Air Force Assistance Fund kicks off March 19

  • Published
  • By Sheila Rupp
  • Nucleus Journalist
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico --  The Air Force Assistance Fund, a campaign that allows Airmen to help other Airmen, will get underway here March 19. 

The AFAF was created to provide an annual effort to raise money for charities that support Air Force families, including active duty, retirees, Reserves, Guard, dependents and surviving spouses. 

The fund aids four charitable organizations: the Air Force Villages Indigent Widows' Fund, the Air Force Enlisted Village Indigent Widows' Fund, the Air Force Aid Society and The General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation. All four organizations Airmen and their families that are need of financial assistance can receive it. AFAF and the organizations it supports do not receive funding from taxpayers and 95 cents or more of every dollar contributed goes directly to the AFAF mission of assisting Air Force members and their families. 

"The best thing about the Air Force Assistance Fund is that it is a fundraising campaign that directly benefits our Airmen - past and present. In contributing to the fund, we honor our heritage and commit to a strong future," 377th Air Base Wing Commander Col. Robert E. Suminsby Jr said. 

The Air Force villages Indigent Widows' Fund supports the Air Force Village in San Antonio, Texas, which is a life-care community for retired officers, spouses, widows, widowers and family members. 

The Air Force Enlisted Village Indigent Widows' Fund supports the Air Force Village in Shalimar, Fla., providing rent subsidy and support to indigent widows and widowers of retired enlisted personnel. 

The Air Force Aid Society is the official charity of the Air Force and assists in relieving financial emergencies encountered by active duty members and their families. AFAS also assists Reserve and Guard personnel who are on extended active duty. 

The General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation provides rent and financial assistance to the widows and widowers of all retired Air Force personnel, regardless of rank. 

The AFAF "Commitment of Caring" campaign is in its 34th year of raising funds for Airmen-based charities. Last year, more than $7.33 million was contributed; Gen. T. Michael Moseley, Air Force chief of staff, recently announced this year's goal of $5.4 million. 

All donations are tax deductible. Contributors can give to the fund by cash, check, money order or payroll deduction. Each unit will have its own AFAF representative and 100 percent contact will be established with all personnel. 

"The Air Force Assistance Fund strictly deals with Air Force charities so it's Airmen helping Airmen," said Master Sgt. Donald Shearer, point of contact for this year's campaign here. 

A kick-off rally and breakfast will be held today at 9 a.m. in the chapel annex.
Questions about the AFAF here can be directed to Sergeant Shearer 846-9576 or Capt. Ernest Scott at 846-3553. For more information about the AFAF affiliate organizations or the AFAF campaign, visit https://www.afassistancefund.org/.