Team Travis benefits from Air Force Assistance Fund

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Annalee Thurber
  • 21st Airlift Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Each year, the Air Force Assistance Fund brings in hundreds of thousands of dollars that go to each of the four Air Force charities supported by this annual campaign. The Air Force Aid Society is the only charity that can be found at each and every Air Force base. 

Typically located in the Airmen and Family Readiness Center, the AFAS helps people every day during times of need. Financial assistance is offered as a means to help people overcome the hardships they face in life. As such, money is loaned out, interest free, to people who need help with anything from everyday living expenses to emergency travel needs. Team Travis is no exception. 

This past year, several members of Team Travis benefited from the resources and proceeds collected during the AFAF. One such client came to the AFRC in need of help to purchase an airline ticket for his mother to visit Travis. His son was terminally ill and he needed extra help in caring for him during his last days. The AFAS offered him a grant, which allowed his mother to come and provide the assistance he needed. In response to this kind offer, the member was speechless and overcome with joy and gratitude. As a result, he was able to give his son extra comfort and love during his final days on earth. 

Another client came to the AFRC in need of financial assistance with everyday living expenses. He was going through a divorce and had to move out of his home. With the extra rent and bills to pay, the AFAS was able to help him make ends meet until his divorce was final and his financial situation was stable once again. He was so thankful the AFAS came to his rescue. 

One last example of how the AFAF helps Team Travis ... a brand new spouse arrived at Travis with three children. Her husband just left for his first deployment. Not knowing where to go to get assistance with vehicle repairs, she came to the AFRC. The AFAS was able to help her get the repairs she needed, while learning about other spouse-support programs the AFRC offers: the Deployed Spouses Dinner, the Give-Parents-A-Break program, and the Car Care Because We Care vouchers. She was touched by the help she received and said she was proud to be a military spouse. 

As a reminder, the 2009 Travis Air Force Assistance Fund campaign is up and running, and will continue through April 20. A multitude of fundraisers will take place throughout the campaign, to include a Bowl-a-thon on April 3, and a Golf Tournament on April 13. 

Additionally, every Friday there will be a bake sale. See the base marquee, the Commander's Access Channel, the Team Travis Sharepoint Home page and listen to the Travis Radio Station (AM 890) for all the event details. The AFAF campaign is designed to help the Air Force Family. 

At Team Travis, let's work together to reach our goal of raising $115, 449.00. To contribute, contact your squadron representative to fill out a donation form.