For Airmen by Airmen; Air Force Assistance Fund

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Cody Dowell
  • Altus Air Force Base Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Oklahoma --  The Air Force Assistance Fund has started taking donations March 27, 2017, at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma.

The AFAF has programs that directly benefit U.S. Air Force active duty, guardsmen and reservists, as well as enlisted or officer spouses, immediate family members and veterans. In 2014, 18,000 people were assisted by this fund, utilizing $19 million of donated funds. This year’s campaign started March 27 and will end May 5.

“What makes the AFAF special is that it is by Airmen, for Airmen,” said U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Aaron Cox, 97th Civil Engineer Squadron, chief of project management. “The goal is to serve those in need who have served our military. Simply put, to take care of our own.”

The AFAF has four different funds that anybody can donate to:

• The Air Force Enlisted Village is a non-profit charity aiming to provide a safe, secure home for surviving spouses of retired enlisted Airmen.

• The LeMay Foundation assists widows and widowers of all Air Force retirees, both officers and enlisted, through financial grants of assistance.

• Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation aids retired Air Force officer widows and widowers needing financial assistance and providing retirement living with access to continued health care.

• Air Force Aid Society provides emergency financial assistance, educational support for children and spouses and community programs to help with everyday life.

There are several ways to make contributions. One-time donations are acceptable by cash or check to either one or more of these funds. Active-duty members and retirees can donate by giving monthly deductions from their account to one or more of these funds. Active duty members can choose to have deductions for 3-12 months, but retirees must have deductions for 12 months. The deductions start in June and the minimum amount to donate with deductions is $1.

In the past four years, Altus Air Force Base has raised over $140,000 for these charities. This year’s goal for the base is to raise a grand total of $21,000.

To donate or for more information about Air Force Assistance Fund contact your squadron’s representative.