MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The annual Air Force Assistance Fund campaign kicked off at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, March 26, 2018 and will continue until May 4, 2018.
Every year, Airmen are encouraged to donate to the AFAF, which provides funds to four charitable affiliates that help service members in need. These affiliates are the Air Force Aid Society, the Air Force Village Foundation, the Air Force Enlisted Village and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. Lemay Foundation.
“None of the affiliates receive taxpayer support, so all their resources come from the Airmen who donate,” said Capt. Ryland Tecson, a flight safety officer assigned to the 6th Air Mobility Wing safety office and program lead. “The great thing about these organizations, is that $0.95 or more of every dollar contributed goes directly to them, to help those who are serving now and who have served.”
Tecson compared the donations to an investment, as the money Airmen contribute will eventually benefit them later on in their career. This year, MacDill’s fundraising goal is $65,700.
“This organization is all about Airmen caring for Airmen and their families,” said Col. Troy Pananon, the vice commander of the 6th AMW. “From emergency aid to providing a secure retirement home for Air Force widows, the contributions to this program directly support Airmen and their family members in their time of need.”
The Air Force Aid Society supports Airmen and their families with emergency monetary relief, as well as scholastic grants for furthering education.
The Air Force Village Foundation, a San Antonio based charity, provides care and living space to retired officers and their spouses, while the Enlisted Village supports surviving spouses of retired enlisted Airmen.
Additionally, the General Lemay Foundation assists widows of commissioned officers and enlisted Airmen.
For more information about the AFAF, please visit www.afassitancefund.org.