AFAF: Taking care of the family

Published March 23, 2012
By Brig. Gen. Anthony Cotton
Commander, 45th Space Wing

PATRICK AFB, Fla. --       Springtime in central Florida is often said to be the best time of year. Low humidity, perfect temperatures: it is truly a picture perfect environment. Springtime is also the time of year that illustrates how much our Air Force care for our families.
     The Air Force Assistance Fund offers you an opportunity to show your support to your military family, easing the burden of Air Force families in times of need.
     These are four charitable organizations that partner with the AFAF: the Air Force Aid Society, the Air Force Village, the Air Force Enlisted Village, and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation.
     The Air Force Aid Society is the official charity of the Air Force. It was established in 1942 by Gen. Henry "Hap" Arnold to relieve the financial stress Army Air Corps families were experiencing during World War II.
     Today, AFAS provides assistance to Air Force members in multiple ways, including through no-interest loans available to Airmen when an emergency or disaster occurs.
     The Air Force Village is an exceptional retirement community with the mission of caring for retired Air Force officers' widows who need financial assistance. Likewise, the Air Force Enlisted Village provides similar support to enlisted Air Force widows.
     Finally, the LeMay Foundation awards grants to spouses of enlisted and officer retirees without asking the reason why they need help. The Foundation provides monthly assistance to dozens of widows whose regular income falls below the poverty line.
     These organizations embody the core value of Service Before Self. I encourage you to support this year's AFAF campaign however you are able. A desire to participate in the campaign is much more important than the amount you choose to give. You may contact your unit representative between March 26 and May 4 in order to make a donation.
     Remember that if you or your spouse ever needs assistance, an AFAF representative is available to help. You may contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center or your First Sergeant for more information.
     Keep Pushing, Sharks!