ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
This year's Air Force Assistance Fund 'Commitment to Caring' campaign will provide Airmen the opportunity to contribute to any of the four official Air Force charitable organizations.
Now in its 35th year, 100-percent of designated AFAF contributions will benefit active-duty, Reserve, Guard, retired Air Force members, surviving spouses and families. Last year, Andrews' Airmen exceeded their campaign goal as they contributed more than $81,313.
The Air Force District of Washington 2008 AFAF campaign will run from Monday to Apr. 11 and according to Capt. Lauren Maher, the AFDW project officer.
"The AFAF campaign is extremely important because it is the epitome of 'Airman helping Airman.' As a new Flight Commander, the Air Force Aid Society assisted me in helping one of my young Airmen deal with the debt that he had accrued as the result of a family emergency," the captain said. "Without the help of the Air Force Assistance Fund this Airman was assured bankruptcy, however with the assistance made possible by the AFAF he is now a vibrant and essential part of his organization and the Air Force as a whole." Airmen helping Airmen becomes a reality as a result of what we as an Air Force family give during the duration of this campaign.
The AFAF campaign gives each member of AFDW the ability to make a difference. "If you can't find the extra time to give, the AFAF is an excellent way to help those less fortunate than yourself," the captain said. "If you give one hour's wages, the cost of one Starbucks coffee or a fast food meal a month, each one of us can make a world of difference to those who are currently serving and are in need as well as those who came before us."
Starting Monday, AFAF unit project officers will contact members for the chance to contribute. To located a unit project officer, call Capt. Lauren Maher at 703-692-4772.
For more information on the AFAF charities, visit www.afassistancefund.org.