AFAF campaign reaches halfway point

Published Feb. 26, 2013
By Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- The 2013 Air Force Assistance Fund campaign reached the halfway point this week.

Gunfighters have spent the last three weeks reaching deep into their pockets and contributing to the campaign which was established to provide 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) in need.

"This year the base goal is to raise $62,125," said 2nd Lt. Chelsea Brincka, 366th Contracting Squadron contract manager. "So far we are at a base-wide participation of 19 percent and have a total goal of 65 percent. Making up the rest should be an easy undertaking for Airmen throughout the next few weeks.

"Personally, I would like to see us make it by the end of this week and then it's all just extra after that," she continued.

Raised funds go to charities that support Airmen during an emergency, assist with educational needs, or help secure a retirement home for widows or widowers of Air Force members.

"The AFAF was designed specifically for us, members of the Air Force family," said Master Sgt. Walter Booker, 366th Comptroller Squadron/Fighter Wing Staff first sergeant. "It is an excellent program and as a shirt one of my biggest ways to assist when members are having trouble.

This year's campaign has a few extra hurdles, including two operational readiness exercises and four-day weekends.

"We have a fantastic start so far considering how many actual days we have really had to contribute," said Brincka. "Of course this just means our representatives will have to hit it a little harder to get those contributions during the time they do have."

As of this week, the 366th Maintenance Group leads the pack with a total of $8,898 raised while the 366th Medical Group has the highest participation rate with 11 percent.

"One of the commander's priorities is taking care of Gunfighters and contributing to and participating in the AFAF campaign is a great way to do that," said Brincka. "We didn't get much of a raise this year and if we all donate a little we can really make a difference and help each other out."

Despite the adversity, Gunfighters are encouraged to take the time to assist fellow Airmen.

The AFAF is a vital resource," said Booker. "I believe it's important for us to participate because this program is for us. We never know when a tragedy is going strike, whether it's professional or personal.

"As Airmen, we must always be resilient and as leaders we are responsible for training our members to the highest degree possible," he continued. "A prepared Airman can only add to a combat-ready team."

AFAF campaign reaches halfway point

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