Air Force Assistance Fund campaign begins March 14

  • Published
  • By Tyler Hemstreet
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash., --  This year's Air Force Assistance Fund campaign kicks off here March 14 and gives Airmen the opportunity to contribute to any of the four official Air Force charitable organizations.

Now in its 34th year, all of the designated AFAF contributions will benefit active-duty, Reserve, Guard, retired Air Force veterans, surviving spouses and families.

Last year, Airmen exceeded the campaign goal as they contributed more than $7.33 million.

"We just really want to push the idea that every dollar counts," said 2nd Lt. Paula Charvat, 62nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, an installation project officer. "These charities give Airmen the chance to donate to support other Airmen."

There will also be an effort here this year to challenge squadrons to get out and spread the word about the campaign, Lieutenant Charvat said.

"We're pushing squadrons to come up with at least one fundraiser for the six week campaign," she said.

Those fundraisers may come in the form of bowling and golf tournaments or bake sales, said 1st Lt. Nathan McKim, 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, another IPO.

"It's a good outside-the-box way to help Airmen donate," Lieutenant McKim said.

The fundraisers are also a good way to get the word out to new Airmen about the benefits the four charities offer them, he said.

"Instead of learning about the charities through necessity, they can be proactive and not reactive about it," Lieutenant McKim said.

Airmen can donate to the AFAF campaign here until April 24. People can contribute cash, check or money order or use payroll deduction for the following charities:

-- 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 Airmen and Family Readiness Centers have full details on programs and eligibility requirements. Information is also available online at http://www.afas.org.

-- The Air Force Enlisted Village Indigent Widows' Fund supports the Air Force Village near Eglin Air Force Base in Shalimar, Fla. The fund provides rent subsidy and other support 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, Texas, a life-care community for retired officers, spouses, widows and widowers and family members. The Air Force Village Web site is http://www.airforcevillages.com.

-- The General and Mrs. Curtis 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's 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 Web site or the Air Force Personnel Center's Voting and Fundraising Web site. 

(Information from an Air Force Print News article was used in this
story.)