AFAF campaign coming to Kunsan

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amanda Savannah
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The 8th Fighter Wing will begin its 2011 Air Force Assistance Fund "Commitment To Caring" campaign Feb. 7.

A kickoff event to start the campaign is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 8 in the exchange food court.

"It's going to be a great opportunity," said Capt. Adam Hauer, 8th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and one of this year's AFAF installation project officers. "The Wolf (Col. John Dolan, 8th FW commander) and Wolf Chief (Chief Master Sgt. James Sanders, 8th FW command chief) will be there to be the first ones to contribute, and there will be free food and prizes for those who decide to donate at the event."

The AFAF is about giving back to the Airmen, said Captain Hauer.

"Unlike the Combined Federal Campaign, which is about giving to the community outside the base, AFAF is Airmen taking care of Airmen," he said. "It's a campaign involving and raising funds for organizations that are built around supporting Airmen, and this is our way to supplement them so they can support us in what we do."

"It's the only official Air Force fundraiser, solely for Air Force members and their families," said Master Sgt. Francisco Hernandez, 8th Civil Engineer Squadron and the other installation project officer.

The AFAF provides financial support to four affiliates that support active-duty and retired Airmen and their families. These agencies are the Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Village, Air Force Enlisted Village and the Gen. and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation.

"Support from these agencies can involve something as simple as getting a loan to fly back home in an emergency, or if you are PCSing (changing duty stations) and your car breaks down," Captain Hauer said. "A lot of those services come from the Air Force Aid Society. Other venues that are looked at are the Air Force Village, Enlisted Village and the LeMay Foundation, which provide a lot of opportunities for people after the Air Force."

The 8th FW raised $67,693 for the AFAF last year. The wing has a monetary goal of $44,414 this year, but ultimately, Captain Hauer and Sergeant Hernandez are aiming to make 100-percent contact of Wolf Pack members.

To do this, Captain Hauer and Sergeant Hernandez assembled a team of unit representatives to talk about the campaign, make contact and take donations from the members of their units.

"We want 100-percent contact," Captain Hauer said. "We can't control ... how much we make or don't make, but what we can control is how many people we contact and talk to to get the word out."

Captain Hauer, Sergeant Hernandez and the base unit representatives will meet a small challenge to this goal, as the six-week campaign will be shortened by exercises occurring during the campaign.

"This is going to go by quickly, and we'd really like to get 100-percent contact as soon as possible, so please contact your unit rep directly if you know you want to donate," Sergeant Hernandez said. Those who don't know who their unit representative is can contact their group representative for assistance. Group representatives are Senior Airman Ciara Wymbs, 8th FW staff agencies; Capt. Christiane Makela, 8th Mission Support Group; Second Lt. Cassie Lewis, 8th Medical Group; Master Sgt. Dennis Fuselier, 8th Maintenance Group; and Capt. Jake Pippenger, 8th Operations Group.

Active-duty, Guard and Reserve members can donate, as well as non-contractor civilians, Captain Hauer said. Air Force members can choose to donate by payroll deduction, cash or check. Civilians can donate by cash or check.

Captain Hauer and Sergeant Hernandez are also looking for individuals interested in telling stories of how the Air Force Assistance Fund supported them during the campaign. Those interested in telling their stories can contact Captain Hauer or Sergeant Hernandez.

The campaign runs through March 18.