Air Force Assistance Fund Project

  • Published
  • By Heidi Hunt
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Editor's note: This is the first of a two-part series highlighting the Air Force Assistance Fund program

The Air Force Assistance Fund campaign kicked off March 8, 2010 and will run until April 16, 2010.

"The purpose of the AFAF is 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," said Maj. Patrick Genseal, 509th Bomb Wing senior protestant chaplain. "These organizations are the Air Force Aid Society, the Air Force Village Foundation, the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation, and the Air Force Enlisted Village."

According to Major Genseal, the monies received in past campaigns have been extremely beneficial to our Whiteman Airmen.
One Airman describes his success story.

"Ten years ago, I was out of town and had a sudden medical emergency when my appendix erupted," said Capt. Dale Stringer, 509th Operation Support Squadron. "I had my two young daughters with me at the time and had to be hospitalized. I didn't have anyone to guard over them while I was in emergency care."

At the time Captain Stringer was in a financial bind, as he was going through a divorce. He didn't have the sufficient funds to fly his daughters back to Minot, N.D. where their mother resided, while he was undergoing surgery.

"Without hesitation, the Air Force Society issued me a zero-interest loan to purchase airline tickets and escort fees to get my daughters back to Minot while I received emergency care," he said. "Without the help from the AFAS, I don't know how I would have taken care of my girls while being hospitalized away from home."

Success stories like Captain Stringer's is the reason the Air Force wants to continue to keep the organizations going Major Genseal said.

"The AFAF charitable organizations receive 100 percent of all designated contributions, and are tax-deductible," Major Genseal said.

All base organizations have appointed unit project officers and key workers to ensure that all members are contacted and given the opportunity to contribute.

While only military members will be contacted, anyone from retirees to civilians can contribute to the AFAF.

To make a contribution to the AFAF, contact the following assigned unit project officers or the installation project officers are Master Sgt. LeRena Bellury, 509th Bomb Wing; Capt. Stephen Pippel, 509th Operations Group; Senior Master Sgt. Timothy Moreland, 509th Maintenance; Capt. Kelly York, 509th Mission Support Squadron; and Capt. Christopher Hollis, 509th Medical Group.