Travis kicks off AFAF campaign Published March 29, 2017 By Heide Couch 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Air Force Assistance Fund campaign kicked off March 27, 2017 at Travis Air Force Base, California, with a 2.5 mile run. More than 200 people participated in the event, held to raise awareness about the AFAF mission; supporting Air Force families in need, covering active duty, retirees, reservists, guard, dependents and surviving spouses. Col. Thomas Pauly, 60th Air Mobility Wing vice commander, signed his contribution pledge and commented on the importance of the program. “I really appreciate the turnout,” he said. “The Air Force Assistance Fund is where the Air Force gives back to the Air Force; it allows us an opportunity to take care of our own.” Pauly went on to thank the volunteers who helped organize the fun run and the squadron representatives who will assist in taking pledge contributions. Event participants included some serious athletes and several others who just wanted to have fun. All of them came together to contribute to a good cause. “I’m running to support the AFAF, we all need to support it, so I’m here,” said Staff Sgt. Gillian Bennett, 60th Communications Squadron. “It was refreshing, it was good.” “The AFAF is important, because it gives back to the community,” said Charnele, a Stroller Warrior mom who ran the course with her young son. Charnele’s husband, Staff Sgt. Wendell Garcia, is a member of the 60th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. “It gave us a chance to get out,” she said. The AFAF raises funds for charitable affiliate organizations that can help with financial assistance, emergency situations, educational needs and retirement housing for Air Force widows and widowers. Capt. Aisha Lockett, 60th Force Support Squadron and fun run organizer, said, “The Air Force Assistance Fund is a great opportunity to facilitate Airmen Helping Airmen. I'm proud to be part of an organization that dedicates time and resources to making our community thrive, and I'm honored to lead the charge for this year's campaign.” “The AFAF is a worthwhile charity,” said Master Sgt. Ryan Collins, 860th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and event co-organizer. “Every Airman is given the opportunity to donate to charities throughout the year, but AFAF is the one charity organization whose focus in on helping our own. I'd encourage everybody to consider donating to a cause that may one day benefit him or herself.” Anyone can donate to the program, using cash or check; active duty service members and retirees can also set up an automatic deduction from their paychecks if they choose. Unit AFAF project officers will be making 100 percent contact with active-duty personnel about the program; other personnel wishing to make an AFAF donation should contact their unit AFAF project officers for information. Affiliate Charities: • The Air Force Aid Society: provides Airmen and their families worldwide with emergency financial assistance, education assistance and various base-level community enhancement programs. • The Air Force Enlisted Village: supports Teresa Village in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., and Bob Hope Village in Shalimar, Fla., near Eglin Air Force Base. The fund provides homes and financial assistance to retired enlisted members' widows and widowers who are 55 and older. It also supports Hawthorn House in Shalimar which provides assisted living for residents, including 24-hour nursing care. • The Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation: donations support independent and assisted living needs for retired officers and their spouses, widows or widowers and family members. Communities are located in San Antonio. • The Gen. and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation: provides rent and financial assistance to widows and widowers of officer and enlisted retirees in their homes and communities through financial grants of assistance. The campaign runs through March 27 – May 12, 2017. The goal for Travis AFB is to meet or exceed $103,305. For Air Force Assistance Fund information, visit http://www.afassistancefund.org. You can find information about all of the affiliate charities, a link to the donation forms, videos, assistance stories and frequently asked questions. For more information about the AFAF, Travis AFB points of contact are: Capt. Aisha Lockett, 60th Force Support Squadron, (707) 424-4070 Master Sgt. Ryan Collins, 860th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, (707) 424-6999