Air Force Assistance Fund campaign begins

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Hugo Petersen
  • 319th Missile Squadron
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  Now is the time to help out fellow Airmen. This year's Air Force Assistance Fund "Commitment to Caring" campaign, from Feb. 6 to March 16, provides Airmen the opportunity to contribute to help with emergency needs, family support, and educational assistance to active duty, retired, enlisted, officers, reserve/guard, their families and widows or widowers.

One-hundred percent of designated AFAF contributions and gifts go directly to four charitable organizations: the Air Force Villages, Inc.; the Air Force Aid Society, Inc.; the General and Mrs. LeMay Foundation; and the Air Force Enlisted Villages, Inc. These organizations financially help members of the Air Force family in an emergency, with educational needs, or to provide a retirement home for Air Force widows and widowers.

The AFAS is the official charity of the Air Force. The AFAS Operations Guide states that the charter was developed to promote the Air Force mission by helping to relieve the distress of Air Force members and their families and assist in financial aspects of their education. This is accomplished through the basic philosophy of AFAS assistance - to meet the immediate needs during an emergency situation and encourage lasting solutions to financial difficulties.

Donations directly contribute to aiding those in financial need and this year it is expected, once again, to exceed the campaign goal. Last year, F. E. Warren exceeded its goal of $54,214, and this year wing leadership would like to have even greater success and support than in the past to allow the AFAF to continue providing financial and emergency assistance as the need arises. Without Airmen's direct contributions and participation, these assistance programs would not be possible.

Those who donate will continue to provide a great benefit to Air Force members and their families, so please remember that even a small donation will help a family in a tremendous way. If one wants to contribute or needs additional information about the many aspects of the AFAF please contact the installation project officer, 1st Lt. Hugo Petersen, 319th Missile Squadron or one of the group project officers listed below.
90th Missile Wing - Capt. Tom Burks, 90th MW legal office
90th Security Forces Group - Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Higginbottom, 90th SFG
90th Operations Group - 1st Lt. ReShard Wagstaff, 319th MS
90th Mission Support Group - Master Sgt. Gust Hirvela, 90th Civil Engineer Squadron
90th Maintenance Group - 2nd Lt. Talon Pope, 90th Missile Maintenance Squadron
90th Medical Group - Capt. Tobie Wethington, 90th Medical Support Squadron

Commanders, first sergeants, or supervisors can provide more information on Air Force Aid programs. One may also contact the local Air Force Aid representative for further assistance at 773-2216 during normal duty hours, or receive after-hours emergency assistance through one's first sergeant.