Air Force Assistance Fund needs funds Published April 23, 2008 By Air Force Print News WASHINGTON -- Airmen have many opportunities to give back to others, the Air Force Assistance Fund and the Combined Federal Campaign. The CFC allows federal employees to donate to thousands of charities. The AFAF provides financial assistance to airmen. "There are all kinds of stuff, but this (the AFAF) is definitely one campaign where airmen can see the tangible results," said Chaplain (Capt.) Dale Marlowe, installation AFAF project officer. Last year the Air Force's goal was $5.3 million and Airmen contributed $7.2 million. This year, the goal is $5.7 million; however, as of April 15, Airmen are $2.2 million away from meeting this goal. Scott Air Force Base is about $20,000 short of meeting its projected goal for the year of 2008, said Chaplain Marlowe. Two complaints as to why Scott's goal has not been met for this year that the Chaplain's office received are the increase in gas prices and non-active duty members being unable to contribute through automatic payroll deductions, said Chaplain Marlowe. The AFAF allots money each year to every base giving consideration to its population. Last year Scott received $294, 184. Most of that money went toward helping airmen with rent and mortgage problems, vehicle repairs, the Give Parents a Break Program, Child Care for PCS Moves and the HAP Arnold Grant Program. Another popular program the AFAF helps with is the phone home program for deployed airmen. "Can we reach that goal? Yes. Will we exceed that goal? Probably not," Chaplain Marlowe said. The good news is the AFAF campaign, which began Feb. 12, does not end until May 4. Donations can be made through cash, check, money order, or payroll deductions. Donations are also tax deductible. Active duty airmen who wish to contribute money should seek their unit project officers. Non-active duty members can donate through the AFAF website or give cash. "Remember a dollar raised is a dollar an Airman never had," said Master Sgt. Len Arsenault, Scott's alternative IPO. The AFAF, in its 35th year, not only benefits active-duty members, but Reserve, Guard, retirees, and surviving spouses and families, as well. "The AFAF has a long tradition of providing critical assistance to members of our Air Force family," said Master Sgt. Steve Dawson, the Air Force's fundraising programs manager. "Whether they become victims of natural disasters or endure the personal hardships of deployments, accidents, illness, aging or death, these charities are there to provide fast and reliable help." The Air Force Assistance Fund is made of four components: -- The Air Force Aid Society, which provides airmen and their families with worldwide emergency financial assistance, education assistance and an array of base level community-enhancement programs. Base staff members at airman and family readiness centers have full details on programs and eligibility requirements. More information is available at http://www.afas.org/. -- The Air Force Enlisted Village Indigent Widows' Fund supports the Air Force Village in Shalimar, Fla. The fund provides homes and financial assistance to indigent widows and widowers of retired enlisted people age 55 and older. More information is available at http://www.afenlistedwidows.org. -- The Air Force Villages Indigent Widows' Fund supports the Air Force Village in San Antonio, Texas, a life-care community for retired officers, spouses, widows or widowers and family members. More information is available at http://www.airforcevillages.com. -- The General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation provides rent and financial assistance to indigent widows and widowers of officers and enlisted people in their own homes and communities. More information is available at http://www.afvw.com/lemay.html. For more information, visit the AFAS website at http://afassistancefund.org/. (Some information added by 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs)