AFA kicks off annual campaign Published Feb. 10, 2011 By Senior Airman Marissa Tucker 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- The Air Force Assistance Fund campaign has began with this year's Air Force wide goal to raise more than $6.3 million for active duty, Guard and Reserve Airmen and their dependents including surviving spouses. "The Air Force Assistance Fund is a great way for people to give back," said Master Sgt. Fulton Spriggs, 4th Equipment Maintenance Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of munitions accountability, who is heading the donation campaign this year. "It's all about home." The Air Force Assistance Fund finances the following organizations: · The Air Force Village, which provides low cost housing communities for retired officer's spouses, widows, widowers and elderly parents and grandparents · The Air Force Aid Society, the official charity of the Air Force which provides worldwide emergency assistance to Airmen and their families, sponsors educational assistance programs and offers base community enhancement programs to improve Airmen and family welfare · The General and Mrs. Curtis L. Lemay foundation, which provides financial assistance to widows and widowers of both retired officer and enlisted Airmen · The Air Force Enlisted Village, which provides safe, secure and dignified housing for indigent surviving spouses of retired Air Force personnel As a former military training instructor, Sergeant Sprigs saw firsthand the capabilities of the AFAF. He once had an Airman who had a death in his family and was unable to afford airline tickets to go home but with help from the AFAF, he was able to get to his hometown within a day of notification. "The AFAF really helps Airmen from the bottom to the top," Sergeant Spriggs said. "The Air Force really takes care of its own in times of need." Captain Timothy Swiechowicz, the instillation AFAF project officer for the wing, agreed that donating to the fund shows a dedication to service and to Airmen past and present. "The AFAF provides assistance only to Airmen, retired Airmen, and their families," said Captain Swiechowicz, who is an F-15E pilot with the 333rd Fighter Squadron. "An Airman who donates to the AFAF knows that money will be used to help fellow Airmen." Any Airman wishing to donate to the fund can contact their group representative.