Air Force Assistance Fund: Helping the Air Force Family, Part 1

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Annalee Thurber
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  As the 2009 Travis Air Force Assistance Fund drive kicks off, it's important to take a closer look at each of the charities that directly benefit from the campaign. This week let's talk about the Air Force Aid Society. 

The Air Force Aid Society was founded as a non-profit organization in 1942 by members of the Army Air Corps and the World War II Air Forces who wanted to take care of their own. Today, it is the official charity of the Air Force. 

The AFAS was built upon the concept of promoting the Air Force mission by upholding a three-pronged charter: provide world-wide emergency assistance to Air Force members and their families, sponsor education assistance programs, and offer a variety of base community enhancement programs. In 2008, the AFAS donated $24.3 million towards fulfilling this charter. 

Emergency assistance is provided primarily through the Airman and Family Readiness Center located on base. Local officials have the ability to approve most requests. 

Additionally, the AFAS issues Falcon loans and grants - interest-free loans given for such purposes as food, rent, utilities, car repair and some medical-care costs. In 2008, $13.7 million was dedicated strictly to emergency assistance. 

Education assistance programs include education grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance. In the coming year, the AFAS will give out 3,000 scholarships, each at $2,000 a piece. In 2008, more than $8 million was dedicated solely to education programs. 

Community enhancement programs include several different child-care programs, respite care, spouse orientation and employment programs, and phone and car-repair programs. In 2008, $2.6 million was dedicated to helping improve the Air Force community. 

In order to provide this large amount of support, the AFAS is overseen at any time by 18 to 23 board members, with active duty representatives including the Chief of Staff of the Air Force. Air Force officials are directly involved in AFAS activities from top to bottom. 

The primary source of income for the AFAS is the annual Air Force Assistance Fund campaign. The money received by the AFAS from the AFAF is put directly to use in helping Air Force members and their families. For further information on the Air Force Aid Society, visit their Web site at www.afas.org. 

The 2009 Travis Air Force Assistance Fund drive kicked off on March 9 and runs through April 20. A multitude of fundraisers will take place throughout the campaign, to include a golf tournament, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, a Travis Top 3 sausage-wrap drive and a civilian clothes day. Additionally, every Friday there will be a bake sale. 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.