Air Force Assistance Fund: Airmen helping Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman John Day
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  There comes a time in every Airman's career when the going gets tough. Be it a family emergency, an overdue bill that needs to be paid or something as simple as finding a retirement home, the Air Force Assistance Fund is there in times of need.

The AFAF is an annual effort to raise funds for the charitable affiliates that provide support to Air Force families in need. This fundraising occurs once a year for six weeks. The AFAF is also the only campaign allowed to solicit and collect contributions from federal employees in the workplace.

Each unit has an assigned keyworker to make contact with their unit. These keyworkers have preprinted donation forms available for anyone wishing to make a donation.
"The AFAF is actually a combination of four charities and this year's goal is airmen helping airmen; for the airmen by the airmen," said Tech. Sgt. Kara Wilson, AFAF representative for the 14th Flying Training Wing Staff Agencies.

The AFAF is made up of four Air Force charities. Those charities are the Air Force Village Foundation, the Air Force Aid Society, the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation and the Air Force Enlisted Village. These organizations provide benefits to the Air Force community including emergency aid, financial help and community enrichment programs.

Each of the four charities has their own mission statement that summarizes their purpose.

-Build a safety net
The Air Force Village Foundation provides living arrangements for retired Air Force officers and their spouses. It focuses on quality and providing care to each person on an individual basis. There are two such villages in San Antonio, Texas.

-Be there for an airman
The Air Force Aid Society provides emergency assistance to airmen and their families. Interest free loans and grants are provided to individuals in need.

-Lend a hand to a retiree
The General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation provides financial support to widows of retired Air Force members. The primary source of income is from the AFAF campaign. There are no loans within this foundation so the beneficiaries need not pay anything back.

-To provide a home
The Air Force Enlisted Village provides the spouses and even the mothers of active duty and retired Air Force enlisted in housing arrangements. Beneficiaries receive $1.1 million dollars of housing and health services annually.

This year's annual fundraiser started Feb. 3 and ends March 14. That means it is not too late to make a contribution.

"If we can get a lot of people to donate a little bit versus a few people donating a lot, I think we will easily reach our goal," said Capt. Sarah Kercher, Columbus AFB Installation Project Officer for AFAF.

Every contribution can impact the life of a fellow Airman.

"We are asking for $23 a person; that's it, "said Wilson. "Every dollar counts. If you can only give one dollar, that helps."

Whether active duty, guard, reservist, retired or dependents of those mentioned, the AFAF is committed to getting the help the Air Force family needs.