TOP STORY >> AFAF campaign kicks off today

By Capt. Robert Damon
Air Force Assistance Fund installation project officer


“Commitment to Caring” is the permanent theme for the Air Force Assistance Fund (AFAF) campaign. This year’s campaign begins today and runs through April 4.

The annual AFAF campaign was established to raise money for four charitable organizations benefiting active-duty, Reserve, Guard and retired Air Force personnel and their families, including surviving spouses and their families.

Contributors are able to designate one or more charities to receive their contribution, and 100 percent of their AFAF contribution is passed to their chosen charities.

The Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) is the official charity of the Air Force.

It assists active-duty members and their families facing financial emergencies. It also assists Reserve and Guard personnel serving on extended active duty. Air Force retirees and widows are also considered for assistance on a case-by-case basis.

AFAS funds support a variety of assistance programs and community initiatives, including: General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program, Bundles for Babies, Give-Parents-a-Break Programs, Car Care Because We Care, and special phone cards for deployed members. The Family Support Center has more information on these programs. AFAS gave over $333,830 in 2007 to assist Little Rock AFB programs.

The Air Force Enlisted Foundation is dedicated to the care of widows, widowers and dependents of Air Force enlisted personnel. AFEF has almost 400 housing units in Fort Walton Beach and Shalimar, Fla., that provide residents with an affordable place to live.

Eligible for subsidized housing facilities through this program are widows and widowers, 55 and older, whose spouses were retired enlisted persons from the Air Force. No one is refused assistance due to financial status.

The Air Force Village Indigent Widows’ Fund provides total life care for retired officers and their spouses, widows or widowers and family members.

The fund also offers several other services to active duty officers and their families left in need through a variety of uncontrollable circumstances.

The General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation offers assistance for rent and other financial support to widows and widowers of military personnel, officer and enlisted, who have been left to survive with little or no financial resources.
It allows families to continue living in their own communities without having to struggle to meet the daily needs of food, rent and utilities.

This year’s goal is $80,301 and a 50 percent participation rate. If LRAFB achieves both of these goals, the base will receive up to $2,500, which the installation commander will determine how best these funds can be used to benefit the community.

Last year, Little Rock Air Force Base contributed over $125,654 to the Air Force Assistance Fund.

Project officers in each unit will have detailed campaign information and unit goals.

Every active duty member has the opportunity to contribute to the four AFAF charities by cash or by initiating a payroll deduction plan.

Reserve and Guard personnel, as well as civilians, are welcome to contribute cash to the campaign.

For Little Rock goals and contribution procedures, contact your squadron project officer, Capt. Robert Damon at 987-3719, Master Sgt. John Smith at 987-6447 or 1st Lt. Daniel Birge at 987-1157 for more information.