RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Team Randolph will again try to double the base's goal in the Air Force Assistance Fund campaign that begins March 13 while surpassing last year's total.
The campaign benefits four charities that meet needs of active-duty, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, retirees and family members.
The campaign will kick off with a barbecue luncheon March 13 at 11 a.m. at the chapel annex. Hamburgers and chicken will be served, and a drive-through option is planned for people who want to pick up meals. Gen. Stephen Lorenz, Air Education and Training Command commander, is expected to attend.
The luncheon is open to all base personnel and a nominal donation is $5.
Last year's campaign at Randolph netted $178,000, but Maj. Andrew Quinn, the base's AFAF program manager, said this year's bar is raised a little higher.
"Our prescribed goal is $89,798, but if everyone gives ... we should meet the goal of $179,596 that we're shooting for," he said.
Major Quinn said this year's theme, "Our Air Force, Our Family," reflects the spirit of the Air Force Assistance Fund - "Airmen taking care of Airmen." He said Airmen at Randolph help the base consistently double its assigned goal because of their commitment to each other and to those who have led the way for them.
"The Randolph mission and personnel foster strong family bonds," he said. "I think we recognize that taking care of our own is the foundation of a strong team."
The Air Force Village Foundation, Inc., the Air Force Aid Society, Inc., the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation, and the Air Force Enlisted Village, Inc., are the beneficiaries of the AFAF.
The Air Force Aid Society provides active-duty Airmen and their families with financial aid in an emergency or to meet educational needs. The indigent widows' funds at the Air Force Village and Air Force Enlisted Village allow widows and widowers of Air Force members to have a secure retirement home if they need financial assistance. The LeMay Foundation offers financial help to indigent widows wherever they reside for as long a period as necessary.
Major Quinn said unit project officers down to the squadron level will contact all servicemembers in their organizations and will be available to accept direct donations or payroll deductions. Civilian personnel may also contribute to the campaign.
Personnel may obtain forms from their unit representatives or go online to the AFAF Web site,
www.afassistancefund.org, and download forms.
"This is an opportunity to give, not pressure to give," he said.
Major Quinn said special activities are also planned throughout the campaign that ends April 23.
"Look for wing, group and, potentially, squadron-level fundraisers, with details to follow as they are approved," he said.