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2016 AFAF campaign kicks off at Fairchild

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Mackenzie Richardson
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Team Fairchild kicked-off the Air Force Assistance Fund campaign March 21, with Col. Brian McDaniel, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Christian Pugh, 92nd ARW command chief, making the first of the donations towards a goal of more than $53,000.

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.

"I don't think we realize how far a $5 donation can go," said Lt. Samantha Bryan, 92nd Logistics Readiness Squadron flight commander and 2016 AFAF installation project officer. "There are countless stories right here at Fairchild that display the ripple effect of something so small as $5. All four charities help fellow Airmen, whether they are active duty, retired, enlisted, officer or a widowed spouse. We take care of our own."

Fairchild received more than $100,000 from the AFAS in 2015 to help support Airmen. The charity provided money for financial situations like emergency assistance loans and grants, education grants and various community programs.

"The Air Force Assistance Fund is all about taking care of Airmen," said Senior Master Sgt. Richard Keesling, 92nd Maintenance Squadron superintendent and 2016 AFAF installation project officer. "This campaign is one of those rare opportunities to 'pay it forward' and support a truly worthy cause."

In 2014, AFAS had approximately 61,000 assists where they provided funds. The total amount distributed in 2014 reached close to $16.9 million in assistance to Air Force members and their families by contributing approximately $1.5 million to community programs, more than $9.1 million in emergency assistance funds and roughly $6.3 million in education assistance.

For more information on donating, contact your squadron representative or visit http://afassistancefund.org.