Air Force Assistance Fund: Airmen helping Airmen Published Feb. 12, 2007 By Tech. Sgt. Brian Jones 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Nine years ago, 1st Lt. Angel Guerrero, 39th Maintenance Squadron munitions flight commander, didn't know what the Air Force Assistance Fund was. Then an airman first class, the engine on his car died and the young Airman turned to the Air Force Aid Society for help. "They gave me a $1,000 loan at zero-percent interest," said Lieutenant Guerrero. "That made me realize what the Air Force, the Air Force Assistance Fund, and specifically, the Air Force Aid Society were all about. It was all about taking care of people ... Airmen helping Airmen." Today, Lieutenant Guerrero is doing his part to ensure the Air Force Assistance Fund continues to help those in need as the 39th Air Base Wing's 2007 AFAF project officer. The base will officially kick-off the campaign with a free breakfast Feb. 15 from 7 - 9 a.m. at the After Six for base leaders, squadron AFAF points of contact and anybody who wants to learn more about the AFAF or wants to donate and help the wing reach its goal. "The Secretary of the Air Force approved a $5.3 million goal for the 2007 AFAF Campaign," said Lieutenant Guerrero. "Our installation's share of the Air Force goal is $25,533." While Lieutenant Guerrero was helped by the AFAS nearly a decade ago, the fund continues to come to the rescue of current Team Incirlik members. "I had just PCSed to Incirlik from Guam. About two weeks into the new year and my new assignment, I got the call that my grandfather had passed," said Staff Sgt. Nikia Harris, 728th Air Mobility Squadron commander's support staff. "Due to my recent PCS, I did not have the money to pay for a round trip ticket to get home and grieve with my family. My acting first sergeant was so helpful ... he took me to the different agencies I needed to visit so I could get on the first plane leaving to get home to my family. I believe that if it had not been for the Air Force Aid Society, I would have not gotten home as quickly as I did." In addition to the Air Force Aid Society, the AFAF raises funds for The Air Force Village, The Air Force Enlisted Village and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation. Every member of Team Incirlik will have the chance to donate to these Air Force charities. "We want to accomplish 100 percent meaningful contact," said Lieutenant Guerrero. "Our AFAF squadron POCs will go one-on-one with each member to show them how to fill in the form, explain the importance of Airmen helping Airmen, in addition to, answering any questions they might have." Also, those who want to find out more about the AFAF can visit http://www.afassistancefund.org. Air Force Village Indigent Widows' Fund Air Force Village provides widows of career retired Air Force officers with dignified, appropriate, and cost-effective living options. Air Force Aid Society The Air Force Aid Society is the official charity of the Air Force. It is chartered 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 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. Air Force Enlisted Village Indigent Widows' Fund The Air Force Enlisted Village cares for indigent enlisted widows of the Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve by allowing these widows to live among their peers, sharing memories without the stigma normally associated with subsidized housing.