OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- A campaign is underway to fund future care for Airmen and their families, supported and funded by today’s Airmen.
“The donations raised from the [Air Force Assistance Fund] go directly to four separate Air Force Charities: Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Villages, Air Force Enlisted Village and the Gen. and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation,” said Capt. Dominique Zhong, 55th Mission Support Group executive officer and fundraiser representative.
The Air Force Aid Society has helped Airmen and their families since 1942. In 2015, AFAS helped with more than 15,000 emergency situations with a cost of $8.1 million.
The Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation has been aiding the widowed spouses of Air Force officers since 1974.
The Air Force Enlisted Village has a simple mission similar to the AFCVF providing a place for enlisted widows to live.
The Gen. and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation provides monetary grants and gifts to officer and enlisted retiree surviving spouses.
At Offutt, approximately $48,000 has already been collected for the AFAF but with a goal of more than $100,000, there is no time to waste.
“The AFAF campaign relies on 100 percent meaningful face-to-face contact to ensure that members are aware of the program and how it benefits Air Force members,” Zhong said.
The AFAF website is full of letters and testimonials of Airmen and their family members who needed and received assistance.
In 2015, Offutt Airmen and their families received more than $200,000 in assistance from AFAF charitable organizations. From bundles for babies to funeral expenses, the AFAF helped more than 265 Offutt Airmen and their families and seven Offutt community programs.
Team Offutt members can contribute to this year’s campaign and 100 percent of donations will be used for what they were intended for - helping Airmen.
“Anyone can donate,” Zhong said. “Only active duty military and retirees can donate via pay deduction plan, all other members can donate by cash or check.”
For more information or to make a donation, contact Capt. Dominique Zhong at (402) 294-6278, 1st. Lt. Christopher Little at (402) 294-0745 or 2nd Lt. Tyler Jordan at (402) 294-2209.