MHAFB AFAF campaign begins March 7

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alyssa C. Wallace
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  The "Commitment to Caring" 2011 Air Force Assistance Fund Campaign is scheduled for March 7 through April 15.

This year, MHAFB's goal is to make 100 percent contact with all active-duty Gunfighters and raise more than $64,000.

"With the current challenges both at home and overseas, it is extremely important that we contribute to the Airmen who need help," said Capt. Eric Asker, AFAF installation representative. "I hope Airmen who have not contributed to the AFAF campaign in the past will consider contributing this year and that the Gunfighter family will continue its good track record of contributing to this campaign."

According to the campaign's Web site, www.afassistancefund.org, the AFAF was established to provide for an annual effort to raise funds for the charitable affiliates that provide support to the Air Force family -- active duty, retirees, reservists, guard and their dependents, including surviving spouses. The organizations provide assistance to the Air Force family in the form of aid in emergency, educational needs, or to have a secure retirement home for widows or widowers of Air Force members in need of financial assistance.

"The annual AFAF campaign is used to raise funds for four charities -- the Air Force Enlisted Village, the Air Force Village, the LeMay Foundation and the Air Force Aid Society," the captain said. "All of these charities focus on taking care of the Air Force members and their families."

First, the Air Force Enlisted Village Fund, at www.afenlistedwidows.org, provides rent subsidy and other support to indigent widows and widowers of retired enlisted people 55 and older.

Second, the Air Force Village Fund, at www.airforcevillages.com, supports the Air Force Village in San Antonio, a life-care community for retired officers, spouses, widows or widowers and family members.

Next, the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation, at www.afvw.com/lemay.html, provides rent and financial assistance to indigent widows and widowers of officers and enlisted people in their own homes and communities.

Finally, the AFAS is the official charity of the Air Force and provides Airmen and their families with worldwide emergency financial assistance, education assistance and an array of base level community-enhancement programs.

MHAFB reached close to 90 percent of its goal in 2010, raising more than $60,000 in support of the AFAF. In turn, the base received more than $332,000 through 705 grants and loans.

Captain Asker encourages Gunfighters to review their finances and donate, if feasible.

"Every little bit helps," Captain Asker said. "All Airmen should consider donating because all monies go directly to helping our Air Force family. Difficult times can fall upon us with little to no warning. You never know when you will be on the other side needing assistance someday.

"The AFAF has been helping the Air Force for more than 38 year," he continued. "We should reflect on how much the Air Force has given us every day we serve. Giving back is just a drop in the bucket in comparison what the Air Force provides for us and our families."

To donate, Airmen must contact their unit's point of contact:
366th Fighter Wing Staff: Staff Sgt. Allison Dow, 828-6224
366th Operations Group: Capt. Allison Mandas, 828-6179
366th Maintenance Group: Master Sgt. Justin Gunther, 828-8004
366th Mission Support Group: Capt. Matthew Rogers, 828-6161
366th Medical Group: Tech. Sgt. Kari Boyles, 828-7300