JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
This year's Air Force Assistance Fund campaign kicked off March 3, 2014, at Joint Base Charleston - Air Base, S.C., and is scheduled to continue until April 11, 2014.
The AFAF 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.
The program assists Air Force personnel by helping with emergencies, educational needs and securing retirement homes for widows or widowers of Air Force members in need of financial assistance.
"One hundred percent of the donated money goes to the Airmen" said 2nd Lt. Phillip Ramsey, 628th Civil Engineer Squadron programmer. "This program is for the Airmen, by the Airmen."
Last year, approximately $65,000 was raised. This year the monetary goal is to reach $70,593, along with obtaining 100 percent contact with all active-duty personnel.
There are two ways to donate, through payroll deduction and cash. Civilians may donate as well, but can only do so in cash unless they're retired military.
"There are four different charities you can donate to in the AFAF," said Ramsey. "The Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation, Air Force Enlisted Village, LeMay Foundation and the Air Force Aid Society."
Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation
The Air Force Village is an exceptional retirement community with an extraordinary charitable mission - to care for retired Air Force officer widows who need financial assistance. Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation honors widows for the sacrifices they made while serving their country, side by side with their spouses.
Air Force Enlisted Village
The Air Force Enlisted Village's mission is to provide a home to adult dependents, typically moms of active-duty members or their spouses, who are eligible for permanent housing on a space-available basis. AFEV also provides temporary housing to surviving spouses of enlisted members who die while on active duty or to active-duty members when tragedy strikes. Spouses are AFEV's priority, but they serve the entire Air Force family.
LeMay Foundation
The LeMay Foundation helps widows of all Air Force retirees, both officer and enlisted, through financial grants of assistance. All donations help the families of those who sacrificed for our freedom.
Air Force Aid Society
AFAS offers about $10 million in emergency grants and interest-free loans to eligible Airmen and their family members. Whether the emergency is a death in the family, a car repair or basic living expenses, AFAS is available to help in times of need.
For more information about the Air Force Assistance Fund, visit
www.afassistancefund.org.
To read about the specific organizations, visit
www.afev.us,
www.afvillages.org,
www.afas.org and
www.lemay-foundation.org.