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Team McChord kicks off AFAF for 2022

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Charles Casner
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. --  

 

The AFAF is an annual effort to raise funds for the charities that provide support to Air Force families in need including active duty, retirees, reservists, guard and dependents, including surviving spouses. Team McChord’s donation goal this year is $43,540.

“The Air Force Assistance Fund is the only charity that is for us [Airmen] by us,” said Master Sgt. Christopher Gentry, assistant installation project manager. “The four charities encompass supporting Airmen seeking assistance to return home during their time of need and supporting the widows/widowers of retirees.”

The charities include the Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Enlisted Village, Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation and the LeMay Foundation. The AFAS is one of the four charities included in the fund:   

  • The AFAS has been helping Airmen and their families since 1942. Gen. Henry H. “Hap” Arnold, its founder, created a relief organization that emphasized the ideal of Airmen helping Airmen. Since then, AFAS works every day to support and enhance the Air Force mission by providing emergency financial assistance and on-base community programs.

  • The Air Force Enlisted Village offers a home to mothers of active duty and retired military members, provides temporary housing to surviving spouses of enlisted members who die while on active duty, and to active duty members when tragedy strikes. They provide support not just once, but for the life of its residents. Spouses are their priority, but they serve the entire Air Force family.

  • The Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation cares for the widowed spouses of retired Air Force officers. Low pay and frequent military moves leave some spouses without careers, home equities, retirement plans or significant assets. Even as one plans for retirement, an unexpected tragedy or insurmountable medical expenses can deplete retirement savings. AFEV’s Benevolence Fund provides financial assistance for surviving spouses of retired enlisted Airmen while residing at Bob Hope Village and Hawthorn House. 

  • The Lemay Foundation aims to keep widows of Air Force and Space Force retirees in their own homes.. They provide assistance with monthly grants for day-to-day living expenses and offer a one-time relief to compensate for unexpected expenses such as minor home repairs, medical and dental costs, prescription needs, moving fees and mortgage or rent delinquencies. Last year, they provided over $473,400 in aid.

Currently, there are three ways to donate. The first and preferred method is through e-giving. To donate electronically, donors can text “AFAF” to 50155 or visit https://secure.qgiv.com/event/afaf/team/895681/. People can also donate by payroll deduction plans and through cash or check.

If you have any questions about AFAF or how to donate, please contact your unit project officers.