St. Patrick’s Day theme 5K benefits AFAF campaign

Members from Patrick Air Force Base and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., participate in the 2016 Air Force Assistance Fund 5K Run, March 25, 2016, which benefits four official Air Force charities. The annual AFAF campaign, titled ‘Airmen Helping Airmen’ kicked off March 23, and patrons can participate now through May 1, to raise this year’s goal of $43,573. Participants were asked to wear their St. Patrick’s Day running gear, as part of the 5K theme. (U.S. Air Force photo/Matthew Jurgens) (Released)

St. Patrick’s Day theme 5K benefits AFAF campaign

St. Patrick's Day theme 5K benefits AFAF campaign

Published March 25, 2016
By Heidi Hunt
45th Space Wing Public Affairs

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Members from Patrick Air Force Base and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station participated in the 2016 Air Force Assistance Fund 5K Run, March 25, 2016, which benefits the Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Enlisted Village, Air Force Village and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation.

The annual Air Force Assistance Fund campaign, titled 'Airmen Helping Airmen' kicked off March 23, and patrons can participate now through May 1, 2016, to raise this year's goal of $43,573.

"We encourage everyone to participate in this year's campaign," said 1st Lt. Steven Futch, 5th Space Launch Squadron, Delta IV Critical Ground Engineer. "Any amount patrons are able to contribute will significantly benefit our Airmen in need."

Whether it is $1 or $500, any donated amount makes a difference and impacts lives, according to Futch.

Monies raised help Airmen and their families through four official Air Force charities.

"One of the four charities, the Air Force Aid Society, provides emergency loans, scholarships, the give parents a break program, PCS child care, the phone home program, the spouse employment program and so much more," said Futch.

Not only does the program benefit active duty, it also helps the retirement community for military spouses, widows and widowers. It provides residents with a comfortable, engaging, cost-effective way of life, focused on well-being and wellness, all with the security of exceptional healthcare and assisted living, as part of the Air Force Villages.

Likewise, the Air Force Enlisted Village is a secure and dignified place for indigent surviving spouses of retired Air Force personnel.

The fourth charity, the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation, helps widows of all Air Force retirees through financial grants of assistance.

"If everyone on base contributed to the Air Force Assistance Fund, we would effectively exceed our goal by fivefold, and help provide assistance for those who truly need," Futch said. "Additionally, we would make Patrick AFB the leading contributor in this year's campaign."

Unit Project Officers will make 100 percent contact with eligible donors and give them an opportunity to contribute.

"All it takes is your unit project officer filling out a simple form, which is used to track each donation," Futch said. "It's simple, easy, and makes a world of difference to those in need."