2009 Air Force Assistance Fund Helps Whiteman Airman

  • Published
  • By Captain Anthony Davis
  • Whiteman AFAF Installation Project Officer
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  As 2009's Air Force Assistance Fund campaign begins, many Whiteman Airmen 
donating to the program already know why it is such a valuable campaign. 

One such Airman is Airman 1st Class Joseph Stroud, 509th Medical Group, who was in need and received an interest-free loan from one of the campaign's main recipients , the Air Force Aid Society. This year, Airman Stroud is helping to organize the base's funds drive all the way to its termination at the end of April. 

"The Air Force Aid Society is an awesome organization that helps airman in their times of need including myself," said Airman Stroud. "When I was just arriving to Whiteman with my family, and we were still new to the Air Force, my wife had decided to go to school and work in Sedalia." 

They were in need of two vehicles to get around between work, school and daycare, he said. One day while they were exploring Warrensburg his transmission went out in his car, and they were stranded. 

After calling a co-worker and getting home they were left with trying to fix the transmission, he said 

"We had the car towed to the mechanic where we found out that it would cost 1800 dollars to repair," he said. "Being young, newly married and having just moved we did not have that kind of money at our disposal." 

The next day his supervisor suggested the Air Force Aid Society, Airman Stroud said. 
"Reluctantly I went, thinking there is no way that they could help us out." 

After talking to Mr. "Smitty" and answering a few questions Airman Stroud got an interest free loan to pay for his car, he said. 

"It was a big stress reliever and only made me feel more welcomed into the Air Force family," he said. "The Air Force Aid society is an amazing organization that gives back to the airman when we are in a moment of need. 

"This organization could not help out so many people without the generosity of those who give donations to the Air Force Aid Society," he added. 

Last year Whiteman AFB raised 62,000 dollars and received more than 194,000 dollars, and it is no wonder with great Airmen like Airman Stroud trying to make the campaign a success.