MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The annual Air Force Assistance Fund campaign officially kicked off here March 22 and will run through April 30.
The AF Assistance Fund raises money for four charities that take care of Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Those four charities are the Air Force Enlisted Village, the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation, the Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation and the Air Force Aid Society.
The AFAF supports Airmen and Guardians serving on active-duty, as well as eligible Air National Guard and Reserve members, retirees, spouses, immediate family members and surviving family members of deceased retirees.
“Anyone can make an online contribution at https://secure.qgiv.com/event/AFAF, scanning the AFAF QR code or by texting “AFAF” to 50155,” said Master Sgt. Raquel Salas, AFAF project officer. “Active-duty and eligible Guardsmen and Reservists can make a 3-12 month payroll deduction and retirees can make a 12-month retired-pay deduction.”
The campaign has a permanent theme of “A Commitment to Caring.” The Air Force family takes great pride in caring for its own. MacDill AFB has a base goal of $60,838.
According to Col. Benjamin Jonsson, 6th Air Refueling Wing commander, “Our annual campaign demonstrates this fact: we take care of our own!”
Campaign representatives will be visiting work centers or getting with you in a virtual event to let you know all about the charities, answer any questions you may have and give you the opportunity to donate, if you choose. You will also have the opportunity to participate in fundraising events.
The Air Force Aid Society helps active duty Airmen and Guardians in times of emergencies by providing loans and grants and supports base enhancement programs.
The Air Force Enlisted Village, for enlisted widows and widowers, and the Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation, for officer widows and widowers, provide secure and friendly places to live among friends with similar backgrounds.
The LeMay Foundation supports widows and widowers of Department of the Air Force retirees, both officer and enlisted, in the event of a financial need by giving assistance grants.
“Chief Gee and I encourage thoughtful consideration to contributing to these four worthy charities,” said Jonsson. “Our Air Force Assistance Fund charities will be there for you should you need them as well.”
For further information or questions about how to donate, contact Senior Master Sgt. Jessica Smith at 813-828-3594
or Master Sgt. Raquel Salas at 813-827-9170, or visit https://secure.qgiv.com/event/afaf/team/873052/