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By Airmen, for Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Destinee Sweeney
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  More than 100 Team Shaw members participated in the first Weasel Walk, to kick off the Air Force Assistance Fund, April 10.

Weasel Walk participants walked laps around Memorial Lake to raise money for the AFAF, an organization comprised of four different affiliated charities that provide financial assistance to Airmen, their families and retirees in need.

The affiliated charities include the Air Force Aid Society, the Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation, the LeMay Foundation and the Air Force Enlisted Village.

This year Shaw’s goal is to raise $95,153. Last year, the AFAF provided Team Shaw members with approximately $146,000 in grants and loans.

“I think it’s important we all give back to our (Air Force) community,” said Master Sgt. Courtney Cumberbatch, 20th Component Maintenance Squadron jet engine intermediate maintenance section chief. “A lot of times there are situations that arise we can’t foresee or we don’t have the ability to take care of ourselves. It’s good to give back to people who can’t provide for themselves and help out your fellow Airmen.”

The event featured guest speakers from across base who spoke about the AFAF campaign.

“My grandparents raised me as a child,” said Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Tapley, 20th Component Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion craftsman, who shared her story during the event. “My grandfather passed away in February 2010. I was a brand new Airmen, I had only been in the Air Force for maybe two years and I didn’t have the financial means to take an instant trip home. I talked to a counselor, filled out an application and I got approved for a grant for my plane tickets.”

Before participants started on their walk, 20th Fighter Wing leadership signed donation slips to kick-off this year’s campaign and lead by example.

Team Shaw’s AFAF fundraising campaign is scheduled to be held from April 10 to May 22. Airmen can opt to donate via payroll deductions or at www.afassistancefund.org.