Kunsan launches AFAF campaign

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Valda Wilson
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The Wolf Pack launched its Air Force Assistance Fund campaign here March 2 and will continue through April 10. The legacy theme for the campaign is "Commitment to Caring."

The AFAF is an annual Air Force fundraising campaign that supports the four official Air Force charitable organizations. These organizations provide to support to Air Force members and their families in need.

"This campaign provides us an opportunity to help our fellow Airmen and families in their times of greatest need," said Col. Ken "Wolf" Ekman, 8th Fighter Wing commander.  "We [Wolf Chief] and I hope you seriously consider giving to these worthy causes. Some day you may discover you have 'paid it forward' when an AFAF organization assists you or someone you know."

Donating to AFAF can be accomplished in two different ways.

"There are two ways to contribute to the AFAF," said 1st Lt. Kyle Deroner 8th Support Squadron chief of readiness and plans, and the Wolf Pack's AFAF project officer. "You can do the payroll deduction plan or cash. Cash is U.S. currency, personal checks, money orders, cashier's checks, endorsed traveler's checks or other redeemable instruments."

Key workers will visit work centers to talk about the AFAF charities, provide an opportunity to donate and answer any questions.

"Our goals for the campaign are to make 100% contact with each Wolf Pack member and to reach our basewide contribution goal of $41,265," said Deroner. "We hope everyone takes some time to learn about the different charities."

The four AFAF charities are:

-The Air Force Village. The Air Force Village was established opened in 1970, and is a retirement community for Air Force officers' spouses who need financial assistance. Surviving spouses are provided with a secure and comfortable environment to live.

- The Air Force Aid Society. The Air Force Aid Society offers interest-free loans to service members when living and emergency expenses become overwhelming. The AFAS helped 18,000 Airmen with emergency assistance totally $9.6 million in 2014.

-The Air Force Enlisted Village. The Air Force Enlisted Village has served as a haven for more than 1,500 surviving spouses since 1975. The organization provides housing to surviving spouses of enlisted members who died while on active duty. Visit the Air Force Enlisted Village website here, afev.us.

-The LeMay Foundation. The LeMay Foundation helps widows of all Air Force retirees--both officer and enlisted--by granting financial assistance.

Payroll deductions for active duty will automatically start June 1 and will start July 1 for retirees. Contact your unit POC for any questions.