ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
The Air Force's official charity began its annual campaign to raise support for Air Force families in need Monday.
The Air Force Assistance Fund's 'Now, More than Ever' campaign will raise money for its four affiliates, including the Air Force Aid Society, the Air Force Enlisted Villages, the Air Force Villages and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation. These organizations help the Air Force family by aiding Airmen in case of an emergency, those with educational needs and provides a secure retirement home for widows or widowers of Air Force members. The campaign runs now through April 24.
"The AFAF relies on contributions and the generosity of donors as it does not receive taxpayer support," said Capt. Michael Ryan, 1st Helicopter Squadron pilot and 316th Wing AFAF campaign team co-leader. "The AFAF campaign is based upon Air Force people helping other Air Force people directly."
Everyone on base is invited to participate in the campaign.
"The AFAF has such an important mission because, in the Air Force, we take care of our own," said Master Sgt. Jason Alverson, 89th Communications Squadron Plans and Programs Flight superintendent and the 89th Airlift Wing AFAF coordinator. "We are doing what we can to help out - even if all you can do is the minimum payroll deduction of $1 per month for three months. If you spread it out, it's actually little financial impact to ourselves. This is our way to make sure the widows, our Airmen and their families are taken care of."
The AFAS is one charity that the AFAF supports and has a direct impact on Airmen currently serving.
"Throughout my career, I have personally seen the AFAS really help out my peers and subordinates in an emergency situation - like Airmen using the emergency money from the Society to fly back home," Sergeant Alverson said. "The AFAS is always there for them and this is our opportunity for us as an Air Force community and extended military family to be there for AFAF."
Andrews members contributed more than $77,000 to the AFAF last year, which was part of the $24.3 million the AFAS provided to over 45,000 military members and their families, Captain Ryan said.
This year's goal is to make 100 percent contact with military members. The Air Force District of Washington has a goal to raise $74,415. The 89 AW's goal is to raise $21,325.
Cash, checks or payroll deductions for any of the four charities will be accepted. Each squadron has a point of contact to accept donations and hold fundraisers. Civilians are welcome to contribute to their squadron's collections.
For more information, contact Captain Ryan at Michael.Ryan-04@afncr.af.mil or visit the AFAF website at http://www.afassistancefund.org.
Andrews members looking to make a donation can also see page 5 for a list of unit representatives.