Air Force Assistance Fund underway at Dover AFB Published March 8, 2012 By Staff Sgt. Andria J. Allmond 512th AW Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- It is the time of year when the Air Force Assistance Fund is available to receive contributions. "It's similar to (the Combined Federal Campaign) except these are Air Force-specific charities," said Senior Airman Michael Queen, 512th Airlift Wing AFAF unit representative for the wing staff. "It pays back members more directly." Composed of charities that benefit solely those in the Air Force family, AFAF has four aid organizations to which one can donate: the Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Village, Air Force Enlisted Village and the Gen. and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation. All provide benefits to Airmen and their families in various ways. "This year's Air Force Assistance Fund campaign is all about supporting your fellow Airmen and their families," said Capt. Brian Saul, the 512th Logistics Readiness Commander, who is serving as the 512th AW's installation project officer. "Your contribution allows us as reservists to give back to the total force concept." Air Force Aid Society The AFAS is the official charity of the Air Force. The program provides support to Air Force members through worldwide emergency assistance, sponsoring educational programs and a variety of community programs. The emergency assistance applies to multiple areas. For example, it can pertain to moving or funeral expenses, basic living expenses or childcare expenses, to name a few. The educational programs included in AFAS are comprised of grants, spouse tuition assistance, merit scholarships and supplemental education loans. Community programs sponsored by AFAS include providing stress-relieving childcare, vehicle safety checks and short-term job training for spouses. Air Force Village The Air Force Village is a modern military retirement community in San Antonio, Texas, that welcomes retired and honorably separated officers from the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Air and Army National Guard and Reserve, their spouses, widows, widowers, parents and grandparents. Air Force Enlisted Village The AFEV's mission is to offer housing and financial assistance to surviving spouses of enlisted Air Force members. Spouses with the greatest need have priority. Formerly the Air Force Enlisted Widows Home Foundation, it was founded in 1967 after the Air Force Sergeants Association conducted a survey and found more than 50,000 widows of enlisted men were living in poverty due to frequent military moves, which left some dependants without the opportunity of careers, home equities, retirement plans or any significant assets. Gen. and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation The LeMay Foundation helps widows of all Air Force Retirees, both officers and enlisted, through financial grants of assistance. The LeMay Foundation currently solicits funds from quasi-military personnel and organizations and also holds several fundraisers each year. Eighty-seven percent of every donation is dispersed to widows needing help. In 2011, AFAS received $4.5 million in contributions and provided $17.7 million in support to more than 40,000 Airmen and their families. "With all the recent emphasis on resiliency training and Wingman Day, just knowing a small contribution made today can and will benefit a fellow reservist in their darkest hour, strengthening their pillars towards a balanced life," said Saul. "The generosity shown will benefit an Airman or their family in a time of need." The charity drive runs until April 15, and those wishing to donate, may contact their AFAF unit representative to pay by check or cash. Contributions can also be made online at www.afassistancefund.org.