AFAF provides world wide support

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Ray Bowden
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  The 2008 United States Air Force Assistance Fund campaign began March 17 and is scheduled to close April 27, a period of 41 days in which all Airmen will have the chance to donate to one of four AFAF programs.

"The Secretary of the Air Force approved a $5.7 million goal for the 2008 AFAF Campaign," said 1st Lt. Chris Carr, one of the 39th Air Base Wing's two AFAF project officers. "Incirlik's goal is $25, 271."

The AFAF raises money for the Air Force Village Indigent Widows' Fund, the Air Force Aid Society, the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation and the Air Force Enlisted Village Indigent Widow's Fund.

According to AFAF literature, the Air Force Village Indigent Widows' Fund provides widows of career-retired Air Force officers with dignified, appropriate, and cost-effective living options.

The Air Force Aid Society is the official charity of the Air Force and is designed to assist in relieving financial emergencies faced by active duty members and their families. It also assists Reserve and Guard personnel who are on extended active duty or face unique emergencies.

The General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation cares for spouses of Air Force personnel of all ranks left to survive with little or no financial resources.

The Air Force Enlisted Village Indigent Widows' Fund cares for indigent widows of the enlisted Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve by allowing them to live among their peers without the stigma normally associated with subsidized housing.

According to Lieutenant Carr, every Incirlik member will have the chance to donate as squadron AFAF points of contact have been directed to with meet with each Airman "one on one" and explain the purpose of the program.

One Incirlik first sergeant said she believes in the program.

"For far-reaching, world wide support, the AFAF cannot be beat," said Master Sgt. Sonya Mason, 39th Mission Support Squadron first sergeant. "From a first sergeant's perspective, it's the organization we use and rely on regularly."

For more AFAF information, refer to www.afassistancefund.org or contact one of the following Incirlik AFAF representatives: Senior Airman Bethany Cihal, 39 ABW; Staff Sgt. Cory Gabourel, 39th Maintenance Group; Maj. Jerry Vega, 39th Medic Group and Capt. Marco Aminni, 39th Mission Support Group. The Incirlik tenant unit AFAF representative is Master Sgt. Dennis O'Grady; the 425th Air Base Group representatives are Tech. Sgt. Maria Franz and Senior Airman Aliscir Francis. The 425 ABG Detachment 1 representatives are Tech. Sgt. Chad Fossand and Senior Airman Garrick Gates.

Lieutenant Carr may be reached at 676-1367 and 1st Lt. Demetria Hundley, 39 ABW AFAF project officer at 676-3545.