55th Wing Public Affairs / Published March 19, 2020
Promotional photo (courtesy photo)
The annual Air Force Assistance Fund campaign began March 9 with the focus on Airmen helping each other through four affiliate charities.
Offutt’s goal for this year’s campaign is $85,798. AFAF kicked off March 9 and will end April 17.
The charities included in the AFAF are the Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation, General and Mrs. Curtis LeMay Foundation and the Air Force Enlisted Village.
“The Air Force Assistance Fund is an extraordinary vehicle for realizing our Air Force goal of airmen helping airmen,” said Master Sgt. Ash House, 97th Intelligence Squadron and AFAF installation project officer. “When an Airman or their loved one encounters a bridge too far, AFAF charities can be the ones to help them cross the gap with dignity. As we regularly benefit from AFAF, Team Offutt is highly encouraged to give back for the next airman in need.”
Active-duty Airmen, retirees, Reservists and Guardsmen will be canvassed by representatives before the deadline. Civilians can contribute, but they will need to contact the representatives directly to do so and will only be able to by cash or check.
The Air Force Enlisted Village supports the Bob Hope Village in Shalimar, Florida. The fund provides homes and financial assistance to retired enlisted members' surviving spouses who are 55 and older. It also supports Hawthorn House, which provides assisted living and memory care for residents, including limited nursing services when needed.
The Air Force Aid Society provides Total Force Airmen and their families worldwide with emergency financial assistance, educational support and various base-level community enhancement programs.
The Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation supports independent assisted living and memory and nursing care for retired officers and their spouses, surviving spouses and family members. Communities located in San Antonio, Texas.
The General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation provides monetary grants for rent and other purposes to surviving spouses of officer and enlisted retirees. Grants include one-time payments to help with unexpected expenses and monthly assistance to help surviving spouses remain in their homes and live with dignity.
One-time donations are accepted by cash or check to one or more of the funds. Active-duty members and retirees can donate by giving monthly from their military pay accounts to one or more of the funds.
Active-duty members can choose to have payroll deductions for three to 12 months, while retirees can do so for 12 months. Under certain conditions, Guard and Reserve members can sign up for payroll deductions for three to 12 months beginning in June.
“AFAF is a unique chance for Airmen to help Airmen," said Col. Gavin Marks, 55th Wing commander. "These charities help Airmen throughout different times in their lives, from aiding those in need of money for an unexpected expense to ensuring our retirees and their spouses live in dignity. One never knows when they may be in need and one of these programs directly benefits us."
For information about the AFAF, visit www.afassistancefund.org. To donate, contact a squadron representative.