JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- The 2021 Air Force Assistance Fund campaign kicked off March 22 and will run through 30 April, 2021 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.
The AFAF campaign is an annual fundraising effort among Air Force and Space Force personnel for the benefit of their families. Contributions support four non-profit AFAF charities that provide financial support for Airmen, Guardians, National Guardsmen and Reservists, as well as spouses, immediate family members and veterans.
“Donating to AFAF is all about supporting our own,” said U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Jack Kemp, 673d Air Base Wing AFAF 2021 coordinator. “At its core the money raised supports those in need. The best thing about AFAF is that the money raised goes right back to supporting fellow Airmen and Guardians.”
The charities which benefit from the AFAF are the Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Enlisted Village, Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation, and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation.
In a memo released on March 22, U.S. Air Force Col. Kirsten Aguilar, JBER and 673d Air Base Wing commander, calls for JBER to pay it forward and support their teammates.
“We are a family and AFAF allows us to give what we can and pay it forward to our fellow Airmen and Guardians so they have the assistance when they need it most,” Aguilar said.
Every unit has a key worker who will be visiting to ensure 100% contact. Key workers will explain the four charities to their units, answer questions about the program, and assist with the donating process.
The Air Force Enlisted Village provides financial assistance and homes for retired enlisted and their spouses as well as widowed or widowers age 55 and older.
Similarly, the Air Force Villages supports independent and assisted living needs for retired officers and their spouses as well as their widows or widowers and family members.
The General and Mrs. Curtis E. Lemay Foundation provides monetary grants for surviving spouses of retirees. Grants include one-time payments to help alleviate unexpected expenses and monthly assistance.
Contributions to the AFAF are strictly voluntary and tax-deductible. Donations can be sent directly to the AFAF website.
Kemp says e-giving is the easiest way for donators to contribute.
“It is super convenient and easy to e-give this year. Simply go to the donation site or text AFAF to 50155,” said Kemp.
For more information on the AFAF campaign, visit www.afassistancefund.org or contact your unit’s key worker.