Kadena leads PACAF, exceeds AFAF goals

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nestor Cruz
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Kadena Air Base Airmen showed their generosity this year, ranking number one in Pacific Air Forces and number three in the Air Force for total Air Force Assistance Fund donations. 

Airmen and civilians donated more than $186,000 during the AFAF drive which ran from March 24 to May 4. 

This is the third year in a row Kadena surpassed the base's AFAF goal. Team Kadena donated $168,000 in 2007, exceeding the $155,000 goal. 

"This is definitely a banner year for us," said Master Sgt. Gregory Stowe, AFAF installation project officer. "All eight groups exceeded their monetary goals. The success came largely from our unit representatives who worked to ensure 100 percent face-to-face contact with all active-duty members." 

Sergeant Stowe said AFAF is important because it enables members to help their fellow Airmen in times of need. 

"The great thing about this program is it gives back to our own people," said Sergeant Stowe. "Through AFAF, we're taking care of those who serve as well as their families." 

The AFAF campaign supports four charities aimed specifically at assisting Airmen. These charities include the Air Force Aid Society, the Air Force Village Indigent Widows Fund, the Air Force Enlisted Foundation and the Gen. and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation. 

The Air Force Aid Society is the official charity of the Air Force. The society assists active-duty Airmen and families during emergencies. More than 35,000 members received $19.1 million worth of assistance from the society in 2007. 

"Last year, Kadena Airmen received more than $125,000 in assistance from AFAS," said Capt. Jeffrey Schrum, AFAF installation project officer. 

The Air Force Village Indigent Widows Fund gives financial aid to widows and widowers of active-duty and retired officers. The fund also supports the Wilford Hall Medical Center's bone marrow transplant program. 

The Air Force Enlisted Foundation provides financial assistance ranging from rent subsidies to transportation to hospitals for widows and widowers of enlisted Airmen. 

The Gen. and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation offers grants to assist widowed spouses of active-duty or retired Airmen of all ranks. 

Airmen can continue to contribute to the AFAS by visiting www.afas.org.