LAJES FIELD, Azores (AFNEWS) --   When hard times come, Airmen should not hesitate to ask for help. One Lajes Field Airmen was in need so he turned to the Air Force Aid Society.

Senior Airmen Matthew Reindl works in the 65th Air Base Wing Finance Office by day, and is a husband and father of three by night. 

"Since we've been here at Lajes, we had to go home for a family funeral," Airman Reindl said. The family did interest free loans for air fare and hotel expenses in order to go home. 

Airman Reindl said his experiences with the Air Force Aid Society have made his own Air Force Assistance Fund contributions even more meaningful to him, an experience he shares with other Airmen in need. 

"Working in finance, I see ... other people in the military having problems," the Airman said. "At that point you can suggest, 'We might not be able to do much for you, but the Air Force Aid Society and other associations might be able to help you out.'" 

The Air Force Assistance Fund is an annual fund-raiser designed to raise money for charities that support military members and their families. Airmen have four charities to choose from to make a donation; the Air Force Aid Society, the Air Force Village Foundation, the Air Force Enlisted Village Foundation, and the Curtis E. Lemay Foundation. 

The official end date for the Air Force Assistance Fund is May 4. Airmen can make contributions through their unit AFAF representatives. For more information on contributing and the organizations, visit the AFAF Web site at: www.afassistancefund.org. 

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