AFAF fundraising campaign begins Published March 23, 2006 By Maj. Theresa Weems 9th Air Refueling Squadron TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Today marks the beginning of the annual Air Force Assistance Fund campaign, the only fundraiser for charitable organizations established to support Air Force personnel and their families. The campaign runs for six weeks and ends May 4. This single campaign supports four separate organizations. They provide housing and financial aid not only to active duty, Reserve, and guard personnel, but also to dependents, widows and retirees — the entire Air Force family. The AFAF “is your opportunity to support your own and their families,” said Maj. Kenny Harryman, this year’s AFAF Installation Project Officer. Air Force Enlisted Village Indigent Widows’ Foundation The Air Force Enlisted Village Indigent Widows’ Foundation, begun in 1975, is located in Shalimar, Fla., near Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field. One-hundred percent of money collected during the campaign supports the Bob Hope Village, Teresa Village, and Hawthorn House — home to more than 1,625 surviving Air Force spouses. These facilities house indigent dependents, allowing them to safely live among their peers and even move to an assisted-living facility if needed. Air Force Village Indigent Widow’s Foundation The Air Force Village Indigent Widow’s Foundation, established in 1970, is located near Lackland and Randolph AFBs in San Antonio, Texas. It supports two retirement communities which house retired officers, dependents and widows. They also provide a health care center and assisted-living services to all residents. All donations from the AFAF support the housing and health care expenses of needy widows. General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation The General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation is headquartered in Riverside, Calif. Established in 1987 to aid officer’s widows, it now offers aid to surviving spouses of all retired Air Force personnel — both officer and enlisted. The foundation provides ongoing financial aid to spouses left destitute or not covered by the Survivor’s Benefit Plan. Support from the campaign allows these widows and widowers to continue living in their own homes and neighborhoods. The foundation also provides grants for one-time expenses such as wheelchairs, medical procedures and eye glasses. Air Force Aid Society The Air Force Aid Society, headquartered in Arlington, Va., is the official charity of the Air Force. It gives financial help active duty, guard, and Reserve members and their families during emergencies. On average, they give $12 million in assistance annually. The AFAS also supports tuition assistance for spouses, Henry H. Arnold Education Grants, Give Parents a Break, Bundles for Babies and more programs through the Family Support Center. Travis events Three major events are planned to help raise additional funds for the AFAF. The annual Chili Cook-off will be held April 4. The next event will be the second annual AFAF Golf Tournament April 21. The final event will be a Tri-Tip wrap-up barbecue April 28. All proceeds will be evenly disbursed between each of the four charities. Take advantage of these fun events to help organizations that care for Air Force families. Contact your squadron or group representative for more information on each organization and for donation slips. Links to each organization’s Web sites are available at http://www.afassistancefund.org/. Make your commitment to caring for other Air Force members during this campaign.