AFAF Kicks Off Published March 27, 2018 By Airman 1st Class Jesenia Landaverde 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Life can be unpredictable; in the blink of an eye an unexpected incident can arise. The Air Force Aid Society, the official charity of the U.S. Air Force since 1942, is available to support Airmen in need so they don’t have to face costly life emergencies alone. AFAS works to support and enhance the USAF mission by providing emergency financial assistance, education support and community programs. Team Fairchild leaders, Airmen and civilian team members gathered to kick-off annual support efforts for Airmen in need by donating at the Air Force Assistance Fund Kick-off Breakfast at the Red Morgan Center March 26. “Many of you know at least one person who has used one of these programs,” said Col. Ryan Samuelson, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander. “I know an Airmen that had a death in his family and his [vehicle’s] transmission go out, all in the same week. That’s why this program is so important; there will be a time where one person needs this program, maybe not today, but tomorrow they might need it.” Commanders, superintendents, first sergeants and key campaign workers have been spreading the word about how these charities have supported Air Force families for the past 44 years. The AFAS directs the AFAF, an annual fund-raising effort for charitable affiliates that provide support to Airmen, whether they be active duty, Reserve, National Guard, dependents, retirees and surviving spouses. “The focus of the assistance fund is ‘Airmen helping Airmen,’” said Melissa Still, 92nd Force Support Squadron Air Force Aid Society manager. “Service members that donate to the Air Force Aid Society can actually see the benefits. Even the smallest donation to the fund can help an Airman.” The Air Force Assistance Fund affiliates include: the Air Force Aid Society, the Lemay Foundation, the Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation and the Air Force Enlisted Village Charitable Foundation. For more information on the affiliated charities or to donate, visit www.afassistancefund.org.
