Travis surpasses goal in AFAF campaign

  • Published
  • By Nick DeCicco
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE, Calif. --  Travis exceeded its goal in the annual Air Force Assistance Fund campaign, which concluded May 3, recording some of the highest totals in the service.

The base raised $147,598 this spring, surpassing its goal of $131,388 by more than $16,000, said Maj. Adam Rosado, 6th Air Refueling Squadron chief of mobility and a plan officer for the AFAF campaign.

The figures put them at No. 1 in Air Mobility Command and No. 3 in the Air Force as of Tuesday, according to Rosado.

Rosado said the key to the base's success was making face-to-face contact with Airmen as well as creativity on the part of the designated group and squadron representatives for the fundraiser. Doughnut sales, car washes, golf tournaments and more were used to rake in funds.
Rosado said he took a turn in a dunk tank in an effort to bring in the bucks.

"It was extremely cold," he said with a laugh. "It was early in the morning, so I didn't have time to warm up."

Senior Master Sgt. Kenneth Kunze, 60th Communications Squadron operations flight superintendent and assistant AFAF plan officer, said the face-to-face contact goes a long way.

"Really, if you focus on that, you'd be surprised how much money comes in," he said.

Rosado said one tactic which helped the drive this year was identifying the partner units and points of contact within them.

The cumulative total exceeded last year's $142,673, although Rosado said the annual goal is dictated by the base's population, not the previous year's intake.

This year marked the 40th year for the campaign, which primarily raises funds for the Air Force Villages, Air Force Aid Society, the General and Mrs. Curtis LeMay Foundation and the Air Force Enlisted Village.

"Obviously, it's got a long legacy of helping Airmen and their families," Kunze said.

Rosado said the campaign makes a difference in the lives of Airmen.

"It's something that is very beneficial to the Airmen and their families, not just retirees or active-duty Airmen," he said. "It really does make a difference when people contribute."

While Travis' drive has concluded, the campaign has not ended Air Force wide. For more information on the charitable affiliates and the campaign, visit www.afassistancefund.org.