Lend a hand, AFAF Campaign kicks off

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anne Gathua
  • 17th Training Wing/Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Air Force Assistance Fund campaign begins March 29 and runs through May 7 with a goal to raise $57,760.

The campaign, one of the two annual official Air Force fundraisers, raises money for several organizations including the Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Enlisted Village, Air Force Village, and the Gen. and Mrs. LeMay Foundation.

"This is a great way to give back because when individuals donate to the AFAF, they are helping out their fellow Airmen," said Tech. Sgt. Dennis Hall, installation project officer.

The campaign is important because the organizations supported do not receive any federal funding. All the money is raised through donations, with a large part of their annual funding coming from the AFAF campaign, he added.

1. The Air Force Aid Society is a non-profit organization that helps Airmen and their families during times of financial hardship. They also offer help for financing higher education.

2. The Air Force Enlisted Village is a non-profit organization that helps provide safe, secure housing for indigent surviving spouses of retired Air Force personnel. They offer temporary housing and services to spouses and children of enlisted members who perish while on active duty.

3. The Air Force Village is a non-profit retirement community for retired military officers from all branches of service. The village consists of two complexes, both near Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Each is a self-contained community which offers its residents housing, recreation and health care.

4. The Gen. and Mrs. LeMay Foundation helps widows of all Air Force retirees with financial grants for as long as they are needed. These grants can be for one-time expenses or they can be ongoing. The offices are located in the Air Force Village West, just outside of March Air Reserve Base, Calif.

"Airmen should consider donating because all monies go directly to helping the family members of other Airmen," Sergeant Hall said. "The charities helped by the fund provide services exclusively to military members (active, retired, guard, reserve and family members)."

This year, campaign organizers have added a competitive aspect to the AFAF. Each Air Force base has been placed into one of three groups, Goodfellow is in group three. The winning base for each group is eligible for a $2,500 prize, awarded by the Air Force Aid Society, the project officer said.

The campaign will kick off during an event at the Event Center. Airmen may donate then or at any time during the campaign. Each unit will have a point of contact who will explain in greater detail, the charities that benefit and assist those interested in donating.

For more information call (325)-654-4442 or 654-5306. Names of unit POCs will be available soon.