AFAF campaign scheduled to begin

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jamal Sutter
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  The 2009 Air Force Assistance Fund campaign runs from March 13 to April 24. This "Commitment to Caring" campaign will allow Misawa personnel a chance to donate to an official Air Force charitable organization of his/her choice.

Contributions to the AFAF go to the Air Force Village Foundation, the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation, the Air Force Enlisted Village and the Air Force Aid Society.

"Because the AFAF campaign is Air Force people helping Air Force people directly, administrative and fund-raising costs are among the lowest in the nation," said Senior Master Sgt. Victor Blake, AFAF installation project officer. "In fact, 95 cents or more of every dollar contributed is actually spent on assisting members and their families. However, AFAF affiliates cannot perform their mission without voluntary contributions. Contributing to AFAF is something we do for ourselves."

This year's goal is to make 100 percent face-to-face contact with potential contributors and raise $49,359. In 2008, Misawa Air Base pledged $49,366 to the Air Force Aid Society while simultaneously receiving more than $255,000 in assistance from the organization, according to Sergeant Blake.

Sergeant Blake has performed key duties for the AFAF a few times in the past and has witnessed benefits from the program first hand.

"I have seen people within my unit benefit from the Air Force Aid Society here at Misawa for things like emergency leave funds, automobile repair, and even basic living needs such as food, shelter and utility," he said. "The organizations that receive these donations help Air Force people with aid in an emergency, with educational needs, or to have a secure retirement home for widows or widowers of Air Force members in need of financial assistance. It's a way for us to take care of each other."

For more information regarding the AFAF, contact the following unit points of contact:

35th Medical Group: Master Sgt. Janeen Harris
35th Mission Support Group: Master Sgt. Grisell Chong
35th Maintenance Group: Senior Master Sgt. Kim Gaines
35th Operations Group: Staff Sgt. Tai Taylor
35th Fighter Wing: Master Sgt. Michael Dashler
373rd Intelligence Group: Master Sgt. Donna Major