Ellsworth's "commitment to caring" Published April 26, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Jarad A. Denton 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Airmen at Ellsworth joined together March 29 to mark the beginning of the 2010 Air Force Assistance Fund campaign. Ellsworth began participation in the 37th annual campaign, which runs until May 7, by hosting a donut-purchasing kick-off event designed to help the base reach its AFAF goal of $55,000. "Our total force family has a long and proud history of sticking together and helping each other when times get tough and challenges mount to seemingly astronomical levels," said 2nd Lt. Renee Charity, 28th Maintenance Squadron maintenance flight commander and 28th Bomb Wing AFAF representative. "With this year's challenges, it is even more imperative that we continue to reach out to those in need within our Air Force family." The theme of the 2010 AFAF campaign is "commitment to caring," and Airmen may support one of four Air Force charities - the Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Enlisted Village, Air Force Village and the LeMay Foundation. Air Force Aid Society The AFAS has provided worldwide emergency aide to Airmen and their families for the past 67 years. It serves as the official charity of the Air Force, benefiting active duty, retired, enlisted, officers, families and widows. In 2008 the AFAS provided $24.3 million in aid to more than 45,000 Airmen and their families. For more information about the AFAS visit www.afas.org or call (800) 769-8951. Air Force Enlisted Village Providing a temporary home for the surviving spouses of enlisted Airmen who died during active duty has been the mission of the AFEV since 1975. According to the AFEV Web site, they always have a waiting list - however, thanks to support from Airmen they never turn away a spouse due to economic need. Airmen interested in contributing to the AFEV should visit www.afenlistedwidows.org or call (800) 258-1413. Air Force Village The AFV offers care for retired Air Force officer widows in need of financial assistance. According to their Web site, they provide a safe and comfortable retirement community "where widows are surrounded by friends made during military service." For more information about the AFV visit www.airforcevillages.com or call (800) 762-1122. LeMay Foundation Founded by Gen. and Mrs. Curtis LeMay, the foundation awards grants to enlisted and officer retirees and their spouses. Their primary beneficiaries are the widows of active-duty Airmen. According to the LeMay Foundation Web site, in 2008 they gave more than $445,000 in assistance to 64 women. The grants helped raise their income, which had fallen below the poverty line. Airmen interested in contributing to the LeMay Foundation should visit www.lemay-foundation.org or call (909) 697-2099. Lieutenant Charity encourages Airmen to contact their individual group representative and learn more about the various funds and charities sponsored by the AFAF. The various representatives are: · 28th Bomb Wing staff - Staff Sgt. Crystal Jacquot · 28th Medical Group - Tech. Sgt. Angela Baker · 28th Mission Support Group - 1st Lt. Jay Stellwagen · 28th Operations Group - 1st Lt. Damien Johnson · 28th Maintenance Group - Senior Master Sgt. John McCarthy "The AFAF was established to provide an annual effort to raise funds for the four Air Force charities that provide support to the Air Force family in need," Lieutenant Charity said. "This includes active duty, retirees, reservists, guard and dependents. AFAF is a top-notch example of Airmen taking care of Airmen." For more information about the AFAF, visit www.afassistancefund.org.