Air Force Assistance Fund campaign ends May 4 Published April 16, 2008 RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) -- There is still time for Airmen to make a contribution to the Air Force Assistance Fund campaign, which began Feb. 12 and ends May 4. As of April 15, this year's AFAF campaign is $2.2 million short of its $5.7 million goal. Last year, Airmen exceeded the campaign goal of $5.3 million with more than $7.2 million. Now in its 35th year, 100 percent of designated Air Force Assistance Fund contributions benefit active-duty, Reserve, Guard, retired Air Force people, surviving spouses and families. "The AFAF has a long tradition of providing critical assistance to members of our Air Force family," said Master Sgt. Steve Dawson, the Air Force's fundraising programs manager. "Whether they become victims of natural disasters or endure the personal hardships of deployments, accidents, illness, aging or death, these charities are there to provide fast and reliable help." Senior Airman Jonathan Graff, an aircraft refueler from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, experienced this support firsthand in 2006 when the Air Force Aid Society -- one of the Air Force's four official Air Force charities -- stepped in to help his family. AFAS provided needed assistance, so he and his wife could visit their infant son who had to stay at a children's hospital for six months because of multiple birth defects. The hospital, located in Salt Lake City, was a 45-minute, one-way daily commute for the parents. "Even when our vehicle broke down and we couldn't drive to see our son, they helped us get our car fixed," Airman Graff said. "I can't even begin to thank AFAS enough for all they've done for me and my family." People can contribute cash, check or money order or use payroll deductions for: -- The Air Force Aid Society, which provides Airmen and their families with worldwide emergency financial assistance, education assistance and an array of base level community-enhancement programs. Base staff members at Airman and family readiness centers have full details on programs and eligibility requirements. Information is also available at http://www.afas.org/. -- The Air Force Enlisted Village Indigent Widows' Fund, which supports the Air Force Village in Shalimar, Fla., near Eglin Air Force Base. The fund provides homes and financial assistance to indigent widows and widowers of retired enlisted people 55 and older. More information is available at http://www.afenlistedwidows.org. -- The Air Force Villages Indigent Widows' Fund, which supports the Air Force Village in San Antonio, a life-care community for retired officers, spouses, widows or widowers and family members. The Air Force Villages Web site is http://www.airforcevillages.com. -- The General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation, which provides rent and financial assistance to indigent widows and widowers of officers and enlisted people in their own homes and communities. The LeMay Foundation Web site is http://www.afvw.com/lemay.html. Contributions to the AFAF are tax deductible. For more information, visit the Air Force Assistance Fund's Web site at http://afassistancefund.org/. Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page