Air Force Assistance Fund to kick off Monday

The Air Force Assistance Fund annual charity event is scheduled to start Monday and end May 4.

The AFAF sponsors four different organizations: Air Force Aid Society Inc., Air Force Village Inc., Air Force Enlisted Village Inc., and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation.

These charities provide support to the Air Force family (active duty, retirees, Guard, Reserve, dependents and surviving spouses) either by giving grants, loans, or housing and health care.

“If you do find yourself in a hard spot, that’s what the program is here for,” said Staff Sgt. Kyle T. Mullen, 1st Combat Communications Squadron tactical communications engineer. “It’s interest-free money, and to pay it back, an allotment can be set up that comes right out of the paycheck. The money is never seen coming out of (your bank) account.”

The Air Force Aid Society Inc. also started Housing Assistance Loan Overseas, a program designed to bridge the expense gap that often develops for Airmen assigned overseas who are required to pay upfront costs for housing.

HALO is one of the many examples of how the AFAF helps support the Air Force family.

This year’s goal is to raise $191,028 for the AFAF.

Representatives from each squadron, group and wing are available to accept donations on behalf of the AFAF throughout the weeks, said Tech. Sgt. Eric D. Villafaña, 1st CBCS tactical communication engineer and AFAF unit representative for the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing.

Check and cash donations are accepted. Allotments can be set up by filling out a form with one of the AFAF representatives.

“The AFAF is an important charity to donate to because it is Airmen helping Airmen. As a service, it is imperative that we take care of our members, retirees and their families,” Villafaña said. “It’s important that Airmen have resources available in times of adversity. With that, they can focus on the mission without having to worry about other issues.”

The five-week campaign is scheduled to kick off with a breakfast Monday for commanders at the Ramstein Officers’ Club.