Successful 2013 AFAF campaign across Kadena, AF Published May 19, 2013 By Staff Sgt. Lauren Snyder 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Kadena's 2013 Air Force Assistance Fund campaign ran February through May and closed with a total of $179,126, after surpassing the desired goal of $118,534. When the campaign concluded, only 21.1 percent of Kadena's Air Force personnel had participated, yet the raised donations had exceeded the set goal by 51 percent. Kadena reached its $118,534 goal only four weeks into the campaign with a mere 14 percent participation rate. Major Kerri Alexander, AFAF installation project officer, said the wing agreed to the $118,534 goal earlier in the year based on suggested donation amounts for all Air Force personnel assigned to the base and according to their rank. The full amount of suggested donations for all ranks was then split in half, which is how Kadena attained the goal figure. Suggested amount examples included $20 for airmen 1st class and $30 to $50 for staff sergeants, Alexander said. The normal participation rate throughout the Air Force is 20 percent. "We reached our goal within four weeks," the major said. "If we'd had 30 or 40 percent, we'd have been rocking." Alexander said that she was satisfied the base had exceeded the goal for donations, knowing all money given would come back to Kadena Airmen. All contributions raised through the Air Force Aid Society and AFAF are returned to Airmen in need. In 2012, $222,321 was spent for 226 Kadena Airmen on funerals and various living and car needs. Most notable was the more than 40 individuals who were able to receive assistance for emergency travel, which had a combined cost of greater than $75,000. The AFAF and AFAS also sponsor community programs such as Give Parents a Break, Bundles for Babies and car care for families of deployed spouses. This year's successful campaign will provide funds for the coming needs of Okinawa's Airmen. The Air Force also met its total goal of $6.4 million for AFAF this year.