Air Force Assistance Fund kicks off Monday Published March 23, 2012 By Eric Brian 45th Space Wing Public Affairs PATRICK AFB, Fla. -- Team Patrick will soon have the opportunity to help Airmen and their families during times of need. The 2012 Air Force Assistance Fund kicks off Monday, March 26, and runs through May 4. All members are asked to donate. "I encourage you to support this year's AFAF campaign however you are able," said Brig. Gen. Anthony Cotton, 45th Space Wing Commander. "A desire to participate in the campaign is much more important than the amount you choose to give." General Cotton and project officers urge members to contact their AFAF unit representative to make donations. "Every unit has a Unit Project Officer. If anyone has questions they should go to their UPO. If they're not available, then come to an IPO," said Master Sgt. Brian Fleming, 45th Civil Engineer Squadron, one of three 45th Space Wing AFAF Installation Project Officers, along with Senior Master Sgt. Shawn Coleman, 45th Medical Support Squadron, and Master Sgt. Licci Barham, 45th Force Support Squadron. "We're the IPOs." The local AFAF campaign raised more than $50,000 in 2011. "We hope to go above and beyond that. It's always great to give," said Sergeant Fleming, who emphasized to prospective donors, "This is not just for enlisted. This is for widowed wives, and for officers. Officers may also be in need of financial assistance. This touches all facets of life." The AFAF was established as a venue to raise funds for the charitable affiliates that support the Air Force family in need, including active duty, Reserve, Guard, dependents, retirees and surviving spouses. Four organizations provide aid in an emergency, educational support, and a secure retirement home for Air Force members' widows or widowers in need of financial assistance. The Air Force Villages, Inc., the Air Force Aid Society, Inc., the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation, and the Air Force Enlisted Village, Inc. help Air Force people with aid in an emergency, with educational needs, or to provide a secure retirement home for widows or widowers of Air Force members in need of financial assistance. Air Force regulations prohibit personnel and organizations from publicizing fundraisers for other charitable organizations during the six-week period for AFAF, unless they benefit AFAF. Look for further information on the local AFAF 2012 fundraising campaign in upcoming issues of Missileer. For general information on AFAF and its affiliate charities, go to www.afassistancefund.org.