Annual AFAF campaign kicks off March 26

  • Published
  • By Heidi Hunt
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Whiteman AFB is scheduled to kick off the annual Air Force Assistance Fund campaign, 'Commitment to Caring, Taking Care of our Own,' March 26 and patrons will be able to participate through May 4.

This year's campaign goal is to raise $66,966, which benefits four charity affiliates: the Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Enlisted Village, Air Force Village and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation.

"The AFAF is unique because it is an annual, on-the-job fundraising appeal conducted among Air Force personnel for the benefit of Air Force personnel," said Capt. Christopher Weber, 509th Medical Support Squadron medical information services flight commander and AFAF installation project officer.

The organizations provide support to Airmen in need across the Air Force, which includes active duty, retirees, reservists, guard members, their dependents and surviving spouses in need.

"The biggest opportunity the AFAF provides is the chance to get involved in helping their fellow Airmen," Weber said. "The charities are focused on helping Air Force members so the money raised here re-circulates to those in times of need."

Unit Project Officers will make 100 percent contact with eligible donors and give them an opportunity to contribute.

"Through the AFAF we can get approval assistance for interest free loans for emergency cases," said Master Sgt. Keith Lockard, 509th Civil Engineer Squadron Superintendent of heavy repair and assistant installation project officer.

"Additional projects the AFAF include are: Community Assistance Programs such as Child Care for Volunteers and permanent change of station, Car Care Because We Care, Heartlink and Give Parents a Break," Lockard said.

"I have benefited from Give Parents a Break and the Car Care Because We Care program when I deployed," Lockard said. "Both are wonderful programs that I want to see my fellow Airmen to continue to use."

"Many of us may face hardships and this campaign supports the charities that allow us and our wingmen to endure those trying times," Weber said.

Trying times can range from an unexpected death in the family, to parent(s) wanting a date night without their children or a spouse of a deployed member getting a free oil change.

Contributions are tax deductable and additional information can be found at www.afassistancefund.org. To make a contribution contact a squadron UPO.