AFAF campaign to kick off Monday

The 40th Air Force Assistance Fund campaign is scheduled to kick off Monday at Cannon Air Force Base.

U.S. Air Force graphic: Senior Airman Alexxis Pons Abascal

The 40th Air Force Assistance Fund campaign is scheduled to kick off Monday at Cannon Air Force Base. This year's theme, "Committed to Caring," hopes to perpetuate the ongoing efforts of airmen assisting other airmen through various charities such as the Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Village, Air Force Enlisted Village and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation.

This year's theme, "Committed to Caring," hopes to perpetuate the ongoing efforts of Airmen assisting other Airmen through various charities such as the Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Village, Air Force Enlisted Village and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation.

In 2012, the AFAF helped more than 300 airmen with more than $141,000 in assistance funds. Last year, Cannon Air Commandos helped raise more than $91,000 — these charitable donations directly aide airmen and family members through services like grants and loans. Cannon officials hope to raise more than $84,000 for the 2013 campaign.

"The Air Force Assistance Fund is a great way for members to help take care of their Air Force family in times of need," said 2nd Lt. Dayne Foote, 27th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron. "This is one of the ways Air Force members can be 100 percent guaranteed their donations will directly benefit other airmen and their families."

Anyone is able to make contributions to the AFAF by means of cash, check or money order. Active duty service members and retired military personnel may also have funds automatically donated through the Payroll Deduction Program.

"The Air Force Aid Society, under the Air Force Assistance Fund umbrella, contributed nearly $18 million in 2012, supporting airmen through emergency or education grants, interest-free loans and tuition assistance for Air Force spouses," Foote added. "Each unit has a volunteer able to facilitate donations. These volunteers have all the necessary knowledge and paperwork to assist airmen selflessly helping their Air Force family through donations."

Foote encourages every member of the Cannon community to donate what they can, reminding personnel that this is a direct opportunity to help a wingman.

The campaign will run at Cannon through May 3. Please contact this year's project managers: Capt. John Maloney at 575-784-2691 or 2nd Lt. Dayne Foote at 575-784-4205, for additional information on how to contribute.