AF Assistance Fund Drive

Chief Master Sgt. Avery Woolridge, 552nd Air Control Wing command chief; Col. Jay Bickley, 552nd ACW commander; Col. Christopher Azzano, 72nd Air Base Wing and Tinker installation commander; and Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Christopher, 72nd ABW command chief, from left, were briefed on the 2015 Air Force Assistance Fund campaign during a recent visit to the Airman and Family Readiness Center. The AFAF helps to raise funds for organizations which support Air Force members, families and widows in emergency situations, educational needs or other situations that may arise. Tinker’s campaign kicks off on Tuesday. (Air Force photo by Kelly White)

Air Force Assistance Fund drive begins Tuesday

Published Feb. 27, 2015
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The 2015 Air Force Assistance Fund awareness campaign kicks off Tuesday.

The annual campaign raises money for the AFAF, which assists members of the extended Air Force family with help ranging from emergency loans to fix a busted transmission to independent living communities for surviving Air Force spouses.

Senior Master Sgt. Christina Wolfe, with the 72nd Operations Support Squadron, is one of the installation project officers for the AFAF. She said the goal for this year's campaign, which runs from March 3 to April 10, is $85,500.

Air Force personnel can only seek on-the-job donations from active-duty members and military retirees. However, contributions from civilians, local charities and contractors are welcomed.

The AFAF funds four major initiatives: The Air Force Aid Society, which provides emergency loans, scholarships, family aid and more; the Air Force Village and Air Force Enlisted Villages, which operate retirement communities, including for surviving spouses; and the Gen. and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation, which gives financial grants to surviving spouses of all Air Force retirees who qualify.

Donations in cash, checks or monthly pay deductions will be accepted through a financial accountability system. The campaign suggests donations ranging from $3 to $20 a month, depending on rank. One-time donations are also welcome.

For information on how to contribute, call Sergeant Wolfe at 734-3496 or Master Sgt. Theresa Dirden, 72nd Force Support Squadron, at 739-7810.