AFAF kicks off at Osan

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Stefanie Torres
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Every year the Air Force sets aside six weeks to raise money for charities that allow Airmen to help other Airmen in critical need of support. The Air Force prides itself on the wingman concept, and the AFAF is built on the foundation of giving back.

Osan Air Base kicked off the AFAF campaign that will run from Mar. 5 to April 13, 2012, with a total goal of raising $100,841.

"I appreciate the time and effort you are giving for this foundation," said Col. Patrick McKenzie, 51st Fighter Wing commander during the kick-off breakfast. "Our focus is not on giving more to Airmen, but for more Airmen giving."

The AFAF is made up of charities whose benefits are only available to those in the Air Force family. The Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Enlisted Village, Air Force Village, and the Gen. and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation provide benefits to Airmen and their families in various ways. Approximatley 95 cents of every dollar goes to the foundation of choice, and can be made by cash, check or payroll deduction.

"This is an annual effort of support to our Air Force family," said Maj. Erich Wanagat, 51st Fighter Wing AFAF officer.

AFAS has provided worldwide emergency assistance since 1942. It offers more than $10 million in emergency grants and interest-free loans to eligible Airmen and their family members since inception, whether it is through death in the family, car repairs or basic living expenses.

The Air Force Enlisted Village helps spouses of retired enlisted Air Force members who are homeless or living in less than desirable conditions. AFEV also offers a home to mothers of active duty and retired military members and provides temporary housing to surviving spouses of Airmen who have died on active duty.

The LeMay Foundation awards grants to enlisted and officer retirees' spouses. Primary beneficiaries include stalwart widows who supported their families and active duty spouses, but whose incomes falls below the poverty line. The foundation also gives one-time grants for those needing wheelchairs or prosthetics.

The Air Force Village is a retirement community that cares for retired Air Force officers' widows who need financial assistance. AFV has provided over $13 million in confidential support to approximately 500 widowed spouses since 1970.

For information on how to donate, contact your unit AFAF representative.