Time running out to donate to Assistance Fund Published April 7, 2011 By Capt. Sarah Hooker 90th Medical Support Squadron F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- It's that time of year again when Airmen at Air Force Global Strike Command's F. E. Warren Air Force Base get a chance to lend critical support to fellow Airmen and their families by contributing to the Air Force Assistance Fund Campaign. The AFAF was established 69 years ago to help with emergency needs, family support and educational assistance to active-duty, retired, enlisted, officer, Reserve, Guard and their families. All donations 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. In 2010, Warren Airmen provided financial assistance through Air Force Aid Society loans and grants to 192 members, totaling $106,450. In addition to providing help for individuals and family members, funding is also available through community enhancement programs such as Car Care, Give Parents a Break, childcare for permanent change of station, local education and spouse orientation. A total of $14,883 was paid out in support of these community programs last year. The AFAS is the official charity of the Air Force. The AFAS Operations Guide states 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 immediate needs during an emergency situation and encourage lasting solutions to financial difficulties. Members' donations directly contribute to aiding those in financial need, and this year, Warren is determined to exceed the campaign goal. Last year, Warren exceeded its goal of $51,750. Without the direct contributions and participation of Air Force service members, these assistance programs would not be possible. The campaign will run until April 15. Commanders, first sergeants and supervisors can always provide more information on Air Force Aid programs. Contact the local Air Force Aid representative for further assistance at 773-2216 during normal duty hours, or receive after-hours emergency assistance through first sergeants. For more information, contact the base project officer, Capt. Sarah Hooker, 90th Medical Support Squadron, at 773-6248, or one of Warren's group project officers listed below. 20th Air Force - Master Sgt. Robert Gorman 90th Missile Wing - Capt. Justin Lonergan 90th Security Forces Group - Master Sgt. Dana Patterson 90th Operations Group - 1st Lt. Peter Dobbins 90th Mission Support Group - Senior Master Sgt. Guillermo Martinez 90th Maintenance Group - Staff Sgt. Andrew Stovall 90th Medical Group - Tech. Sgt. Ana O'Neill 15th Munitions Squadron - Staff Sgt. Michael Bordner 30th Airlift Squadron - 1st Lt. Catherine Donnell