AFAF campaign continues through May 4

The 39th Air Force Assistance Fund campaign officially kicked off March 26 at Cannon Air Force Base. The campaign's "Commitment to Caring" theme will continue the legacy of "Airmen helping Airmen" through several charities: the Air Force Aid Society, the Air Force Enlisted Village, the Air Force Village, and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation.

USAF: Master Sgt. Carlotta Holley

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Andrew Jacobs, 27th Special Operations Maintenance Group lead Quality Assurance Inspector, collects the first Air Force Assistance Fund donation from Col. Wesley Norris, 27 SOMXG commander March 26 at Cannon Air Force Base.

Last year, AFAF assisted more than 39,000 airmen with more than $18.3 million in funds. Cannon has received $141,173 in AFAF funds, which assisted more than 300 airmen and families directly through grants or loans. There were others who were assisted through community programs such as "Give Parents a Break" and "Bundles for Babies."

Cannon hopes to raise $80,476 this year. The base has raised $57,897 as of March 26 when the campaign began.

"The AFAF is important because it directly contributes to helping our own," said Capt. Andrew McLay, 20th Special Operations Squadron executive officer and installation project officer. "It is literally airmen helping other airmen. The money donated will come back to help both active and retired Air Force members in times of need, when it is most important."

"As AFAF representatives we have had the opportunities to hear some of those stories and just how important that money really was during periods of hardship," he said. "Each and every one of them was completely grateful and appreciative for the support they receive to assist them through difficult times."

Anyone can make a contribution to the AFAF through cash, check or money order. Active duty personnel and retired military members can also contribute through the Payroll Deduction Program.

• The Air Force Aid Society provides airmen and their families with worldwide emergency financial assistance, education assistance and an array of base level community enhancement programs. Base staff members at the Airman and Family Readiness Center have full details on the programs and eligibility requirements.
• The Air Force Enlisted Village charity supports the Bob Hope and Teresa Villages as well as the Hawthorne House in Florida. The fund provides homes and financial assistance to widows and widowers, ages 55 and older, of retired enlisted personnel.
• The Air Force Village supports the Air Force Village in San Antonio, Texas, and Village II. Air Force Village also includes the Freedom House, a residence for Alzheimer's and Dementia patients and the Liberty House, as assisted-living center.
• The General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation provides rent and financial assistance to widows and widowers of officers and enlisted personnel.

All Air Commandos are encouraged to take this opportunity to directly help out their fellow wingmen, past and present. Contact either of Cannon's installation project officers: Capt. Andrew McLay at 784-2712 or Master Sgt. Joshua Hyatt at 784-4554, for more information on how to contribute.