AFAF: Supporting the Aid Society

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  For approximately 70 years now, the Air Force Aid Society has contributed and continues to provide millions of dollars in assistance to Air Force members and families.

Being one of only four charities which receive donations through the Air Force Assistance Fund, it's important to reflect upon the significance of supporting organizations which offer direct assistance to fellow Airmen here and across the globe.

The Society is distinct from similar private non-profit organizations in that assistance provided caters to only Air Force active duty, retired, Guardsmen and reservists, including their families. The types of assistance offered range from emergency relief funds, to educational grants and scholarships to funding for community-based programs like child care services for volunteers.

In 2011, the AFAF drive provided approximately $4.5 million in donations to the Society. During this time the fund also provided nearly $18 million in financial support to over 40,000 Air Force members and families.

Apportioned donations received from those who gave during the AFAF drive accounted for 25 percent of the assistance offered to members and families.

During flood recovery efforts in Minot during last summer's historic Souris River flood situation, the Society provided relief grants to Team Minot Airmen which ranged from $500 to $8,000.

On an overall spectrum of emergency assistance dollars provided the same year, 94 percent of aid went to active duty members and their families in grades of E-6 and below, reaching those most in need.

Having kicked off March 26, The AFAF's goal in Minot is $88,265 in donations. For those interested in helping Team Minot reach its goal, please contact your unit's keyworker or visit http://www.afassistancefund.org/.

To learn more about the Air Force Aid Society or to find out how they can assist you, visit their Web site at http://www.afas.org/index.cfm.