Air Force Assistance Fund underway Published April 14, 2011 By Scott King 92nd Air Refueling Wing FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- The base is now in the 3rd week of the 2011 Air Force Assistance Fund campaign. The Air Force Assistance Fund is an annual, on-the-job fundraising appeal conducted among Air Force personnel for the benefit of Air Force Personnel. There are four donation categories: Air Force Aid Society; Air Force Villages; Air Force Enlisted Villages and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation. The Fairchild campaign will run through May 6. Air Force Assistance Fund representatives have been designated at each unit level, and they will ensure 100 percent contact with active-duty personnel. Civilian employees, organizations, and contractors may also make unsolicited contributions. "This year, as you are presented with the opportunity to make a difference in the life of a fellow Airman, I'd like to suggest you reflect on the four mentioned affiliate charities we give to in the AFAF campaign," said Col. Paul Guemmer, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander. "They take care of emergency needs; host much-needed base enhancement programs; take care of our fellow Airmen-retirees, widows and widowers; and give those widows and widowers a home to live in, among their Air Force family." 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. "Also, consider the current economic situation in our country. Over the past few years, contributions to charities have fallen off by 11 to 30 percent and more," Colonel Guemmer said. "It's forcing charities to reduce the amount of help they can give people. That's why we need to maintain our 'Commitment to Caring,' as the AFAF slogan goes. Today, as fewer civilian agencies are available to help those in our Air Force family who need it, we need to make sure we are here for our fellow Airmen." Fairchild has done well giving in previous years, but Col. Guemmer is looking to better past donations. "It may surprise many of you to know that, historically, between 23 and 29 percent of the active duty force has given to AFAF during the annual campaigns. At Fairchild, we have a proven track record of having each others' backs," he said. "We can crush that statistic, and I know it. So, this year, it's not about Airmen giving more ... it's about more Airmen giving. Thank you all so much for your continued support of these four fine charities that continue to support our Air Force family, from entry into the Force through the retirement years."