AFAF kick off

Rogers Gardner, 20th Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness Center director, speaks about the impact of the 2011 Air Force Assistance Fund campaign for the kick off of the 2012 AFAF at the Carolina Skies Club, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., March 23, 2012. Last year, the AFAF helped out more than 40,000 AF family members by providing $9 million for emergency assistance, $6.5 million for education and $2.2 million for community programs.(U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Daniel Phelps/Released)

AFAF kicked off March 23

Published March 23, 2012
By Senior Airman Daniel Phelps
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The 2012 Air Force Assistance Fund campaign kicked off March 26 and will run through May 4.

Four major charities receive contributions from the AFAF: the Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Villages, Air Force Enlisted Villages and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation.

These charitable affiliates all support the AF family and rely largely on volunteer contributions.

"This base is nothing without our Airmen," said Col. Don Godier, 20th Fighter Wing vice commander. "This is our chance to give back and support our own."

Godier recalled a story of an Airman at one of his previous bases who gave $3,000 because the AFAF had once helped him in a time of need.

"The AFAF meaning changed for me that day," Godier said.

Rogers Gardner, 20th Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness director, stressed the importance of the AFAF to the AFRC, and the need for leadership to get the word out about it.

"A lot of young Airmen are completely unaware of the programs that are offered to them through this," said Gardner.

Last year $9 million was given in emergency assistance, $6.5 million given for education assistance, $2.2 million given for community programs and more than 40,000 people were helped, he added.