AFAF campaign kicks off

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sondra M. Escutia
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The 2009 Air Force Assistance Fund campaign recently kicked off at Holloman in an effort to raise funds for charitable affiliates that provide support to families in need here and Air Force-wide .

This year Holloman's goal is to raise $43,386. Members of Team Holloman can check the progress of that goal on a meter posted on 1st Street upon entering base.

The annual campaign raises money for four organizations, all of which give directly back to the Air Force society. These include the Air Force Aid Society, the Air Force Enlisted Village Foundation, the Air Force Village Foundation and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation.

These organizations help aid Air Force personnel in emergency situations, allowing them to refocus their attention where it's needed.
"The AFAF can directly support the Holloman mission by allowing our Airmen to focus on the mission and not worry about issues at home such as an unexpected death in the family or a financial emergency," said 1st. Lt. Jorge Aliaga, 49th Operations Group, Installation Project Officer.

They can also provide personnel and their dependants with educational opportunities as well as assist widows or widowers of Air Force members in need of financial assistance.
The AFAF affiliates rely largely on voluntary donations, and without them, would not be able to continue their role in assisting Air Force members. Those interested in making a donation have until March 31, when the campaign ends, to do so.

Individuals can choose which program they would like to donate to and can donate to more than one. Donations can be made by cash, check or a monthly payroll allotment.

Each year, a key worker is assigned to each unit on base and their goal is to contact every person in their unit, make them aware of the campaign and give them the opportunity to donate.

Master Sgt. Corey Dlask, 49th Fighter Wing, is the key worker for the 49th Fighter Wing staff agencies.

"I volunteered to be a spokesperson for the AFAF campaign because I truly believe in what it stands for and what its primary mission is - to take care of the Air Force family," he said.

Sergeant Dlask knows first-hand how helpful the AFAF can be for struggling Airmen because he once utilized one of their affiliates - the Air Force Aid Society.

He was a young Airman, newly married and the father of a four-month old son, when his grandmother, whom he was close to and lived with before joining the military, passed away. The AFAS allowed him the monetary means to go home, be with his family and attend her funeral.

"She was a very big part of my life and I was very grateful that such a program was available for someone in my situation," said Sergeant Dlask. "No one ever knows when an emergency may arise that needs their urgent attention."

"By donating, you are not only helping those in need today, but may be helping yourself or someone you know in the future," he added.

For more information or to make a contribution, please contact your squadron's spokesperson, or contact Lieutenant Aliaga at 572-0159.