LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS –
Team Lackland will begin its Air Force Assistance Fund "Commitment to Caring" campaign on Tuesday. The basewide fundraising event will end April 21.
"The Air Force Assistance Fund campaign for Team Lackland has always been a successful event," said Capt. Tony Colella, AFAF installation project officer. "I'm sure this year's campaign will be no different. The AFAF, through its four organizations, assist those in need, be it financial, educational, emergencies or living conditions. This is one positive way we can all ensure Airmen are taking care of Airmen."
Team Lackland has a goal to raise $223,981 for the four societies that fall under the AFAF.
Each organization will be assigned an AFAF key worker. All questions should be addressed to that person.
Retired Lt. Gen. John Hopper, president of the Air Force Aid Society, spoke about the significant impact that the AFAF has on Airmen during his visit to Lackland two weeks ago.
"I cannot overemphasize how important it is for us to give back to our community," General Hopper said. "I am particularly fond of the aid society because it gives back to our most important people, our Airmen. We have helped with so many causes, including recently helping Airmen who had needed help near Maxwell AFB, Ala., when the tornadoes hit."
This is the 35th anniversary of AFAF. The campaign provides Airmen the chance to contribute to one of four official Air Force charitable organizations.
"The Air Force Aid Society gives out 3,500 grants a year in the amount of $2,000," said the general. "That accounts for 7 million dollars in money awarded to individuals on a need-based system."
Those interested in donating can contribute through cash, check, money order or payroll deduction.
Contributions to the AFAF are tax deductible.
All of the designated AFAF contributions will benefit active duty, Reserve, Guard, retired Air Force personnel and surviving spouses and families.
The Air Force Assistance Fund "Commitment to Caring" campaign, which officially began Feb. 11 and runs through May 3, provides charitable assets to these organizations:
· The Air Force Aid Society, which provides Airmen and their families with worldwide emergency financial assistance education assistance and an array of base level community enhancement programs. Base family support centers have full details on programs and eligibility requirements.
Information is also available online at
www.afas.org/.
· The Air Force Enlisted Village Indigent Widow's Fund in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., near Eglin Air Force Base, which provides rent subsidy and other support to indigent widows and widowers of retired enlisted people 55 and older.
More information is available at
www.afenlistedwidows.org.
· The Air Force Village Indigent Widow's Fund in San Antonio, a lifecare community for retired officers, spouses, widows or widowers and family members.
The Air Force Village Web site is
www.airforcevillages.com.
· The General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation, which provides rent and financial assistance to indigent widows and widowers of officers and enlisted people in their own homes and communities.
The foundation Web site is
www.lemayfoundation.org.
Visit
www.afassistancefund.org for more information.