An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Commitment to caring: AFAF taking care of Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Earlandez Young
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Out of a six-week span, Fairchild is now four weeks into the 2012 Air Force Assistance Fund campaign. AFAF is an annual, on-the-job, fundraising effort conducted among Air Force personnel for the benefit of Air Force Personnel.

This year's campaign, 'For the Airmen, By the Airmen', began March 26 and is slated to run until May 4.

The AFAF campaign contributions provide financial support to four AFAF affiliates, which are the Air Force Village, whose mission is to care for retired Air Force officers' widows who need financial assistance; the Air Force Aid Society, whose mission is to provide worldwide emergency assistance to Airmen and their families, and sponsored educational and proactive community programs to help improve their quality of life; the Air Force Enlisted Village, whose mission is to simply provide a home to our enlisted widows, and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation, which is also known as the LEMAY foundation, which awards grants to enlisted and officer retirees and spouses.

"The LEMAY foundation also helps retirees stay at home, near their churches and neighbors," said Master Sgt. Joshua Berger, 92nd Medical Operations Squadron mental health flight NCO in charge, and one of two AFAF representatives at Fairchild. "Contributions help those who have sacrificed themselves for our freedoms."

"These organizations do not solicit support through the annual Combined Federal Campaign," he added. They're an example of Air Force people taking care of their own, and 100 percent of your contributions directly support the Air Force community."

Contributions are strictly voluntary and donating is easy. Unit representatives have the donation paperwork and can process payments via cash, check, money order or payroll deduction for any amount people choose to give. Contributions to the AFAF affiliates are tax deductible by taxpayers who itemize deductions.

There are two ways to contribute to the AFAF Payroll Deduction Plan, which are allotments and cash. Cash is U.S. currency, personal checks, money orders, cashier's checks, endorsed traveler's checks or other redeemable instruments. Under the PDP, Defense Finance and Accounting Service automatically deducts monthly contributions from military and retiree pay commencing June 1 of the campaign year.

To find out more about these charities and AFAF, visit www.afassistancefund.org. If looking to help a fellow Airman in need, contact your unit or group representative.