The Gen. and Mrs. Curtis LeMay Foundation: Providing aid to spouses

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The Air Force Assistance Fund drive passed its midway point with Team Minot reaching 55 percent of its intended goal for donations thus far.

A total of $48,365 has been donated here at Minot Air Force Base. This year's fundraising goal is $88,265.

Among the four designated charities that comprise the AFAF, is the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation which offers aid to widows of Air Force retirees, both officers and enlisted, through financial grants of assistance.

The foundation's mission statement says they believe military spouses are entitled to a decent standard of living, entitled to live with dignity, and entitled to be proud of their service.

Gen. Curtis E. LeMay, the fifth chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force, began the Foundation with a $75,000 private donation he received to be used in any way he desired. LeMay chose to use it to help out officers' widows who were in need of financial assistance.

Along with his wife Helen LeMay, he had already been working hard to provide for better housing and pay for Airmen and helping to start housing programs throughout different bases. A common motto for the LeMays was 'taking care of our own.'

Mrs. LeMay's involvement with families may have had a big influence on the general's decision to support widows and initiate the foundation. Mrs. LeMay had been part of support group for families and wives.

Currently, 87 percent of every donation received by the foundation is disbursed to widows in need.

Whether it's through monthly assistance to spouses in need or a one-time grant to help offset emergency or unexpected expenses, the foundation is determined to look out for the women who served alongside their husbands.

As the AFAF drive continues, members here at Minot are encouraged to donate and are reminded their contributions ultimately benefit their fellow wingmen and families.

For those interested in helping Team Minot reach its goal, please contact your unit's keyworker or visit http://www.afassistancefund.org/.