WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – With a theme of “Taking Care of Our Own — For Airmen and Guardians, By Airmen and Guardians,” the Air Force Assistance Fund campaign at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base begins March 18 and runs through April 26.
The annual AFAF drive raises funds for affiliated charities that assist active-duty, Reserve, Guard, and retired Air Force and Guardian personnel and their families, according to Master Sgt. Lindsey Duggins, chief of the 88th Force Support Squadron’s Force Management Section.
Duggins and Master Sgt. Jay Perez from the 88th Medical Group are this year’s installation project managers for the campaign.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be able to help our Airmen in need,” Duggins said, adding this year’s goal is to raise $73,369.
The campaign’s four charities include the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation, Air Force Enlisted Village, Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation and Air Force Aid Society.
These charities provide support in an emergency, with educational needs, or help secure a retirement home for widows or widowers of Air Force members in need of financial assistance.
On a personal level, Perez has seen the tremendous support these AFAF-funded organizations can deliver.
“As a young Airman first class, I was someone that was on the receiving end of this program,” he said. “Being able to give back and be an action officer for this means a lot and is a tremendous honor I don’t take lightly.”
Perez also mentioned the importance of taking care of Airmen and families and how campaign officials intend to reach their $73,369 goal.
“The most important part of this responsibility is to get the word out,” he added, “no matter what way we can do that. From social media, word of mouth, visiting work centers, just making people aware of this program and all the good it does to look after our people.”
AFAF enhances the Air Force and Space Force missions by providing emergency financial assistance, educational support, and community programs for Air Force and Space Force families.
Donations can be made directly through AFAF’s website at www.afassistancefund.org/index.php/donate or by texting “AFAF” to 50155. Civilians cannot be solicited but are invited to contribute.
The e-giving platforms allow members to donate one time or monthly to any of the four charities using a credit or debit card. The website also provides instructions for sending a check, cashier’s check or money order. Active-duty, retirees and eligible guardsmen/reservists can make a deduction up to 12 months.
Campaign leaders say any donation can go far in someone’s life. AFAF contributions may be tax-deductible.
For more information, contact a unit project officer or visit www.afassistancefund.org.
You can also reach out to Master Sgt. Lindsey Duggins at lindsey.duggins@us.af.mil or Master Sgt. Jay Perez at johnmarth.d.perez.mil@health.mil.