AFAF donations up $800,000 Published June 24, 2003 RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) -- Airmen are giving more than $5.9 million to this year's Air Force Assistance Fund campaign -- $800,000 more than last year, according to Air Force Personnel Center officials here.The fund raises money for four Air Force-related charities that benefit active-duty, Reserve, Guard and retired Air Force people, as well as surviving spouses and families."The 2003 fund-raising campaign was a resounding success," said Col. Gary Smith, who is in charge of field activities here. "From the amounts of money donated, it's obvious that airmen appreciate the fact that these charities really help Air Force people."This year's donations exceeded the $4.8 million goal by 22 percent, said John Lowrance, the fund coordinator. About 70 percent of donations are designated for the Air Force Aid Society, the largest of the four charities. "Since September 11, 2001, requests for (Air Force Aid Society) assistance increased 13 percent," said retired Lt. Gen. Mike McGinty, Air Force Aid Society's chief executive officer. "In 2002, we helped 34,000 people with $24.1 million of assistance -- that's a lot of help." During the campaign, airmen can contribute to one or more charities through cash, check or payroll deduction. The charities include the Air Force Aid Society, the Air Force Enlisted Foundation, the Air Force Village Indigent Widow's Fund and the Gen. and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation.This was the campaign’s 30th year. For more information, visit http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/votefund. (Courtesy of AFPC News Service)