AFAF kicks off at Barksdale

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Katherine Holt
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  The Air Force Assistance Fund campaign kicked off with a luncheon where the 2nd Bomb Wing leadership filled out the first contribution forms here, March 25.

"We want to continue the proud heritage at Barksdale as the base that leads the way in supporting our four Air Force charities," said Col. Andrew Gebara, 2nd Bomb Wing commander. "I ask all to consider donating to these valuable organizations."

The AFAF campaign, which runs March 25 through May 3, raises money through donations from Airmen to support the four charities committed to helping Airmen and their families. The Air Force Enlisted Village provides a home for surviving spouses of retired enlisted Air Force members. The Air Force Village is a retirement community providing care and financial aid to retired Air Force officer's widows. The Air Force Aid Society provides emergency grants and interest-free loans to eligible Airmen and their family members. Finally, the LeMay Foundation awards grants to enlisted and officer retirees' spouses.

In 2012, Barksdale received more than $126,000 to support the AFAF.

"AFAF is simply Airmen helping Airmen," said 1st Lt. Shelley Ecklebe, AFAF insatallation project officer. "AFAF gives Team Barksdale the opportunity to help wingmen across the world when they need it most."

Team Barksdale has 12 group project officers and 57 unit project officers.

"The group and unit project officers are truly the voices for Team Barksdale during the campaign," said Ecklebe. "Their ability to effectively communicate this year's theme, 'Commitment to Caring,' will continue the ongoing efforts of Airmen helping Airmen through the four charities."

Donation forms are available online and should be printed, completed, signed and then returned to the unit's project officer.

Donation forms can be accessed at www.afassistancefund.org.

Last year, the Air Force Aid Society provided $10.1 million in assistance to more than 40,000 Air Force members in the form of loans and grants for various financial emergencies.

"We are successful because of our outstanding volunteers whose buy-in and support gives us the tools to raise the funds that help our own in need," said Ecklebe.