Air Force Assistance Fund kicks off at Kadena

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Marcus Morris
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  The 2015 Air Force Assistance Fund kicked off with a breakfast at the Kadena Officers' Club here today and will run through May 1.

The Air Force Assistance Fund was established to raise and supply funds for the charitable affiliates that provide support to the Air Force family in need to include active duty, retirees, reservists, guard and their dependents, and their spouses.

Brig. Gen. James Hecker, 18th Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Cruz-Munoz, 18th Wing interim command chief, filled out the first pledges for the campaign.

"Our base goal for this year is $107,483, and you should soon be seeing a key worker visiting your work center to let you know all about the charities, answer any questions you may have, and give you the opportunity to donate if you should so choose," Hecker said.  "You'll also be able to participate in fundraising events by way of helping or donating. Either way, please get involved if you can."

The theme for this year's campaign is "Commitment to Caring," and all members are asked to consider donating.

"The Air Force Assistance Fund has been a great help to our Air Force family," said Najette Pinero, 18th Force Support Squadron Airman & Family Readiness community readiness specialist. "The Air Force Assistance Fund has allowed Airmen and their families to pay for various living expenses like food, pay for car insurance and repairs and be able to get loans to pay off emergency medical bills. The number one need for the fund here is emergency travel for Airmen."

Last year, the Kadena's AFAF campaign surpassed its goal of $118,534 and raised a total of $179,126, with only 21.1 percent of the base donating.

"While the average Air Force base has historically had between a 19-percent and 30-percent participation rate from their active duty members, I believe Kadena Air Base is far above average," said Hecker.  "Chief Cruz-Munoz and I hope that everybody gives serious consideration to giving to these four worthy charities."

Contributions, which are tax deductible, go to support four different charities:

The Air Force Aid Society: Provides Airmen and their families worldwide with emergency financial assistance, education assistance and various base-level community-enhancement programs.

The Air Force Enlisted Village: Supports Teresa Village in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and Bob Hope Village in Shalimar, Florida, near Eglin Air Force Base. The fund provides homes and financial assistance to retired enlisted members' widows and widowers who are 55 and older. It also supports Hawthorn House (in Shalimar) which provides assisted living for residents, including 24-hour nursing care.

The Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation: Donations support independent and assisted living needs for retired officers and their spouses, widows or widowers and family members. Communities are located in San Antonio, Texas.

The General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation: Provides rent and financial assistance to widows and widowers of officer and enlisted retirees in their homes and communities through financial grants of assistance.

Hecker closed by saying just a few dollars a month from your paycheck will ensure your fellow Airmen will have the assistance they need when they need it most.  "You never know, you may just find in the future that you have 'paid it forward,' and our Air Force Assistance Fund charities will be there for you should you need them."