Air Force Assistance Fund: Helping the Air Force family, Part 2

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Annalee Thurber
  • 21st Airlift Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  In this week's segment supporting the Air Force Assistance Fund campaign, I would like to talk about the Air Force Village Foundation. 

The Air Force Village Foundation was founded in 1964 by leaders of the Air Force Officers' Wives' Club of Washington, D.C. It was founded to fulfill their vision of providing homes and financial assistance to widows who had no other means of support. As a result of their hard work, today there are two Air Force Village retirement communities located in San Antonio, Texas. 

The two villages are open to any retired, honorably separated military officers from all branches of service, their spouses, widows or widowers and eligible dependents. The mission of the villages states: "the Villages are dedicated to excellent retirement living, with access to continuing health care for military officers who served honorably and their spouses, with priority to retired Air Force officer widows or widowers in need of financial assistance." 

Each of the two villages are self-contained communities that provide a menagerie of support services. Within the 15-acre communities, retirees have the option of independent living, home health care in apartments, assisted living -- including specialized care in the Freedom House for those with Alzheimer's disease -- and skilled nursing care. The facilities include several acres of well-manicured gardens, garden cottages, high-rise apartments, a chapel and much more. Additionally, there are more than 65 events per month planned within the communities, with group shuttle transportation always available. 

Village One was opened in 1970 and became the first military retirement community accredited by the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission. It is conveniently located next to Lackland Air Force Base and its premier medical facilities. Today, it houses more than 500 residents. 

Village Two was opened in 1987. It is located just seven miles away from Village One. Today, it houses more than 700 residents. 

The Air Force Village Foundation is a nonprofit organization. Its sources of income are through fundraisers and donations. As such, the annual Air Force Assistance Fund campaign plays a major role in providing vital funding to the foundation. For further information regarding the Air Force Village Foundation, visit the Web site at www.airforcevillages.com. 

The 2009 Travis Air Force Base 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, including a golf tournament and a 3-on-3 basketball tournament -- both to occur in April. Additionally, every Friday there is a bake sale. The AFAF campaign is designed to help the Air Force family. Team Travis, let's work together to reach our goal of raising $115, 449. To contribute, contact your squadron representative to fill out a donation form.