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2013 Air Force Assistance Fund kicks off

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jacob Jimenez
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  The annual Air Force Assistance Fund kicked off March 25 and will run until May 3.

The AFAF is made up of the Air Force Villages, Inc., the Air Force Aid Society, Inc., the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation and the Air Force Enlisted Village, Inc. These organizations help active duty Airmen, Reservists, National Guard Airmen, retirees and Air Force widows with aid in an emergency, educational needs or financial assistance.

"Our Air Force is very much a big family," said Command Chief Master Sgt. Gordon Drake, 62nd Airlift Wing command chief. "In the spirit of taking care of our own, the AFAF provides an opportunity for us all to give back to fellow Airmen and their families. It's what Airmen do!"

Last year, McChord Airmen raised more than $54,000. The 2013 goal is set at $69,410.

Through donations to programs like the AFAS, Airmen can receive help to travel to family funerals, fix auto emergencies, pay rent or purchase special medical equipment.

"Sometimes tragedy strikes at home and you don't have the money," said 2nd Lt. Mayra Gomez, 62nd Airlift Wing AFAF project officer. "That's where AFAS, for example, can step in and help by using donations like ours."

Other Airmen know the importance of the organizations under AFAF.

"From my experience as a finance representative, when something doesn't go right in an Airman's pay, AFAS is an option for them to get the help they need, fast," said Senior Airman Logan Copple, 62nd Comptroller Squadron customer service technician.

To donate to the AFAF, Airmen must fill out an Air Force Form 2561 and can contribute through cash donations or monthly automatic paycheck deductions. Donation forms are available online and should be turned in to the appropriate unit key representatives.

Members can elect to donate to any or all of the AFAF's organizations.

More information can be found below:

The Air Force Assistance Fund: www.afassistancefund.org

Air Force Villages, Inc.: www.airforcevillages.com/military-ccrc-community

Air Force Aid Society: www.afas.org

Gen. and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation:b www.lemay-foundation.org  

Air Force Enlisted Village, Inc.: www.afenlistedwidows.org