Air Force Assistance Fund kicks off Feb. 2

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Frank Casciotta
  • 71st FTW Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The 2015 Air Force Assistance Fund campaign is scheduled to kick off with a breakfast in the Community Chapel Activity Center, Feb. 2 at 8 a.m.

The 71st Flying Training Wing's goal this year is to raise $23,744 by March 13.

The AFAF campaign raises funds for the Air Force Village, the Air Force Enlisted Village, the LeMay Foundation and the Air Force Aid Society.

The focus of each of these charities is taking care of the Air Force Family.

The Air Force Village is a retirement community dedicated to the care of retired Air Force officer widows who require financial assistance. It provides a safe living environment where widows live out the rest of their days with peers.

The Air Force Enlisted Village's mission is to provide a home to surviving spouses of retired enlisted Air Force members. In 1967, the Air Force Sergeants Association discovered that more than 50,000 widows of enlisted members were living in poverty. In response to that finding, a group of active duty and retired NCOs created the Air Force Enlisted Village with the help of former Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John D. Ryan.

The Air Force Enlisted Village provides safe and comfortable housing for 450 people. Temporary housing is also available to spouses of enlisted members who die or have been killed on active duty.

The Gen. and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation helps widows of all Air Force retirees, both officer and enlisted, through financial grants of assistance. The foundation provides help as long as needed, or for specific one-time needs with single disbursements.

The Air Force Aid Society provides financial support for Airmen and their families with emergency assistance loans, education grants, and sponsors educational and proactive community programs.

Each year, the AFAF campaign provides an opportunity for Airmen to help Airmen across generations.

For more information, contact Senior Master Sgt. Susan Yerman at 213-7922.