Annual AFAF campaign wraps up

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Emerald Ralston
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  The Air Force Assistance Fund campaign wrapped up at Malmstrom and Air Force-wide May 4. 

This year's theme was "Commitment to Caring" and Malmstrom alone raised $45,352.25 - just short of the 341st Space Wing's goal of $49,772. 

"Considering our economy, the housing market, gas prices and other expenses facing our society and Airmen today, raising more than 91 percent of our original goal was a great thing," said Master Sgt. Timoteo Silva, 341st Logistics Readiness Squadron and key player in this years AFAF campaign. "The funds that were contributed will definitely assist numerous Airmen in our Air Force." 

The AFAF was established to provide an annual effort to raise funds for charitable affiliates that provide support to the Air Force family, including active-duty, retirees, Reservists, Guardsmen, family members and surviving spouses in need. The organizations included are the Air Force Enlisted Village Foundation, the Air Force Villages Foundation, Air Force Aid Society, and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation. These organizations help Air Force personnel with aid in an emergency, with educational needs, or to have a secure retirement home for widows or widowers of Air Force members in need of financial assistance. 

"By contributing to this campaign, we are simply taking care of our own," Sergeant Silva said. "Ninety-five percent or more of every dollar contributed is actually spent on our mission - assisting Air Force members and their families." 

"The AFAF has a long tradition of providing critical assistance to members of our Air Force family," said Master Sgt. Steve Dawson, the Air Force's fundraising programs manager. "Whether they become victims of natural disasters or endure the personal hardships of deployments, accidents, illness, aging or death, these charities are there to provide fast and reliable help." 

The AFAF and its affiliates receive taxpayer support, and because the AFAF campaign is Air Force people helping Air Force people directly, administrative and fund-raising costs are among the lowest in the Nation. The AFAF affiliates rely largely on voluntary contributions.