Charity ball benefits Airmen in big way Published April 6, 2004 By Capt. Elizabeth Ortiz 11th Wing Public Affairs BOLLING AIR FORCE BASE, D.C. (AFPN) -- The Air Force Aid Society was the benefactor as Airmen of all ranks and top Air Force civilian leaders came out in full force at the first Air Force charity ball April 3 at the officers club here.The event raised more than $270,000 for the AFAS from individual and corporate contributions, said Gen. John P. Jumper, Air Force chief of staff. This surpassed the goal of $200,000.“This is a great night for Air Force aid, a way for the Air Force family to help other members of the Air Force family,” said Ellen Jumper, honorary chairperson for the ball and General Jumper’s wife. “We’re so pleased with all the support.”Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James Roche; F. Whitten Peters, former SECAF; former Secretary of Defense William Cohen; Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Richard Myers; and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald Murray were among the 700 guests.The AFAS comes to the rescue to meet special family problems or needs the government cannot fund, such as airline tickets during emergencies or car repairs.“We do this for our great Airmen serving around the world, and we do plan to make this an annual event,” General Jumper said. “There’s never been a time of greater need in our Air Force than we have right now.”“None of this would’ve been possible without the vision and efforts of the Jumpers,” said retired Lt. Gen. Mike McGinty, Air Force Aid Society chief executive officer. “This will enable us [AFAS] to help troops and their families around the world wherever, whenever and however they need it.”