SJAFB kicks off AFAF campaign Published March 30, 2010 By Tech. Sgt. Lesley Waters 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- The 2010 Air Force Assistance Fund campaign began March 29 and runs through May 7. Last year, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base gave $87,141 and its servicemembers and family members received back $424,000 in assistance in the form of interest-free loans, grants and scholarships. "The 2010 SJAFB AFAF campaign is a combined effort between the 4th Fighter Wing and 916th Air Refueling Wing," said Maj. Robert Grover, AFAF installation project officer. "With so many people struggling this year, we are hoping to beat the base goal of $78,861 to ensure everyone has what they need to support themselves and their families." In its 37th year, 100 percent of designated AFAF contributions will benefit active-duty, eligible Reserve, Guard, retired Air Force servicemembers, surviving spouses and families. "I received a low-interest loan from Air Force Aid Society as a lieutenant when my transmission died," Maj. Grover said. "This is a great way to say thank you and ensure the opportunity is there for someone else who might need it." Anyone associated with Seymour Johnson can voluntarily contribute through cash, check, money order or payroll deduction to any of the following four organizations: - The Air Force Aid Society provides Airmen and their families with worldwide emergency financial assistance, education assistance and base-level, community-enhancement programs. The Airman & Family Readiness Center has full details on programs and eligibility requirements. Details are also available at www.afas.org. - The Air Force Enlisted Village was founded in 1967 and is located near Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The AFEV provides a safe, secure and dignified home to indigent widows of retired Air Force enlisted members. For details visit www.afenlistedwidows.org. - The Air Force Village provides retirement living, with access to continuing health care, for military officers who served honorably and their spouses, with priority to retired Air Force officer widows and widowers in need of financial assistance. The AFV is located in San Antonio. The Air Force Village Web site is www.airforcevillages.com. - The General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation helps widows of all Air Force retirees, both officers and enlisted, through financial grants of assistance. The LeMay Foundation Web site is www.lemay-foundation.org. "As servicemembers, we and our families sacrifice a lot for our nation," said Capt. Ryan Sanford, AFAF installation assistant project officer. "Often times, those selfless servants need compassion and help too. Donating to this program is, in a way, a chance to thank our fellow Airmen for those sacrifices by ensuring their needs are met too." For more information regarding the AFAF campaign, visit www.afassistancefund.org. All base organizations have appointed unit project officers to answer questions regarding the campaign and ensure all members have the opportunity to donate. For specific details contact the assigned UPOs or the group project officers: - 4th FW staff agencies/tenant units - 2nd Lt. Ralph Soto at 722-5675 - 4th Mission Support Group - 2nd Lt. Robert Bireley at 722-5010 - 4th Operations Group - Senior Airman Donita Session at 722-4175 - 4th Maintenance Group - 2nd Lt. Katherine Harmon at 722-3629 - 4th Medical Group - Master Sgt. Amanda Mundt at 722-0800 - 916th ARW - Tech. Sgt. Sharon Loring at 722-2213 - Installation project officers are Maj. Robert Grover at 722-5170 and Capt. Ryan Sanford at 722-3490.