AFAF campaign under way

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rebecca R. Imwalle
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. - --  The annual Air Force Assistance Fund campaign on Ellsworth began March 17 and will continue through April 25.

According to officials, contributions to the AFAF will lend critical support in times of need from AFAF affiliates to the Air Force family. Whether active duty, retired, officer or enlisted, the AFAF is a way Airmen can help take care of Airmen.

In a message to all those serving at Ellsworth, Col. Kevin Kennedy, 28th Bomb Wing commander, said this is a voluntary opportunity for Airmen to donate to four charities under the AFAF umbrella that are not included in other campaigns. Those four charities include The Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation, General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation, and the Air Force Enlisted Village.

Capt. Matthew Hayes, 28th Civil Engineer Squadron chief of operations engineering, is the primary point of contact for the 2014 AFAF campaign.

"The AFAF only assists Airmen directly," Hayes said. "This is what really sets it apart from many other charities in the area."

Each squadron has a squadron lead and assigned keyworkers who will make contact with Airmen in every unit. They have preprinted donation forms available for anyone wishing to make a donation.

"Our main goal is to make 100 percent contact with base personnel to give them the opportunity to contribute," Hayes said. "We want to explain the four charities and how they directly benefit people we work with who need assistance."

Last year, Ellsworth Airmen donated nearly $48,000 to the AFAF. This year the goal is $58,000.

"This is a great charitable organization," Hayes said. "I think if we explain the difference between this campaign and others, Airmen might be able to understand how much of an impact it makes and may want to help."

For more information on the Ellsworth AFAF campaign, call Hayes at (605) 385- 1035