JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Stars and Stripes filled the Distinguished Visitor's Lounge as senior officer and enlisted leaders from around the installation gathered to kick off the 2013 Air Force Assistance Fund campaign here, highlighting the importance of "Airmen helping Airmen."
The AFAF was established more than 70 years ago as an annual effort to raise funds for the charitable affiliates that provide support to any member of the Air Force family--active duty, retirees, reservists, guardsmen and their dependents, including surviving spouses--in need.
"The Air Force Assistance Fund is unique among charities in that it focuses solely on current and former Airmen and their families." said Lt. Col. Jason Wollard, Joint Base Andrews AFAF project officer. "Through AFAF, we have the opportunity to be that wingman to surviving widows and widowers, spouses, and eligible Airmen and family members in need. It is our honor to be able to extend a helping hand to those in our Air Force family who may be facing tough times."
Team Andrews members may choose between four charity organizations: The Air Force Aid Society, which grants around $20M each year to some 40,000 Airmen and family members; the Air Force Enlisted Village, which provides more than $1.1M annually to the spouses of current and former enlisted members; Air Force Villages (AFV), which cares for the widows and widowers of officers; and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation (LEMAY), which cares for widowers and widowed spouses whose incomes fall below the poverty line.
This years' campaign runs from March 18 through April 26. AFAF representatives from each unit aim to offer every member the chance to donate. Cash in any amount is accepted and encouraged, as are donations by check or payroll deduction. Anyone may help Airmen, regardless of their military status--active duty, reserve, Air National Guard, retiree, civilian, contractor. All that is required is the desire to help.
"Donating to AFAF is really easy," said Master Sgt. Russell Foley, assistant project officer for Joint Base Andrews' 2013 campaign. "For my donation, I visited
http://www.afassistancefund.org/fund/form.cfm and filled out the contribution form online. I printed it, signed it, added my social, and e-mailed it to my unit POC. It took less than two minutes to complete and I know the donation will help my Air Force family."
To inaugurate the 2013 AFAF campaign, the 11th Wing is slated to host a two mile "fun run" on March 18, which begins at 11:00 a.m. at the Military Personnel Flight track. All Team Andrews members are welcome to participate. Donations to any of the four AFAF charities will be accepted at the start/finish line.
"The success of Air Force Assistance Fund depends on the willingness of Airmen to take care of their own," said Wollard. "Any donation, no matter how great or small, makes a difference."
For more information about the AFAF, contact your unit AFAF rep or visit
http://www.afassistancefund.org/#.