Airmen taking care of Airmen through Air Force charities

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Stacey Haga
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  There are many opportunities to help others in the Air Force, but sometimes an Airman can use a little help.

For that reason, the Air Force has programs like the Air Force Aid Society, the Air Force Villages Indigent Widows' Fund, the Air Force Enlisted Village Indigent Widows' Fund and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation to assist Airmen, their families and retirees.

An easy way to contribute to these programs is through the Air Force Assistance Fund.

This year, Tyndall's campaign is March 19 - April 27.

"The AFAF is a wonderful chance to focus our generosity internally," said Chief Master Sgt. Craig Deatherage, 325th Fighter Wing command chief master sergeant. "We contribute so much to our communities, local and national charities throughout the year that we sometimes forget to help our own. AFAF goes to the heart of our Air Force culture - taking care of our families and our friends."

"It gives Airmen the opportunity to do what the Air Force does best - take care of our own people," said Capt. Lee Wynne, 325th Mission Support Group installation project officer. "Our contributions are funneled back into the programs that directly benefit our Air Force family. That's why we've chosen 'Airmen Taking Care of Airmen' as our 2007 campaign slogan."

All active-duty military, retirees, guard, reserve, civil service, contractors and civilians may donate to the AFAF. However, only active-duty military can be directly solicited and contribute via automatic payroll deduction. All others may contribute by cash, check or money order.

"We welcome and encourage contributions from everyone since AFAF programs benefit not only active-duty members and their families, but retirees as well," said Captain Wynne.

Each unit on Tyndall will have at least one primary point of contact. As the start date gets closer, flyers will be posted with additional information on donating.

Last year, AFAF provided more than $206,000 in loans, grants and community enhancement programs to Tyndall members, which is approximately three times the amount Team Tyndall raised last year.

This year, Team Tyndall's campaign goal is $60,369.

"That amount is based on the number of active-duty personnel who are assigned to Tyndall or serviced by our Military Personnel Flight," said Captain Wynne.

In past years, Tyndall has surpassed its campaign goals.

"The AFAF is truly a great way to be a wingman and take care of our Air Force family," said Captain Wynne. "If everyone on Tyndall contributed just a few dollars per month, we would far surpass our goal. For the price of a couple of snacks or cups of coffee each month, you can help provide emergency travel expenses, car or home repairs, living assistance for retirees and widows of Air Force members and scholarships for spouses and dependent children."

Those interested in contributing should contact their unit or group AFAF key worker. Or they can contact Captain Wynne at 283-4973 or Capt. Shawnda Cooke at 283-3795. For more information on AFAF, go to http://www.afassistancefund.org.