Travis Airmen raise money for assistance fund

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Madelyn Brown
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Travis Airmen display their wingman concept by taking care of each other through donations to the 2013 Air Force Assistance Fund.

According to the official website, "The Air Force Assistance Fund was established to provide for an annual effort to raise funds for the charitable affiliates that provide support to the Air Force family in need."

During this year's campaign, Travis Airmen have donated more than $28,000, and are striving to reach $131,000 by May 3.

Staff Sgt. Brandon Wiggins, 60th Air Mobility Wing Protocol representative and AFAF representative for the wing staff, is familiar with the AFAF program from multiple aspects due to his past experiences.

"I used the Air Force Aid Society as a young Airman when I needed to buy a new engine," Wiggins said. "I was afforded a no-interest loan that I was able to pay back monthly so it wasn't a financial burden."

Years later, Wiggins once again turned to the Air Force Aid Society when tragedy struck.

"My aunt (died) in 2009," Wiggins said. "The AFAS was able to purchase a ticket for me the same day and get me to my family. For that type of situation, I didn't have to pay for the ticket at all. During that time, the AFAS was so much more than just a monetary value."

The wide-range of situations in which the AFAF assists is what makes it valuable, Wiggins said. It's tailored to military members and their unique circumstances.

In addition to AFAS, which offers a broad range of monetary assistance to active duty Air Force, donors may choose to contribute to the Air Force Village, the Air Force Enlisted Village or the Lemay Foundation.

The Air Force Enlisted Village and the Air Force Village are dedicated to enlisted and officer widows, respectively, to ensure they have a home and comfortable living provided for them in their time of need.

The Lemay foundation primarily benefits widows, officer or enlisted, with monthly grants for those whose income falls below the poverty line. In addition, these widows receive monetary gifts at Christmas and Thanksgiving.

"AFAF is important because it gives past and present military members a safety net," Wiggins said. "We sacrifice so much for our country and this program is there for us when we are in a time of need."

Airmen may donate by using the payroll deduction plan system, which automatically takes a specified monetary amount from the donor's pay check for a specified number of months, or a one-time payment via cash or check. This year, donors also have the option of utilizing www.afassistancefund.org to contribute.

Travis Airmen have showcased their creative side when raising funds for their past and present fellow Airmen by setting up car washes, golf tournaments, bake sales and lumpia sales among other events.

"No matter how much a person thinks they have their life together, events will still happen beyond their control, and that's where the Air Force Assistance Fund comes in," Wiggins said. "Giving back is so important because you never know when you'll be the one who needs the support."

For more information about the program, or to donate, visit www.afassistancefund.org.