F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- The 90th Missile Wing kicked off the Air Force Assistance Fund season with a ceremony at the Trails End club on F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Feb. 27, 2023.
The AFAF is an annual effort to raise funds for charities that provide support to Air Force members in need, including active duty, retirees, reservists, guard, dependents and surviving spouses. This year’s campaign will run from Feb. 27 to mid-June; however, the wing wants to have fundraising goals met by late May, 2023.
"The Air Force Assistance Fund is a real game changer for a lot of Airmen, helping them during bad circumstances," said Col. Catherine Barrington, 90th Missile Wing commander. "With every donation, Airmen have the very real opportunity to 'take care of our own' and support our brother and sister Airmen and Guardians in need."
Those charities include the Air Force Village Foundation, the Air Force Aid Society, the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation and the Air Force Enlisted Village. The four charities provide support in an emergency, with educational needs, or help to secure a retirement home for widows or widowers of Air Force members in need of financial assistance.
AFAF was initiated in 1942 to provide security for Air Force families, with the intent of ensuring troops can focus on the mission without worrying about financial distress.
"When I was an active-duty supervisor and then a first sergeant, I utilized the Air Force Assistance Fund as a tool in my supervisory toolbox," said Ron Navarra, Community Readiness Consultant at the Military and Family Readiness Center. "For over a decade, I have written checks totaling tens of thousands of dollars to help Airmen and their families across the 90th Missile Wing, from as little as $100 for food to $6,000 for home repairs. Air Force Aid has been there to help our Airmen and their families during their time of need.”
Over the course of the last few years, the fund has implemented options to make donating easier, particularly using an online option.
"Donating to the Air Force Assistance Fund is simple, whether it's done traditionally or online, and they can be made as a one-time or a monthly gift,” said Master Sgt. Jamie Smith, assistant installation project officer for the 2023 campaign. "However, traditional donations allow more flexibility in donating to a specific charity of choice within the fund.”
Last year, the wing surpassed its goal by more than $3,000, raising $40,884 in donations throughout the campaign. While this year’s goal has been set to $23,121, the team is hopeful that they can surpass that amount, just like last year.
“Both Lt Hicks and I are competitive and realize we need buy in from commanders and chiefs throughout the wing if we plan on beating that goal,” said Smith. “We are extremely motivated to surpass that lofty goal, so we brainstormed on some fundraising ideas to include a bowling tournament and a Polar Plunge in an effort to raise additional funds.”
All money given to Airmen in need come from donations throughout the year, according to the Air Force Assistance Fund website.
Donations can be made directly through AFAF’s website, by texting “AFAF” to 50155 or scanning the QR code above. Civilians cannot be solicited but are invited to contribute. For more information about AFAF and its charities, please visit www.afassistancefund.org.