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AFAF kicks off March 26

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Daniel Phelps
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The 2012 Air Force Assistance Fund campaign kicked off March 23 with an introduction breakfast for commanders, chief master sergeants, first sergeants and the unit project officers at the Carolina Skies Club here.

The AFAF will officially begin March 26 and run through May 4.

Four major charities receive contributions from the AFAF: the Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Villages, Air Force Enlisted Villages and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation.

These charitable affiliates all support the AF family and rely largely on volunteer contributions.

"This base is nothing without our Airmen," said Col. Don Godier, 20th Fighter Wing vice commander. "This is our chance to give back and support our own."

Godier recalled a story of an Airman at one of his previous bases who gave $3,000 because the AFAF had once helped him in a time of need.

"The AFAF meaning changed for me that day," remarked Godier.

Rogers Gardner, 20th Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness director, stressed the importance of the AFAF to the AFRC, and the need for leadership to get the word out about it.

"A lot of young Airmen are completely unaware of the programs that are offered to them through this," said Gardner.

Last year $9 million was given in emergency assistance, $6.5 million given for education assistance, $2.2 million given for community programs and more than 40,000 people were helped, he added.

Shaw Air Force Base's goal is to contribute $107,550, but we would like to reach $215,100, said Chaplain (Capt.) Mitzi Elliott, 20th Fighter Wing chaplain.

Shaw's AFAF campaign will have 22 UPOs that Team Shaw members can contact to contribute to the fund.

For more information contact your UPO or Chaplain Elliott at 895-6088.