AFAF campaign: Commitment to Caring

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Klynne Pearl Serrano
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The annual Air Force Assistance Fund campaign is scheduled to kick-off with a free breakfast at the Galaxy Lanes, Feb. 28, 2013.

This year's campaign, "Commitment to Caring," will run from March 4 through April 12.

Every unit will be assigned a unit project officer who will make contact with members assigned to their specific units. They explain what the AFAF campaign is about and solicit donations, whether it be through the payroll deduction plan, or a one-time cash donation.

Though civilian employees are not solicited, they may still make contributions for the AFAF campaign.

The AFAF directly supports four organizations: the Air Force Villages, Inc.; Air Force Aid Society, Inc.; General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation; and Air Force Enlisted Village, Inc.

According to the official AFAF website, contributions will provide support to fellow Airmen and their families with aid in an emergency, with educational needs and secure retirement homes for widows or widowers of Air Force members in need of financial assistance.

"To me, as a military member, this is really our opportunity to help our folks out--our Airmen today, those who came before us and their families," said Capt. Eric Hergenroeder, 97th Air Mobility Wing Office of the Staff Judge Advocate chief of military justice and the AFAF campaign primary installation project officer.

Altus AFB's primary goal for 2013 is to make 100 percent contact with all eligible donors, with a monetary goal of $25,424.

"Last year, the Altus campaign contributed $35,000 to the AFAF," said Senior Master Sgt. Edward Peterson, 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron deployment and distribution flight superintendent and secondary installation project officer. "This campaign really works. Last year, Altus received more than $71,000 in emergency loans, emergency grants, community services and spouses tuition to name a few. So the money we contribute really goes a long way and we get much more back."

For more information about the AFAF campaign contact the installation project officer at 481-5915 visit www.afassistancefund.org.