Fundraising begins <br> AFAF aids fellow Airmen, families

Published March 10, 2010
By Angela Cutrer
Keesler News staff

KEESLER AFB, Ms. -- When spring is in the air, you might encounter the sweet smell of .... doughnuts and coffee.

That's because it's that time a year when the Air Force reminds you that it has you covered when it comes to taking care of its own. Free snacks and drinks are a way to thank donors and interested parties to find out more about the Air Force Assistance Fund, which stands ready to provide four different charities to help when Airmen are in need.

"The Air Force Assistance Fund is an annual fundraiser to raise funds for the Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Village Indigent Widows' Fund, Air Force Enlisted Village Indigent Widows' Fund and the LeMay Foundation," said point of contact Capt. Michael Hickam, base project officer and chief of the 335th Training Squadron's financial management staff office course.

"All contributions are used only for Air Force members, retirees and dependents. The Air Force Aid Society provided 45,000 Airmen and their families with more than $24.3 million in assistance in 2008," the most current numbers available.

Keesler's 2010 AFAF collection goal is $77,528, along with 100 percent contact and 50 percent of members participating.

The arms of the AFAF are the Air Force Aid Society, the Air Force Enlisted Village, the Air Force Village (for retired officers) and the LeMay Foundation.

The AFAS is the official charity of the Air Force. The AFAS Web site reports that the organization was incorporated in 1942 as a private, nonprofit organization. Its mission is to help relieve the financial distress of Air Force members and their families and to assist them in financing their higher education goals.

"It exists only to help Air Force people and the deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel acts as the society's principal liaison with the Air Force, publishing a directive authorizing support for AFAS activities at base level," the site noted.

Most AFAS interest-free loans and grants are for short term or one-time emergencies such as food, rent, and utilities. It also helps with car repair and emergency travel requirements. Each case, regardless of the request, is treated individually, and the society reviews all requests for assistance and attempts to help if the assistance falls within the general thrust of the AFAS charter.

The Web site also said AFAS currently offers several education programs that help offset some expenses of higher education: The Education Grant Program provides $2,000 grants to dependent children and spouses. These grants may be used toward payment of tuition, books and fees, or other direct education expenses. The program is competitive in nature and students must apply every year to demonstrate financial need to be eligible. Secondly, the Spouse Tuition Assistance Program provides tuition supplements to dependent spouses of active duty airmen and officers at all overseas locations. This program emphasizes the completion of degree and certificate programs that reasonably enhance occupational opportunities.

According to the Web site, the AFAS relies on the Air Force community for donations, though an early initiative funds earned income that is used to supplement annual contributions so that all emergency assistance needs can be met, education programs can be strengthened and community enhancement initiatives can thrive. All donations are applied to emergency assistance disbursements.

In addition to donations, AFAS relies on paybacks of existing loans and investment fund income to satisfy emergency needs.

"Every dollar donated supports programs. In 2009, the society provided more than $21.6 million in support to Airmen and their families and donations for the year topped $6.3 million, making the ratio of support to contributions 346 percent.

The Combined Federal Campaign supports all types of beneficiaries, whereas the AFAS provides services exclusively to the military, the Web said stated. The CFC was created in 1957 to provide a single fundraising campaign where federal and military employees could combine all fundraising for the civilian community into a single annual campaign.

The site said that AFAS sections are located at bases throughout the world, mainly in Airman and family readiness centers and through a cross-servicing agreement with emergency relief organizations of the Army, Navy and Marine Corps.

Local Red Cross offices also provide assistance when there is no military base or post nearby and then will be reimbursed by AFAS.