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Air Force Assistance fundraising begins

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Amber Kelly-Woodward
  • 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Imagine losing a family member but not being able to go home because of lack of funds, or having a car break down and not being able to get to work because the repair is out of budget, or even, becoming a widow and no longer having a place to live. 

Fortunately, when these problems happen to Airmen or family members, the Air Force Assistance Fund is there to help. 

To continue its support, the AFAF holds an annual campaign which begins Monday and continues through April 24. 

"The Air Force Assistance Fund is one of two official military fundraising efforts, but this is the best way for Airmen to give back to Airmen," said Capt. Patrick Markey, AFAF campaign installation project officer. 

The AFAF provides services in the form of the Air Force Aid Society, Air Force village, Air Force enlisted village and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation. 

"The Air Force Assistance Fund is not to be confused with the Combined Federal Campaign," said Senior Master Sgt. Paul Elliot, AFAF campaign co-IPO. "While the CFC is good because it helps a vast number of organizations, the Air Force Assistance Fund is a fund that you may find yourself using one day." 

The AFAF also sponsors the Gen. Henry Arnold education grant for children of active duty, retired, Reserve and Title 10 Air National Guard to fund tuition, books, fees and other curriculum required materials. 

The AFAF is not awarded for second cars, televisions, microwaves, VCRs/DVRs, essentials that cost more than the average standard, basic needs on a continual basis, business ventures, purchasing a home or similar permanent investments, vacations or activities on normal leave, paying off credit card debt, taxes, legal expenses, non-Tricare approved medical procedures or maintaining living standards that are inconsistent with the Air Force pay allowance. 

To cope with tough economic times, the AFAF has temporarily stopped hiring and stopped merit pay increases for current employees. The number of allotted Falcon Loans has also been reduced from 3,500 to 3,000, according to the AFAF Web site.
Any member wishing to use the AFAF can do so at any military installation or American Red Cross chapter. Members from other branches can also access funds through the AFAF, to be reimbursed through the respective assistance fund. 

Contributions to the fund can be made through payroll deduction for active duty members or through cash, check or money order. To contribute to the AFAF, contact your unit's project officer.