ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- The Air Force Assistance Fund campaign kicked off at the Dakota’s Club, March 31, as part of its 44th year and will run on base until May 5.
The AFAF is an annual effort to raise funds for the charitable affiliates that provide support to Air Force families in need including active duty, retirees, reservists, guard and dependents. The campaign motto this year is "Pay it forward."
“You might not need the money now, but a friend in need could need it down the line,” said 2nd Lt. Ray Belkalai, an AFAF wing project manager assigned to the 28th Bomb Wing. “You may be that airman in need some day.”
The charitable organizations range from those that provide support in an emergency to those designed to assist with educational needs or securing a retirement home for widows or widowers of Air Force members who require financial assistance.
“Every dollar donated always comes back to other airmen,” said Senior Master Sgt. Charles Craw, an AFAF wing project manager assigned to the 28th Bomb Wing. “It’s all about being a good wingman and helping out those in need.”
The AFAF consists of four charities including the Air Force Aid Society, the Air Force Enlisted Village Indigent Widows, the Air Force Villages Indigent Widows' Fund and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation, all of which assist Airmen and families when the need arises.
“Whether you need help getting home, deaths in the family or need money to fix your car, the AFAF is there for you,” Belkalai said.
For more information, call (800) 258-1413 for AFEV, (800) 554-5510 and for the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation, (800) 655-3083 for AFVCF, and (703) 972-2650 for AFAS.
In addition, any members interested in donating should contact their unit AFAF representative.