Team Seymour ramps up to reach AFAF goal

  • Published
  • By Airman Shawna L. Keyes
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The 2015 Air Force Assistance Fund campaign began March 2 with the goal to raise $100,000 by April 10.

The AFAF raises funds for a variety of programs which provide support ranging from financial assistance for active-duty Airmen to care for military widows.

To raise awareness for this year's campaign, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base held a kickoff breakfast at Heritage Hall and raised over $6,000 for the charities. 

"We fell short last year, only raising $87,544 of our $100,000 goal," said Capt. Matthew Bar, 334th Fighter Squadron formal training unit instructor and AFAF installation project officer. "But I am confident that we can achieve this year's goal for two reasons: first, our key workers have been doing outstanding work contacting people and educating the base about the charities. Second, Seymour Johnson (AFB) is full of people who have a strong desire to help others."

Since 1971 the AFAF has continued the tradition of helping Airmen and their families throughout the United States Air Force. 

"What gives me comfort as an Airman is that these charities are out there exclusively to benefit fellow Airmen," said Bar. We're brothers and sisters in arms, and it reinforces the concept of taking care of our own."

Airmen have the option to choose the Air Force Aid Society, the LeMay Foundation, the Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation, or the Air Force Enlisted Village as the recipient for their donation.
Last year, retired Master Sgt. Brian Buss, received aid from the AFAS for his two-year-old daughter, who needed assistance walking. The medical equipment needed cost $657.87, more than what Buss could afford.

"My daughter can now walk on her own with the help of her equipment," Buss said in April 2014. "If it wasn't for the Air Force Aid Society, and the generosity of not only the individuals in the 4th Fighter Wing, but the whole Air Force, the equipment she has today wouldn't be here. Every time I see her in her walker with that smile on her face, I'm overwhelmed with happiness. It's really a blessing beyond compare."

In 2014, Seymour Johnson AFB received $277,787 from the AFAS in grants, loans and community programs.

Additionally, the AFAF also includes the LeMay Foundation, established by Gen. Curtis LeMay and his wife as a way to give back to the widows of Air Force retirees in appreciation of their spouses' service. The Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation and the Air Force Enlisted Village provide similar services to the spouses of retired officers and enlisted Airmen.

To help reach this year's goal, key workers will interact with all Airmen in their respective squadrons, as well as educate them on the various charities they can donate to.

"Any time you have entire squadrons working different shifts to support the mission it's going to be a challenge," said 2nd Lt. Brian Lindsay, 4th Contracting Squadron contract specialist and AFAF installation project officer assistant. "(By) having dedicated squadron key workers who will make sure that we achieve 100 percent face-to-face contact with every active duty member on base, I have no doubt that we can reach, and even surpass, this year's goal."

Donations can be made by cash, check, money order or payroll deduction. For more information about the AFAF, visit www.afassistancefund.org or contact a unit AFAF representative.