Travis to kick off AFAF campaign March 19

  • Published
  • By Capt. Vanessa Hillman
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The Air Force Assistance Fund campaign is scheduled to kick off here March 19 and will last until April 27.

The AFAF was established to provide an annual effort to raise funds for the charitable affiliates that provide support to the Air Force family (active duty, retirees, Reservists, Guard and their family members, including surviving spouses) in need.

These organizations are the Air Force Enlisted Village Foundation, the Air Force Village Foundation, the Air Force Aid Society and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation.

These organizations help Air Force people with aid in emergency, educational needs, and have a secure retirement home for widows and widowers of Air Force members in need of financial assistance.

"It is the only true Air Force fundraiser; all the money raised goes directly back to the Air Force community," said Capt. Scott Knerr, AFAF campaign manager.

According to Captain Knerr, the goal for Team Travis for 2007 is $110,363 and to have 100 percent contact for all Travis members. Travis exceeded the 2006 goal by 18 percent.

"My personal goal is to have 100 percent contact and give everyone the option to give back to their Air Force community, whether it is pocket change or payroll deduction," he said.

There are three major events planned to coincide with the AFAF drive: a Krispy Kreme doughnut sale April 4 with pre-orders the week prior, the annual Top 3 Chili Cook-off April 13 and the AFAF Golf Tournament April 26 at the Cypress Lakes Golf Course.

To bring people together for the common cause, Captain Knerr has solicited unique ideas such as "Mustache March Madness" to raise participation and awareness.

"Mustache March Madness" is a campaign in the 22nd Airlift Squadron run by 1st Lt. Mark Enriques. The unique idea combines the not-so-well-known aircrew tradition of growing out their mustache in March with the AFAF Campaign and making it an interesting fundraiser.

Members of the 22nd AS are collecting donations to help encourage the mustache growth throughout March. If the member currently has a mustache they collect donations to shave it off.

The unique program got a jump-start Feb. 28 during wing standup when Col. Steve Arquiette, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander, personally shaved off Senior Master Sgt. William Griesemer, 22nd AS flight engineer superintendent's mustache in front of the wing's leadership. By then, Sergeant Griesemer had already collected more than $310 in donations.

"The Air Force Assistance Fund campaign is vital to our base community and that's not just lip service, if you pardon the pun," Colonel Arquiette said after shaving off Sergeant William Griesemer's mustache. "What I like about the 22nd Airlift Squadron's unique campaign is it's a fresh idea that puts a different spin on traditional fund raising techniques."

In a short time, the campaign has taken on a life of its own with spin-offs and has been personalized with other unique ideas.

One example would be a fundraising idea Capt. Joy Shuck, 60th Operations Group executive officer, came up with. When she heard of the 22nd's "Mustache March Madness" campaign she thought it was a great idea, but for obvious reasons could not participate in that particular event.

"I was trying to figure out how I could help out," she said.

An idea didn't take long to formulate.

"My husband, Capt. Jeff Shuck, a 6th Air Refueling Squadron pilot, is deployed right now and, as usual, he and his crew grew mustaches," she said. "He loves his, but I can't stand it. So, we decided to have a friendly competition to decide if he can keep it for the rest of the month."

Captain Shuck's plan consists of two pledge envelopes placed on her desk; one with a picture of her husband with a mustache and one without. Members are invited to view the photos and "vote" by placing donations in the envelope with the preferred photo.

"The envelope with the most money in it by the time he returns March 17 will decide whether it stays or goes," Captain Shuck said.

Contact your squadron or group representative for more information on each organization and for donation slips.

For information about AFAF, starting a "Mustache March Madness" campaign or any other unique fund raising ideas, contact Captain Knerr at Scott.knerr@travis.af.mil.