Air Force Assistance Fund kicks off

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Markus M. Maier
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb --  In the spirit of 'taking care of our own' this year's Air Force Assistance Fund campaign kicked off March 4 and is scheduled to run through April 12.

The AFAF's mission is to raise money for charities that directly support members of the Air Force family in need, including active duty, retirees, reservists, guard and their dependents, as well as surviving spouses.

The campaign has two objectives, according to 2nd Lt. Delaney Kiernan, 55th Contracting Squadron contract administrator, and one of the installation AFAF project officers.

"The first goal is to make sure that we have 100 percent face-to-face contact to ensure that all eligible donors know about the drive and how they can contribute," Kiernan said.
The second goal for Team Offutt is to raise at least $113,923.

"Last year Offutt received more money in assistance than we donated, so we really want to emphasize the importance of giving back as much as we are taking in," the Lieutenant said. "Last year's goal was $110,816, and Team Offutt donated $137,163, but we received $200,753 in assistance from the AFAF."

She added that over the next few days unit AFAF project officers will make contact with all eligible donors to explain what the AFAF is, answer questions and explain how donations can be made, whether it be through the payroll deduction plan, or a one-time cash donation.

AFAF divides the donations into four charities: Air Force Villages, the Air Force Aid Society, the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation and the Air Force Enlisted Village.

The Air Force Aid Society, which dates back to 1942, was established in response to General Henry "Hap" Arnold's concern that members of the Army Air Forces faced unique hardships in meeting the challenges of World War II. He wanted a national organization which could provide emergency assistance to the wives and children of war victims and assure the availability of educational assistance to those families.

Today it provides financial assistance to Airman in need due to financial crisis or unexpected emergencies. Last year AFAS provided $10.1 million in assistance to 40,000 Air Force members and their families in the shape of loans and grants for all types of financial emergencies ranging from basic living expenses to emergency travel.

The society also provided $1.9 million in community enhancement projects, and another $5.8 million in educations benefits including $220,000 to the Spouses Tuition Assistance Program.

The General and Mrs. Curtis E. Lemay Foundation provides financial assistance to military widows of both enlisted and officers via one time grants and in some cases monthly stipends.

The Air Force Villages and Air Force Enlisted Villages, though two separate organizations, provide similar assistance. The Villages provide assisted living for widows of Airman, and in some cases also financial support when necessary.

"We serve a country that is eager to help people in need throughout the world," Kiernan said. "This campaign is an awesome opportunity for us to take care of our own by helping our fellow Airmen and their families."

For more information on how to donate, contact your unit AFAF coordinator or the Offutt Installation AFAF Project Officers Capt. Robert Umholtz, 2nd Lt. Delaney Kiernan or Senior Master Sgt. Thomas Smith.

You can also find out more about the organizations at http://www.afassistancefund.org/.