2013 Holloman Air Force Assistance Fund is underway

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Leah Murray
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs
When an Airman is burdened with tragedies such as sickness, natural disasters and family troubles, it could seem as if there is no hope. Fortunately for Airmen and their families, the Air Force Assistance Fund is here to help.

"These organizations are set up to help and support our own Airmen!. These past few years have been some of the most challenging we've seen in decades. So, at no other time will (WE) have more impact on taking care of our fellow Airman than right now", said Major Don Hudson, 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Maintenance operations officer.

"Last year alone Holloman Airmen received over $257,000 from the Air Force Aid Society," said Hudson
With this year's theme, "Commitment to Caring," donations mean that Airmen are truly taking care of Airmen.

Holloman AFB kicked off its 2013 AFAF campaign March 25. The AFAF was established to raise funds for the charitable affiliates that provide support to the U.S. Air Force family. This includes active duty, retirees, Reservists, Guardsmen, dependents and surviving spouses in need.
Holloman's goal for the 2013 AFAF is to contribute $69,228. The AFAF campaign will run for six weeks, and Airmen can donate directly to AFAF by filling out the pledge slips and turning them in to their unit representative.

There are four organizations Airmen can donate to to assist fellow Airmen in need: The Air Force Villages, Inc. The Air Force Enlisted Village, The Air Force Aid Society, and The General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation.

Air Force Villages, Inc. is for retired officers, spouses and members who have fallen on hard monetary times. It gives them a home and community in which helps to ensure they're still part of the Air Force family and continue to live their lives with dignity and respect.

The Air Force Enlisted Village is the same as the AF Village, but caters to the enlisted community.

The General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation gives financial help on a temporary or one-time basis for retirees, both enlisted and officer. They help defray the costs of housing, purchasing wheelchairs, building access ramps to their homes, modifying their existing vehicles for lifts, and more.

The Air Force Aid Society is a foundation which gives interest-free loans or grants to active military members and their dependents. They give in cases of emergency to assist in fixing cars and homes and provide educational grants for active duty members and their dependents.

"I had an Airman's spouse who had an urgent medical condition and had to be transported to a hospital five hours away," said Master Sgt. Jeremy Schoneboom, 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron first sergeant.

"The Airman had no money for gas or lodging to be with his spouse through this difficult time. I sent him to the Airman and Family Readiness Center, and they worked well into the evening to get him on the road that night with enough money to cover his expenses until he could be put on orders as a medical attendee."

Once his spouse was back home and feeling well they both could not express how much that money meant to them, Schoneboom said.

Holloman is currently at 80% of our suggested monetary goal. If you haven't donated yet, please seek out your unit project officer and get them turned in. Not only is it tax deductible it ensures Team Holloman has that financial "fall protection" allowing us to focus on mission success!