CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
"Commitment to Caring" is the theme of this year's Charleston AFB Air Force Assistance Fund campaign which runs through May 12.
"The Air Force Assistance Fund is important simply because it benefits our fellow Airmen," said Col. John "Red" Millander, 437th Airlift Wing commander. "Each year, AFAF provides Airmen the opportunity to support their Wingmen and their families by giving to others. Each contribution, no matter how much, means helping someone else, and I can't think of anything better than that."
The installation's "fair-share" goal is $62,225, a figure set by the secretary of the Air Force based on rank and number of military members assigned to the base. Last year, the base raised $73,369.62, which surpassed the goal of $64,009. According to base officials, Team Charleston is expected to surpass the goal again with the help of all Airmen.
The AFAF equally benefits four charities that meet the needs of active-duty, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and retired military members and their families.
"Each organization we contribute to encompasses the values of the Air Force and positively impact the lives of Air Force members all across the world," said Capt. Scot Frechette, 437th Operations Support Squadron special airlift planner and wing AFAF representative.
The Air Force Aid Society: AFAS provides Airmen and their families worldwide emergency financial assistance, education assistance and an array of base-level community-enhancement programs. More information can be found on their Web site at www.afas.org.
The Air Force Enlisted Village Indigent Widows' Fund: The Air Force Enlisted Village, located in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., near Eglin AFB, provides rent subsidy and other support to indigent widows and widowers of retired enlisted Airmen 55 years and older. More information can be found on their Web site at www.afenlistedwidows.org.
The Air Force Village Indigent Widows' Fund: Air Force Village is a life-care community in San Antonio for retired officers, spouses, widows or widowers and family members. More information can be found on their Web site at www.airforcevillages.com.
The General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation: The foundation provides rent and financial assistance to indigent widows and widowers of officers and enlisted Airmen in their own homes and communities. More information can be found on their Web site at www.afvw.com/lemay.html.
"Contributions are vital for the society to sustain this kind of help; it is an Airmen-helping-Airmen program," said Captain Frechette.
Members who wish to contribute to the AFAF will be able to obtain a form from their unit project officers or go online to the AFAF Web site, www.afassistancefund.org, download and fill out the form and give it to their point of contact. Project officers will personally contact each service member in their unit, but civilians may also donate to the fund.
Tax-deductible donations may be made through payroll deduction, cash, check or money order.
The Air Force-wide campaign recommends a fair share based on rank, but every contribution -- even the equivalent of the cost of a fast-food meal or cup of coffee per month -- is helpful. Airmen are encouraged to do what they can to make this year's AFAF drive a success.
"I encourage each and every member of Team Charleston to put forth a solid effort and give whatever they can," said Captain Frechette. "You never know when you might need help and you could be on the receiving end of this outstanding program some day."
For more information or to find out how to donate, contact Captain Frechette at 963-3887 or Capt. Wesley Morris at 963-4772.