LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Arizona --
"It's not about Airmen giving more; it's about more Airmen
giving!"- Deborah Lee James, Secretary of the Air Force.
These collective words of Air
Force leadership sum up the goal of this year's 43rd annual Air Force
Assistance Fund campaign as unit representatives at Luke and Air Force bases
worldwide raise money to support a program that gives hope and assistance to
Airmen in need.
"The AFAF campaign will run from March 21 to April 29, and this
year our goal is to raise $81,650 by each person contributing $30," said
Capt. Sally To, 56th Medical Support Squadron officer in charge. "People
can expect to see posters in buildings soon and for representatives to make personal
contact in their unit."
Active-duty personnel will receive an information pamphlet and a Form
2561. People can use the form to contribute to four affiliate charities, the
Air Force Aid Society, the Lemay Foundation, Air Force Villages Charitable
Foundation and Air Force Enlisted Village, which provide support to Airmen and
their families.
Donations can be in the form of cash or direct payroll deductions, in which
smaller amounts are taken out each month. Last year, total loans and requests given
by the AFAF were $130,331.
"These grants and loans were made available for various scenarios
to include funerals, dental care, shelter arrangements such as rent and mortgage
payments, emergency travel and vehicle payments," To said. "Another
$19,715 was made available through community programs such as Bundles for Babies,
Give Parents a Break Program, Child Care for PCS Moves and Spouse Employment Program."
The possibilities are vast and the availability is there for those who need
it.
"We are here to take care of each other, but we cannot help you
unless you let us," To said.
Although people may never have a need, it is important for Airmen to
know that the Air Force takes care of its people.
"Organizations like this one create hope and offer assistance to
those in need that cannot be found anywhere else," To said. "The AFAF
is such a great cause and really brings out the most human portion of our
hearts: to give, empathize and make society a better place by giving and not expecting
anything back is what helps our Air Force family grow stronger."
Though contributions may be small, giving is an intangible idea that is
not short-lived, but a gesture that is never forgotten.
"I've given back every year for at least the past 13 years,"
said Tech. Sgt. Eugene Lofton, 56th Maintenance Group quality assurance
inspector. "I like to volunteer when I can so I can tell my story of how
the AFAF was a blessing to me and my family."