AFAF kicks off Published March 26, 2009 By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Williams 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The Air Force Assistance Fund kicked off its 2009 campaign during a ceremony at the education center March 23. "The AFAF is one area where we can help ourselves and our fellow Airmen," said Col. Dean Anderson, 20th Fighter Wing vice commander. "Air Force Aid has had a direct impact to the people of Shaw." The AFAF was established to raise funds for charitable organizations that provide support to Airmen and their families. Those organizations include the Air Force Village Foundation, Air Force Aid Society, Inc., General and Mrs. Curtis E. Lemay Foundation and the Air Force Enlisted Village, Inc. These organizations assist with aid in emergencies, educational needs, or provide a secure retirement home for widows, or widowers, of Air Force members in need of financial assistance. "Our goal is to raise $98,464," said Capt. Archie Godwin, 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron and Shaw's AFAF Installation Project Officer. "If everyone donates (about) 35 cents a week ($17 a year), we would reach our goal. That's less than the cost of one soda a week." "Other programs funded through the AFAF at Shaw are the Phone Home Program for our deployed Airmen and the Give Parents a Break Program," Col. Anderson said. "That's what the Air Force family is all about - Airmen helping Airmen. "More than 350 Airmen received assistance totaling almost $311,000 in 2008," he said. "This would not have been possible without your generous contributions." During the ceremony, Col. Anderson read a letter sent to the AFAS from a Master Sergeant who received assistance after his infant son died due to a rare birth defect. The Master Sergeant wrote, "Air Force Aid stepped up and paid for all of our funeral expenses, the graveside marker and the travel costs for my family. We cannot begin to thank the AFAS enough. The monetary relief took away a huge burden and allowed us to completely focus on the details of our son's funeral arrangements and that was extremely important to our family. The AFAS representative at the family support center did an exceptional job. I am truly thankful for the AFAS and will definitely donate to our charity year after year." Those interested in donating to the AFAF should contact their unit AFAF point of contact. For more information on the AFAF, log onto www.afassistancefund.org.