Air Force Assistance Fund aids Airmen

  • Published
  • By Heidi Hunt
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Editor's note: This is part two of a two-part series highlighting the Air Force Assistance Fund program

Now in its second week, the Air Force Assistance Fund has already received $9,248 in donations and will continue to run and accept donations through April 16, 2010.

"Whiteman's goal is to raise $58,931," said Maj. Patrick Genseal, 509th Bomb Wing senior protestant chaplain, and unit project manager. "We have already achieved 15 percent of our goal within the first week. I am very excited to see what the coming weeks will hold."

According to Major Genseal, 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."

The AFAF umbrellas four foundations: Air Force Aid Society, the Air Force Village Foundation, the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation, and the Air Force Enlisted Village. Money donated will go into these four comprised funds, said Major Genseal.

According Heather Wojciuch, 509th Force Support Squadron, Airmen and Family Readiness Center technician, the Air Force Aid Society provides assistance to military members and their families through emergency assistance, education programs, and community enhancement programs.

"The enhancement programs that most Whiteman members are familiar with are: Give Parents a Break, Bundles for Babies, Car Care Because We Care, Child Care for PCS, Child Care for Volunteers and Youth Employment Skills," Mrs. Wojciuch said.

The Air Force Enlisted Village includes Teresa Village in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. and Bob Hope Village in Shalimar, Fla., near Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The fund provides homes and financial assistance to widows and widowers of retired enlisted members 55 and older. Hawthorn House, also in Shalimar, provides assisted living for residents requiring more assistance than others, including 24-hour nursing care. For more information, visit www.afenlistedwidows.org.

The Air Force Village, which includes Air Force Village I and II in San Antonio, is a life-care community for retired officers, spouses, widows or widowers and family members. The Air Force Village Web site is www.airforcevillages.com.

The General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation provides rent and financial assistance to widows and widowers of officer and enlisted retirees in their homes and communities through financial grants of assistance. The LeMay Foundation Web site is www.lemay-foundation.org.

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

Each base organization has appointed unit project officers and key workers to ensure that all members are contacted and given the opportunity to contribute.

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