition of providing critical assistance to members of our Air Force family," said Master Sgt. Steve Dawson, the Air Force's fundraising programs manager. "Whether they become victims of natural disasters or endure the personal hardships of deployments, accidents, illness, aging or death, these charities are there to provide fast and reliable help."

Senior Airman Jonathan Graff, an aircraft refueler from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, experienced this support first hand in 2006 when the Air Force Aid Society -- one of the Air Force's four official Air Force charities - stepped in to help his family. AFAS provided needed assistance, so he and his wife could visit their infant son who had to stay at a children's hospital for six months because of multiple birth defects. The hospital, located in Salt Lake City, was a 45-minute, one-way daily commute for the parents.

"Even when our vehicle broke down and we couldn't drive to see our son, they helped us get our car fixed," said Senior Airman Graff. "I can't even begin to thank AFAS enough for all they've done for me and my family."

People can contribute cash, check or money order or use payroll deductions for:

-- The Air Force Aid Society provides Airmen and their families with worldwide emergency financial assistance, education assistance and an array of base level community-enhancement programs. Base staff members at airman and family readiness centers have full details on programs and eligibility requirements. Information is also available at http://www.afas.org/. 

-- The Air Force Enlisted Village Indigent Widows' Fund supports the Air Force Village in Shalimar, Fla., near Eglin Air Force Base. The fund provides homes and financial assistance to indigent widows and widowers of retired enlisted people 55 and older. More information is available at http://www.afenlistedwidows.org.

-- The Air Force Villages Indigent Widows' Fund supports the Air Force Village in San Antonio, a life-care community for retired officers, spouses, widows or widowers and family members. The Air Force Villages Web site is http://www.airforcevillages.com.

-- The General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation provides rent and financial assistance to indigent widows and widowers of officers and enlisted people in their own homes and communities. The LeMay Foundation Web site is http://www.afvw.com/lemay.html.

Contributions to the AFAF are tax deductible. For more information, visit the Air Force Assistance Fund's Web site at http://afassistancefund.org/.

Local installation project officers and unit representatives are available to provide more information on these charities and ways to contribute to AFAF.