Academy kicks off AFAF campaign
AFAF campaign
By Tech. Sgt. Julius Delos Reyes, April 3, 2018
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. — As part of its charitable tradition, the Air Force Academy kicked off the annual Air Force Assistance Fund campaign April 2.
“AFAF is an annual effort to raise funds for the charitable affiliates that provide support to our Air Force families in need, including active-duty, reservists, Guard members, retirees and our dependents including surviving spouses,” said Capt. Danielle Duso, installation project officer for the AFAF. “The Academy’s goal this year is just under $45,000 and if even 25 percent of our members contribute the suggested amount, we’ll far exceed that goal.”
For 45 years, the campaign has evolved into supporting the Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Enlisted Village, Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation.
“I am excited to be a part of the AFAF campaign,” said Master Sgt. Kyle Capehart, another AFAF project officer. “The funds we raise directly help our fellow Airmen.”
Airmen may donate to at least one of the following Air Force-affiliated organizations:
The Air Force Enlisted Village supports the Bob Hope Village in Shalimar, Florida, near Eglin Air Force Base. The fund provides homes and financial assistance to retired enlisted members’ surviving spouses who are 55 and older. It also supports Hawthorn House (also in Shalimar) which provides assisted living and memory care for residents, including limited nursing services when needed.
The Air Force Aid Society provides Total Force Airmen and their families worldwide with emergency financial assistance, educational support and various base-level community enhancement programs.
The Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation supports independent assisted living and memory and nursing care for retired officers and their spouses, surviving spouses and family members. Communities are located in San Antonio, close to Lackland Air Force Base and the San Antonio Military Medical Center.
The General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation provides monetary grants for rent and other purposes to surviving spouses of officer and enlisted retirees. Grants include one-time payments to help with unexpected expenses and monthly assistance to help surviving spouses remain in their homes and live with dignity.
One-time donations are accepted by cash or check to one or more of these AFAF funds. Active-duty members and retirees can donate monthly from their military pay accounts to one or more of the charities.
“We encourage all Airmen to look at each of the charitable organizations and consider donating however they’re able. A few dollars can make a difference,” Duso said. “We hope that each organization sees this not just as a fundraiser but as a challenge — a challenge to campaign in new and innovative ways, to make contact with everyone at USAFA and most importantly, to earn every possible dollar to help a fellow Airman.”
Unit project officers and key workers will begin their informational campaign this week. For more information or to donate, contact your unit project officer or key workers or visit http://www.afassistancefund.org/.
(Information courtesy of Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs and Air Force Assistance Fund)
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