AFAF campaign kicks off

  • Published
  • By Tyler Hemstreet
  • Staff writer
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  The Air Force Assistance Fund campaign kicked off March 23, providing Airmen the opportunity to contribute to any of the four official Air Force charitable organizations.

"The fund offers a unique opportunity to support our own," said Capt. Ian Ostermiller, 10th Airlift Squadron and AFAF installation project officer. "It's a way of helping fellow Airmen that brings a sense of reality to the idea of an Air Force family."

Now in its 35th year, all of the designated AFAF contributions will benefit active-duty, Reserve, Guard, retired Airmen, surviving spouses and their families.

"Our 2009 campaign comes when the economic forecast looks grim, and McChord families have redoubled their efforts to spend wisely," said Col. Jeffrey Stephenson, 62nd Airlift Wing commander. "You might be tempted to think of charity as a luxury expense, but those who need it will tell you otherwise. In fact, your help means even more this year to those who will face the tragic or unexpected."

"I think we're sometimes in danger turnings creeds into slogans, but programs like the AFAF encourage us to take a minute and re-dedicate ourselves to worthwhile principles," said Capt. Ostermiller.

Personnel can contribute cash, check or money order or use payroll deduction for the Air Force Aid Society (www.afas.org), the Air Force Enlisted Village Indigent Widows' Fund (www.afenlistedwidows.org), the Air Force Villages Indigent Widows' Fund (www.airforcevillages.com) and the General and Mrs. Curtis LeMay Foundation
(www.afvw.com/lemay.html). For additional information on AFAF, visit http://www.afassistancefund.org/, or see your unit representative to contribute. The campaign concludes May 1.