Air Force Assistance Fund moving toward Tinker goal Published April 23, 2010 By John Stuart Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- It's a well-known fact that the Air Force takes care of its own. Each year that ethos is reinforced, in part, by donations of numerous individuals all focused on one goal: helping out their fellow Airmen in need. Since its inception, the Air Force has instituted its official charity, the Air Force Assistance Fund, for this very purpose. And each year at Tinker Airmen and civilians alike extend a hand financially to those in our midst in need. This year, the 42-day campaign will take place from March 27-May 7. During this time all Tinker personnel (military, civilian and contractor) have the option to donate toward the Air Force Assistance Fund. The AFAF comprises four different charity funds: Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Enlisted Village Indigent Widows' Fund, Air Force Village Indigent Widows' Fund and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation. Each weekly April issue will highlight one of these funds, the distinctives of each and opportunities to give to these invaluable charities. This week's featured agency: The General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation When the LeMay Foundation founders setup their non-profit, they did so with one overarching goal: help surviving spouses of Air Force retirees remain at home, near their churches and near their neighbors. The foundation mainly carries this goal out by providing financial assistance for housing expenses. During Tinker's annual Air Force Assistance Fund campaign, from March 27-May 7, Airmen, civilians and contractors have the option to help out financially toward this fund. The LeMay Foundation received the majority of its funding from the Air Force Assistance Fund. Surviving spouses of enlisted and officers are eligible for the LeMay assistance funds. The foundation provides funds for these individuals for as long as the need persists, even for a lifetime. "We're concerned about widows," said Julia Gant, Tinker Air Force Aid Officer. "Many times women outlive their husbands but many times during their military career there are a lot of sacrifices that a spouse makes. But still sometimes at that point in their life when they have no real sources for income other than if there's money left for them. The Air Force steps up and they do have financial and physical support the people can apply for." For more information contact 800-554-5510.