AFAF provides another opportunity to give Published March 7, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Heather Heiney 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Military members help others on a daily basis, but the Air Force Assistance Fund is an opportunity to take care of themselves and their own. This year's AFAF campaign officially kicked off at the 81st Training Wing promotion ceremony March 1, and runs through April 13. Keesler's goal for 2012 is $83,255. That's how much the base will raise if half of eligible participants donate the amount recommended based on pay grade. Last year, Keesler raised more than $69,000. Second Lt. Adam Brown, 81st Medical Support Squadron and this year's AFAF campaign project officer, said that one of the biggest things people ask is why Keesler holds both Combined Federal Campaign and AFAF donation drives. Brown said the reason is that while CFC is a way to give back to others, AFAF is a chance to give back to ourselves. "Every penny counts," Brown said. "If you can't donate $2 a month that's fine, but what about $2 right now?" The AFAF benefits four organizations -- The Air Force Aid Society, Inc.; the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation; the Air Force Villages; Inc.; and the Air Force Enlisted Village, Inc. Air Force Aid Society The Air Force Aid Society provides worldwide emergency assistance to Airmen and their families, sponsors educational assistance programs and offers base and community programs to improve the welfare of members and their families. In 2011, AFAS provided nearly $18 million of assistance to more than 40,000 people. Of that, $148,614 went directly to 283 Keesler members. AFAS provides financial assistance in two interest-free forms -- Falcon Loans and traditional loans. A recent policy change increased Falcon Loans amounts from $500 to $750 and frequency from twice per career to four times per career. Falcon Loans are limited to basic living expenses, vehicle expenses, emergency travel, child care and medical or dental expenses. Traditional loans are assessed on a case-by-case basis and are intended for any amount greater than $750. Both types of loan are repaid via monthly allotment generally beginning one month after the loan has been granted. "Falcon Loans were developed so members don't need to go to payday loans," Linda Edison, AFAS officer said. "Sometimes you just need that small amount of money to get over a hurdle." For more information or to apply for assistance, visit the airman and family readiness center or go to www.afas.org. LeMay Foundation According to its website, "The LeMay Foundation helps widows of all Air Force Retirees, both officers and enlisted, through financial grants of assistance. These widows spend much of their lives coping with the difficulties of military life, and supporting their spouses through years of active duty. We are not interested in why they need help, only that they need it." The foundation provides assistance to widows as long as it is needed and funds are available. Whether monthly for several years or just once, all funds distributed are considered grants. For more information, go to www.lemay-foundation.org. Air Force Villages The Air Force Villages are retirement facilities for the widows of retired Air Force officers who need assistance financially or with their health care needs. According to its website, "The Village has been building an endowment to assist widowed spouses who, through no fault of their own, and often as a result of tragic circumstances, have exhausted their financial resources. These men and women selflessly served their country alongside their spouses and we are here to respectfully let them know they have not been forgotten." For more information, go to http://www.afvillages.org/about/widows-widowers/. Air Force Enlisted Village The Air Force Enlisted Village provides housing and financial care for widows of retired Air Force members. According to its website, the surviving spouse with the greatest need is cared for first and none are refused assistance due to financial status. Low pay and frequent military moves leave some spouses without careers, home equities, retirement plans or any significant assets. For more information, go to http://www.afenlistedwidows.org/. "It's nice to give because you never know when you might need to use Air Force aid," Edison said. Master Sgt. Michael Raff, 81st Training Wing Plans installation exercise program office deputy chief, is one of the Keesler members who has benefited from AFAF. Raff said during the Thanksgiving holiday, he drove to Oklahoma to visit family when a $2 plug on his engine blew, resulting in a $1,500 repair bill. "Even though I am a senior NCO, having $1,500 as extra money on leave was a little out of my budget," Raff said. "I contacted the (airman and family readiness center) at Keesler." After filling out the online application, Raff made a phone call to Tinker Air Force Base's airman and family readiness center to make an appointment. The next morning when he received a quote from the dealer who was completing repairs, he went on base, finalized his application and was on his way. "Each time I received a loan it was paid back," Raff said, "and each year I set up a monthly contribution so others can benefit from the AFAF." Anyone can donate to AFAF, but only active duty and retirees can donate via payroll deduction. "Even though it's bad economic times, we should step forward and donate what we can," Brown said. For more information, contact your unit representative or go to www.afassistancefund.org.