Air Force Assistance Fund drive to kick off

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Team Minot's 39th Annual Air Force Assistance Fund drive is scheduled to kick off March 26 and is expected to run for six weeks.

The Air Force goal for 2012 is to raise $6.4 million, with Minot's contribution to that goal being $88,265 in donations.

Last year Team Minot members contributed $117,001 to the AFAF which exceeded the expected goal by 31 percent.

Both wing commanders expressed their support for the fundraiser stating in their memorandum to Team Minot members that nowadays, as fewer civilian agencies are available to help those in our Air Force family who need it, we need to make sure we are here for our fellow Airmen. Adding this year, it's not about Airmen giving more-- that it is about more Airmen giving.

Senior Master Sgt. Robby Watson, 5th Force Support Squadron sustainment superintendent and Master Sgt. Clarence Silver, 5th Civil Engineer Squadron facility systems superintendent, will be the Installation Project Officers for this year's campaign. They said they hope to receive as much, if not more support than they did this past year.

The AFAF is a unique fundraiser in which 100 percent of the funds donated go directly back to support Airmen and their families, including reservists, guard members, retirees and military spouses.

The fund is comprised of four Air Force charities to include the Air Force Village Foundation, the Air Force Aid Society, the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation and the Air Force Enlisted Village.

These organizations have had a long history of supporting an array of programs that benefit the Air Force community. They have provided funding for local educational programs, emergency financial assistance, and family programs like bundles for babies, among many other services.

Here at Minot Air Force Base, each unit will have a point of contact, also known as a "keyworker", who is expected to be making contact with all assigned military and civilian personnel.

Donations will be allowed to be made in cash, check or through the payroll deduction plan, which each keyworker will have available preprinted. Donations can also be made online but if for any reason someone is unable to, they can fill out the form, print it, sign it and give it to his or her unit's keyworker. The donation form, AF Form 2561, is available at http://www.afassistancefund.org/.