2011 Air Force Assistance Fund campaign underway Published March 25, 2011 By Capt Joshua De Paul Nellis/Creech AFAF Installation Project Officer NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- It's that time of year again - March Madness is in full swing and most of us will spend many nights and weekends cheering on our favorite basketball teams. But for those who don't know, this is also the time of year when we come together as a team and make a "commitment to caring" by supporting the Air Force Assistance Fund, which kicks off March 28. The campaign will last until May 6 and the goals for Nellis and Creech are to contact 100 percent of base personnel by April 15 and to raise approximately $180,000. The AFAF has a long history of providing worldwide critical assistance to Air Force members and their families. The AFAF also sponsors educational assistance programs and offers a variety of base community enhancement programs that improve Airmen family welfare. Those interested in participating in the AFAF campaign can donate money to any of the four charities described below, all of which benefit Airmen and their families in times of need. The Air Force Aid Society: This organization provides Airmen and their families worldwide with emergency financial assistance and an array of base-level community-enhancement programs. Last year, the Air Force Aid Society assisted Nellis and Creech Airmen and their families by providing interest free loans and grants, supporting child care programs such as "Give Parents a Break," assisting with child care during permanent change of station moves and awarding educational grants. For more information about the Air Force Aid Society, contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 652-3327 or go to www.afas.org. The Air Force Enlisted Village: This organization, founded in 1967, provides financial assistance and a safe, secure and dignified place for the indigent widows of retired enlisted members. For more information, go to www.airforcevillages.com. The Air Force Village: This organization supports Air Force Village I and II in San Antonio, which serve as a life-care community for retired officers, spouses, widows, widowers and family members. For more information, go to www.airforcevillages.com. The General and Mrs. Curtis E. Lemay Foundation: This organization provides rent and financial assistance to widows and widowers of officer and enlisted retirees through financial grants of assistance. For more information, go to www.lemay-foundation.org/. The AFAF campaign donation process is simple and takes a minimal amount of time and effort. Personnel can donate via payroll deduction plan, cash or check. To learn more about the AFAF campaign or to donate, contact your squadron's AFAF project officer.
