AFAF kicks off Published March 30, 2017 By Senior Airman Mackenzie Richardson 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Team Fairchild kicked-off the Air Force Assistance Fund campaign Mar. 27, with a base goal of $41,293.The AFAF campaign is an annual, on-the-job fundraising event conducted among Air Force personnel for the benefit of Air Force personnel.AFAF is an Air Force-wide campaign with the option to donate to four different charities; the Air Force Aid Society, the General and Mrs. Curtis E. Lemay Foundation, Air Force Villages and Air Force Enlisted Villages."While the average Air Force base has historically had between a 19 to 30 percent participation rate from their active duty members, I believe Team Fairchild is far above average," said Col. Ryan Samuelson, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander. "Just a few dollars a month from your paycheck will ensure your fellow Airmen have the assistance they need when they need it most."Fairchild received more than $109,000 from the AFAS in 2016 to help support Airmen. The charity provided $77,845 in emergency assistance loans and grants, $13,500 in education grants and $18,200 in various community programs."We all know someone who has had a family emergency and has received assistance from AFAS, others may have parents or grandparents who have been assisted by the General and Mrs. Curtis E. Lemay Foundation's widow assistance program," said Master Sgt. Andres Steevens, 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron assistant chief of fire prevention and 2017 AFAF installation project officer. "We want our installation and partners to know the direct impact this campaign has on our Airmen and Airmen around the world.”In 2016, AFAS assisted Air Force families more than 57,000 separate times. The total amount of funds distributed in 2016 was more than $15 million in direct help to Airmen around the world.For more information on donating, contact your squadron representative or visit http://afassistancefund.org.
