Air?Force Assistance Fund: Drive cruising toward goal Published April 16, 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 is taking 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 distinctness of each and opportunities to give to these invaluable charities. This week's highlighted beneficiary is: Air Force Village Indigent Widows' Fund One option for donations is the Air Force Village Indigent Widows' Fund. Surviving spouses of retired officers may receive financial assistance to live in one of two premier retirement communities in Texas. The fund also assists retired officers and/or their elderly parents or grandparents, and since its inception in 1970 the program has given more than $10 million in assistance. Additionally, spouses and children of Air Force officers killed on active duty are offered living accommodations at the Villages for up to a year. For more information call 800-762-1122 or go online to www.airforcevillages.com.