Wingmen commit to caring through charity

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Annabel Monroe
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  The Air Force Assistance Fund campaign recently began Air Force-wide in an effort to raise funds and awareness for four different charities that embody the wingman concept.  Malmstrom Air Force Base will kick off their local campaign with an "AFAF Kick-Off Challenge" at the Grizzly Bend Feb. 23 at 10 a.m.

All base personnel are encouraged to attend and donate. The group that has the highest active duty participation on day one will receive some special recognition. There will also be an informational presentation with free doughnuts, fruit and coffee.

The AFAF helps Airmen and their families, to include active duty, retirees, reservists, guardsmen, dependents, surviving spouses and parents. The campaign will run until April 3 at Malmstrom.

Donations can be collected in a lump sum or by payroll deduction, by filling out an AF Form 2561. Both lump-sum donations and forms will be available at the kick-off challenge, or can be provided by an AFAF representative in every squadron or group.

The Air Force Aid Society has offered a unique opportunity and will donate up to $2,500 to Wing One if the monetary goal is met with at least 50 percent active duty participation. The wing leadership team has decided they will provide 50 percent of that amount received to the group that achieves the highest percentage over their monetary goal and also has the highest active duty participation.

"We have the potential to exceed our goal," said Master Sgt. Jason Thompson, Malmstrom AFAF project manager.  "If every individual gave the minimum contribution of $1 a month for one year we could reach $38,028, or 76 percent of our goal!"

Thompson has his sights set a little higher and hopes that for the first time in three years, Malmstrom will meet 100 percent of its goal or $49,647 in contributions.

Contributors can choose from four charities that each have a unique mission:

Air Force Aid Society
Since 1942, AFAS has been there for Airmen during times of need. It covers everyday expenses in times of financial strife, airfare for family emergencies, funerals, educational grants, childcare programs and special equipment to improve quality of life for families. Every dollar donated directly supports an Airman. Last year the AFAS provided $40,687 in loans and grants to Wing One Airmen.  For further information, visit www.afas.org.

Lemay Foundation
The General and Mrs. Curtis E. Lemay foundation provides grants to all retirees' surviving spouses. Grants augment anything from incomes below the poverty line, medical care and minor home repairs, to holiday gifts that include $100 in honor of their sacrifices on Memorial Day and up to $150 during the holidays.  More information can be found at www.lemay-foundation.org.

Air Force Village Charitable Foundation
Since 1970, AFVCF honors widowed officers' spouses who require financial assistance. Surviving spouses are provided a safe, comfortable environment with access to long-term health care surrounded by friends who have faced similar adversities.  One-hundred percent of funds provided directly support the Air Force Village. For further information, visit www.blueskiesoftexas.org.

Air Force Enlisted Village
Since 1975, the AFEV provides support and housing for retired enlisted Airmen, widows and mothers of active duty Airmen. A safe, dignified, caring community is guaranteed for the life of all residents. All of the funds raised help members find a home in independent living or assisted care facilities. More information can be found at www.afev.us.

For further information, contact Master Sgt. Jason Thompson at 731-6109.