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Kunsan kicks off 2009 AFAF

  • Published
  • By Senior Gustavo Gonzalez
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The 2009 Air Force Assistance Fund campaign, themed "Commitment to Caring," began here March 2.

The AFAF is an annual effort established to raise funds for the charitable affiliates that provide support to active duty members, retirees, reservists, guard and dependents, including surviving spouses, in need.

"It provides a lot of benefits for individuals that may get in a situation where they need a little help--a death in the family, a car that breaks down, also widowers and children of service members killed on duty, it helps them as well," said Capt. Dawn Baker, Kunsan AFAF project coordinator. "[Airmen] should donate because they are giving back to active duty Air Force members and their families. Everyone is always there to help you out if you have a problem or an issue and this is just a good way to give back and help them out in return."

Neither the AFAF nor any of the affiliates receive taxpayers' support. Its administrative and fund-raising costs are among the lowest in the nation, and 95 cents or more of every dollar contributed is spent on the AFAF mission--assisting Air Force members and their families. The AFAF affiliates rely largely on voluntary contributions.

"I'm coordinating with all the group and squadron representatives making sure that everybody gets contacted and everybody gets an opportunity to donate to the charity of their choice." said Senior Master Sgt. Jeremy Simpson, Kunsan AFAF assistant installation project officer. "You fill out a form, sign it, put your social on that then we turn that in to finance. Then starting Oct. 1, however much money you decide to give per month will start coming out of your paycheck.

"I think that as a collective we have an obligation to give back a little bit to what the Air Force has given to us." Sergeant Simpson added.

The organizations supported by the AFAF are the Air Force Enlisted Village Foundation, the Air Force Village Foundation, the Air Force Aid Society, and the General and Mrs. Curtis W. LeMay Foundation. These organizations help Air Force people with aid emergencies, with educational needs, or to have a secure retirement home for widows or widowers of Air Force members.

Every Squadron here has a representative. First Sergeants can also direct members to their respective squadron AFAF representative.

The AFAF runs through April 10.