JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Service members here participated in this year’s Air Force Assistance Fund campaign for 53 days, contributing to the cause even after its conclusion, April 28.
The AFAF campaign is held annually to raise money for the Air Force Enlisted Village, LeMay Foundation, Air Force Villages and Air Force Aid Society. These affiliated charities provide financial aid to Airmen and their families who may have emergency needs, require educational assistance or seek family support.
The 2017 AFAF campaign was successful according to 2nd Lt. Robert Huebel, 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Blue Aircraft Maintenance Unit assistant officer in charge and 2017 AFAF installation project officer.
“We assured 100 percent contact rate with the members of JB Charleston,” said Huebel. “I am happy to see the number of individuals at all levels who were so willing to give to such a great cause. They helped us raise money that will stay internal and help others just like them.”
Master Sgt. Renae Terry, 628th Medical Operations Squadron family health clinic NCO in charge and 628th Air Base Wing AFAF point of contact, said in spite of a few obstacles early in the campaign, the team persevered through good collaboration.
“It was interaction and not just going out doing fund raising events,” said Terry. “We were able to raise a lot of money. It was amazing. Every week turn-ins increased.”
Huebel said this year’s campaign showed improvement from the 2016 campaign.
“This year we raised roughly $38,781 dollars,” said Huebel. “The goal each year is based on a rate reflecting of the population of the base and incorporating the rank of individuals. The 2016 campaign met 67.2 percent of the goal and this year’s campaign met 76.2 percent; an increase in nine percentage points.”
Joint Base Charleston leadership sees the campaign as a success and appreciates the efforts those involved put forth.
"It is humbling to be a part of community like this one," said Col. Jimmy Canlas, 437th Airlift Wing commander. "We were able to raise close to $39,000 during the AFAF campaign. That money goes directly to supporting Airmen and their families throughout various stages of their lives when they have found themselves in a time of need. Thank you to everybody who was able to donate to this worthy cause, as well as the key workers who volunteered their time for this campaign.”