Kirtland extends AFAF donation window to May 13

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  • By Kirtland Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Team Kirtland members will have two more weeks to donate to the Air Force Assistance Fund, as the deadline to donate has been extended to May 13.

Currently, the base has raised almost $21,405, about 30 percent of its overall goal of $69,049.

The annual effort raises funds to provide support throughout the Air Force family to include assistance with emergency needs, education, or to secure a retirement home for widows or widowers of Air Force members in need of financial aid.

In a letter to base members encouraging them to give, Col. Eric Froehlich, 377th Air Base Wing commander, asked workers to donate according the suggested giving guide, or just 0.2 percent of annual pay.

"Many times we tend to put off important things or forget about them.  We may also believe that 'others can take care of it this year', and maybe we will participate next year," Froehlich said.  "It would be better to see many or most Airmen give just a little than to have just a few giving a lot, which has unfortunately been the trend over the past four years."

AFAF affiliate charities, which support active duty, retirees, Reserve, Guard and dependents, include the Air Force Aid Society, which in 2015 provided nearly $16 million in direct assistance to over 57,000 Air Force members and their families. The Gen. and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation awards grants to enlisted and officer retirees' surviving spouses; the Air Force Enlisted Village provides assistance in the form of a home in a safe, dignified and caring community; and the Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation cares for widowed spouses.   

Unit project officers aim to make 100 percent contact throughout the installation and are available to answer questions and offer the opportunity to contribute to this year's campaign. Those who haven't had the opportunity to give should reach out to their unit project officers. To learn more about the campaign or to learn who your project officer is, contact Master Sgt. Raymond Castro or Master Sgt. Patrick Meade at 846-8309.