Team Incirlik far exceeds AFAF campaign goal Published July 15, 2013 By Staff Sgt. Eric Summers Jr. 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Members of Team Incirlik crushed this year's Air Force Assistance Fund wing goal and ended up being ranked third in the Air Force for over-goal percentage. The base exceeded its goal by 219 percent through donations from members across the base, raising more than $58,700 in donations. "The AFAF is a once-a-year campaign to contribute to four Air Force charities that take care of Airmen from cradle to grave," said Master Sgt. Robert Dean, Incirlik's AFAF installation project officer. "I think it is very important that Airmen contribute to AFAF. Unlike the Combined Federal Campaign, all these funds go towards our fellow Airmen. The support from those charities follows them throughout their career well into retirement." Dean said there were several factors that contributed to the success of the six-week campaign. "It started with wing leaderships' support and enthusiasm from the kick-off luncheon, then American Forces Network's telethon and concluded with a golf tournament," Dean explained. "Also, the unit project officers who put in the extra time and effort to reach every Airman in their shops. AFN put on the telethon and kept the momentum up at the halfway point. These were all huge in this year's success." The annual campaign was established to raise funds for the charitable affiliates that provide support to the Air Force family. These organizations are the Air Force Villages, Inc., the Air Force Aid Society, Inc., the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation, and the Air Force Enlisted Village, Inc. "The best part of exceeding our goal is if times are tough on us that have jobs; think of how tough it is for those we help who are on fixed incomes," Dean added. "They are going to have an even greater need for support. So it was great that we could contribute that much extra."