"Commitment to caring:" AFAF campaign begins March 19

  • Published
  • By Capt. Scott Knerr
  • AFAF campaign manager
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  March 19 marks the beginning of the annual six-week Air Force Assistance Fund campaign, the only fundraiser for charitable organizations established to support Air Force personnel and their families.

The AFAF campaign supports four charitable organizations: the Air Force Enlisted Village, Inc., Air Force Village Foundation, Air Force Aid Society, Inc., and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation. These organizations support the total Air Force family; active duty, retirees, Reservists, guard and their families, including surviving spouses.

Three of the organizations focus on helping surviving widows and widowers. The AFEV, the AFV and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation. These organizations contribute to the living and health care expenses of qualified widows and widowers.

The fourth organization, AFAS, is the official charity of the Air Force. It was chartered to assist in relieving financial emergencies faced by Air Force members and their families. Further information about all four of the charitable organizations can be found on the Web site www.afassistancefund.org.

The Air Force Aid Society typically disburses about $11 million per year in direct emergency assistance. Qualifying members are given interest-free loans or grants during personal and family emergencies. Aid can be given for such purposes as food, rent, utilities, essential car repair and certain medical and dental care.

Local officials like Maria McIntosh, Travis Air Force Aid Officer, have the latitude to approve most emergency assistance. Unique cases are handled quickly, around-the-clock by AFAS Headquarters in Arlington, Va. and by AFAS representatives at the Air Force Personnel Center, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.

Mrs. McIntosh recently assisted two Team Travis members during times of need.

Staff Sgt. Jesse Thorn, 60th Maintenance Operations Squadron, Assistant Engine Manager, is one member who was helped. His vehicle recently experienced a transmission failure that cost $3,200 to repair. From previous experience with the AFAS, Sergeant Thorn created a budget, filled out necessary paperwork online and then scheduled a visit.

"Maria McIntosh at the Travis Family Support Center was very concerned about the situation with my family; especially my finances. She wanted to make sure I didn't put myself into debt," said Sergeant Thorn. With this in mind, the two went over the budget and came up with a repayment plan of 24 months automatically deducted from Sergeant Thorn's pay. "The following day I had a check in hand and my truck back," said Sergeant Thorn, "it was that easy."

Another Team Travis member recently helped is Senior Airman Jacqueline Ruhf, 60th Medical Operations Squadron, medical technician, when her mother-in-law had medical complications while going in for surgery. Airman Ruhf searched for airline tickets, but could not find tickets for less than $1,200 each. Mrs. McIntosh was able to get them for about $750 each.

All the paperwork and arrangements were made by Mrs. McIntosh so Airman Ruhf, her husband and two young children could prepare for their trip. The total time from notification of her mother-in-law's complications to departing Sacramento was about 24 hours.

"We firmly believe had we not got there as soon as we did, my mother-in-law would have passed away," according to Airman Ruhf.

These are only two of many situations where the Air Force Aid Society has been there to support Team Travis. So please take advantage of the opportunity to help organizations that help Air Force personnel and families when they are most in need and least able to help themselves.

Tax-deductible donations can be made by completing the 2007 AF Form 2561 donation slip. This slip allows you to select one-time cash or check donations or a payroll deduction plan. You also can designate to which organization you want your money to go. The donation slip also acts as your receipt for tax filing purposes.

Contact your squadron or group POC for more information on each organization and for the donation slip.