Air Force Assistance Fund kicks off Mar. 20

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Eric Petosky
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Team Mildenhall Airmen have the opportunity to support fellow servicemembers and their families by donating to the Air Force Assistance Fund starting Mar. 20. 

RAF Mildenhall Airmen received more than $200,000 last year in grants and interest-free loans from Air Force Aid Society, just one of four different charities that fall under AFAF. 

Since 1942, AFAS has supported Airmen and their families, and it offers a variety of emergency financial services. The charity funds everything from funeral arrangements and travel to car repairs, childcare and tuition. 

"In an Airmen's time of need, it's the charity to rely on most for monetary assistance," said 2nd Lt. Ryan Harris, AFAF installation project officer. "You just can't do any better than what Air Force Aid Society can offer." 

In the Spring of 1997, Lt. Col. Dewey Dorau, 100th Operations Support Squadron commander, received a $1,600 interest-free loan from AFAS while he was stationed at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. Heavy flooding in the region had filled the lowest level of his house with water, and he needed the money to pay for a new furnace, washing machine and dryer afterward. 

"Basically, I'm a huge fan of AFAF because I've seen first hand how they're there to help Airmen when a need arises," he wrote in an email. "They helped me in my time of need, and now I help them every year by donating back to them." 

Lieutenant Harris said RAF Mildenhall's fiscal goal for 2008 is $74,000, but his main concern is 100-percent contact and as much participation as possible. Squadron- and group-level representatives will be assigned to spread the word about the Air Force charities, as well as to take donations. 

Airmen can donate by payroll deduction or by cash or check, either throughout the year or all at once.  Donations can be earmarked for any charity that falls under AFAF.  For those unsure of how much is appropriate to donate, AFAS offers a scale based on rank. The scale ranges from $16 for an airman basic to $168 for a general, but no donation amount will be turned away. 

Historically, contributions to AFAS from Airmen here benefit Mildenhall at a return rate of almost 200 percent, meaning every dollar donated provides two in monetary aid. As a bonus, bases who meet their annual goal and have participation from at least half the active-duty population receive an additional $2,500. 

For more information on AFAF and its charities, visit www.afassistancefund.org or speak with a unit representative.