Taking care of their own, Airmen donate $6.7 million Published July 6, 2004 RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) -- Airmen have given more than $6.7 million to this year's Air Force Assistance Fund campaign, $800,000 more than last year.The fund raises money for four Air Force-related charities that benefit active-duty, Reserve, Guard, retired Airmen, surviving spouses and families. "The 2004 campaign raised more money than any other since 1989 when we had twice as many people in the Air Force," said John Lowrance, project officer for the campaign. "The generous gifts donated by our active-duty, Guard, Reserve and retired members shows a real appreciation for the help these charities provide our Air Force family." This year's campaign was helped by 18,000 new contributors. About 71 percent of donations are designated for the Air Force Aid Society, the largest of the four charities, Mr. Lowrance said. "It’s great news that this year's AFAF campaign was the most successful in years, and as a result, lots of Airmen and their families will benefit from these generous contributions," said retired Lt. Gen. Mike McGinty, Air Force Aid Society's CEO. "Once again it proves that Gen. Hap Arnold's 'Airmen-helping-Airmen' philosophy lives on in today's Air Force." Airmen can contribute to one or more AFAF charities through cash, check or payroll deduction. Besides the Air Force Aid Society, charities include the Air Force Enlisted Foundation, the Air Force Village Indigent Widow's Fund and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation. This was the 31st year for the campaign. For more information on the AFAF, visit www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/votefund and scroll down to the AFAF section. (Courtesy of Air Force Personnel Center News Service)