Air Force assistance programs fundraiser kicks-off Published March 29, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Matthew Hubby 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- The Annual Air Force Assistance Fund campaign is now underway. The fundraiser was established to raise funds in support of the Air Force family. Donations are voluntary, and the program is one of the easiest ways to help a fellow Airman in need, said Capt. George Mathew, AFAF wing staff unit project officer. The organizations that benefit from the AFAF are the Air Force Villages, Inc., the Air Force Aid Society, Inc., the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation, and the Air Force Enlisted Village, Inc. The Air Force Aid Society provides emergency interest-free loans to servicemembers when family living or emergency expenses overwhelm them. The Air Force Enlisted Village offers temporary housing to the surviving spouses of enlisted members who die while on active duty and offer community living for surviving spouses of retired Air Force members. The Air Force Village offers the same service for officers. The General and Mrs. LeMay Foundation awards grants to retirees and their spouses. "While you can't volunteer for the AFAF directly people can volunteer for a private organization or a squadron that conducts a fundraiser for the AFAF," said Tech. Sgt. Jason Pulido, AFAF wing staff unit project officer. "It's great to have the opportunity to help those who paved the way to where we are today and those who serve beside us. It is also important to help the spouses who have supported us through deployments, long work days and having to move all over the planet." Those Airmen worried about stretching their wallets to make a donation shouldn't fear, said Sergeant Pulido. "Active-duty personnel can opt out of donating after three months," said Sergeant Pulido. "However, retirees must donate the full 12 months if they contribute through payroll deduction. Civilian employees can give a cash donation as well. Every little bit helps, and the minimum donation is a dollar a month. We do not want to create any burden on families." Both Captain Mathew and Sergeant Pulido have donated to the campaign. "Giving to others in need is a true example of 'service before self,'" said Captain Mathew. "Even a small donation will help a family in a tremendous way. All our Airmen have to do is open their hearts and donate to someone in need." The deadline for donations is April 15. To donate, Airmen should contact their squadron AFAF point of contact. Some points of contact are: Wing representative: Capt. John Bryden Vice wing representative: 1st Lt. Grant WisnerOperations group representative: Capt. Anthony Zerwig Medical group representative: 2nd Lt. Michael Mclain Maintenance group representative: Capt. Steven Moore Mission support group representative: 1st Lt. Adam Starkey Wing staff representative: Capt. George Mathew