LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Fundraising for the Lackland Air Force Assistance Fund six-week campaign begins March 28 with a goal of raising $267,819 for the four charitable affiliates under the AFAF umbrella.
Donations to the AFAF's "A Commitment to Caring" campaign help support the Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Villages, Inc., Air Force Enlisted Village, Inc., and the Gen. and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation.
AFAF was established as an annual effort to raise monies for the fund's affiliates. Air Force active duty, retirees, Reservists, Guard and their dependents, including surviving spouses, can apply for assistance.
Senior Master Sgt. Clarence Brown, Lackland installation campaign project officer, said fair share giving to the assistance fund is based on rank for both officers and enlisted Airmen.
"If we can encourage people to give their fair share, which is 1 percent of your monthly income, we can meet or exceed our goal," Sergeant Brown said.
For donors who want to contribute but are undecided on which affiliate, he suggests the Aid Society because of its impact.
"At some point or another in an Airman's career, when they've needed help, the Air Force Aid Society is there for an interest-free loan," Sergeant Brown said.
Master Sgt. Stacy Grice, alternate campaign project officer, said contributing to the assistance fund is a way to help prepare for unexpected circumstances.
"It's Airmen taking care of themselves for the future because they don't know if they, their neighbor or their best friend is going to need (assistance)," Sergeant Grice said.
The fund's four charitable affiliates and their assistance areas are:
The Air Force Aid Society provides emergency assistance to Airmen and their families, and sponsors education and quality of life programs in communities.
The Air Force Enlisted Village provides homes for surviving spouses of retired enlisted Airmen.
Air Force Villages, a retirement community, cares for retired Air Force officer widows who need financial assistance.
The LeMay Foundation awards grants to retired Airmen and their spouses in financial need.
Contributions to AFAF are tax deductible. Active-duty military members and retirees can donate through payroll deduction, and Department of Defense civilians can donate by cash or check.
Donations can be made through Unit Project Officers.
For more information, contact a UPO, Sergeant Brown at 671-3532, Sergeant Grice at 395-9894 or visit
www.afassistancefund.org.