Air Force Assistance Fund kicks off Published March 27, 2013 By Capt. Tamarah Murphy and Senior Master Sgt. Michael Bullington 336th Training Squadron and 81st Aerospace Medicine Squadron KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Keesler's 2013 Air Force Assistance Fund campaign kicked off Monday and runs through May 3. The campaign provides an opportunity for Airmen to give back to fellow Airmen and their families through the Air Force Village, Air Force Enlisted Village, Curtis E. LeMay Foundation and Air Force Aid Society charities. Each group has a unique mission: The Air Force Village, located in San Antonio, Texas, is a retirement community where officer widows can be surrounded by friends and provided specialized care. The Air Force Enlisted Village, located near Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., offers a home to widows and family members of all Air Force personnel as needed. The LeMay Foundation provides grants to widowed military spouses as they continue to live in communities of their choice. The Air Force Aid Society works with the airman and family readiness center to provide funds to active duty members and their families for emergency situations, educational needs and community programs. In 2012, the AFAS dispensed more than $100,000 in aid to Keesler beneficiaries and provided another $30,000 in community services. This year, Keesler's AFAF fundraising goal is $50,000. Volunteers across the base are working together to raise money for these four charities. While the campaign began Monday, the official kickoff will occur directly after the April promotion ceremony at the Bay Breeze Event Center. A representative from AFAS will be available to answer questions about the organization's services and AFAF representatives will be available to assist individuals with making donations.