Lackland Air Force Base, Texas –
In an impressive display of basewide philanthropy, Lackland exceeded its original Air Force Assistance Fund goal by 96 percent, raising nearly $410,502 during this year's "Commitment to Caring" campaign. The AFAF fundraising season, which began Feb. 12, officially ended May 4.
The Air Force's 2007 AFAF campaign provides Airmen and civilians working on military installations the opportunity to contribute to any of the four official Air Force charitable organizations, which include the Air Force Village Foundation, the Air Force Aid Society, the General and Mrs. Curtis LeMay Foundation and the Air Force Enlisted Village.
The Air Force Village Foundation, Air Force Enlisted Village and the General and Mrs. Curtis LeMay Foundation focus their efforts on providing homes and financial assistance for retired Air Force widows who have no other means of support. Contributions to these foundations has resulted in the establishment of Air Force Village I and II outside of Lackland, as well as the Freedom House and the Alzheimer's Care and Research Center.
The Air Force Aid Society promotes the Air Force mission by providing worldwide emergency assistance, sponsoring education assistance programs, and offering a variety of base community enhancement programs that improve quality of life for Airmen and their families.
One hundred percent of AFAF campaign contributions will go to these four foundations, and will benefit active-duty, Reserve, Guard, retired Air Force members and surviving spouses and families.
"Team Lackland continues to impress me, and this time they've managed to do it in the area of charitable generosity," said Brig. Gen. Darrell Jones, 37th Training Wing commander. "We're a team that's proud to serve, and by surpassing our fundraising goals, it's obvious giving back is something we do well."
The 37th TRW exceeded its original AFAF campaign goal by 66 percent, raising nearly $328,000. The 59th MDW also exceeded its original goal by 30 percent, raising $82,502 during this year's campaign.
Lackland exceeded last year's fundraising effort by $156,213. The base has never failed to meet its AFAF campaign goal.