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Spangdahlem's AFAF in final run for 2009

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jenifer H. Calhoun
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  The Air Force Assistance Fund is in full swing and heading toward home plate, ending April 24.

The AFAF provides aid to Airmen and their families through a wide variety of programs designed to provide support ranging from financial assistance to care for military widows.

The fund operates solely through donations; it is not supplemented by the government. For every dollar donated 95 cents or more is used to assist Airmen and their families.
"When I was in a car accident they paid for the passports and plane tickets for my parents to come here as well as providing gift baskets and making sure they were comfortable during their stay," said Heather Satterthwaite, wife of Airman Stuart Satterthwaite 52nd Security Forces Squadron.

During 2008, AFAF charities provided $19.1 million in direct emergency relief. Some of the donations not directed toward base programs were used to provide assistance to Air Force widows.

Air Force members have the option to donate to one or all four of the charities.

The Air Force Enlisted Village Indigent Widow's fund is located near Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field in Northwest Florida and has provided a home for more than 1,625 surviving spouses since 1975.

The Air Force Village provides widows or widowers of career retired Air Force officers with cost-effective living options. The fund provided $918,000 in assistance to widows and widowers last year.

The Air Force Aid Society is the official charity of the Air Force and is chartered to assist in relieving financial emergencies faced by active duty members and their families. About $15 million in assistance is given each year.

The General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation provides financial assistance to widows of all retired Air Force personnel.

"Every dime goes back to Airmen and their families including widows for the rest of their lives. What could be better than that?," said Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Kenney, 52nd Fighter Wing command chief.

In 2008, 220 Sabers benefited from $216,000 in loans, grants, community enhancements and the Spouses Tuition Assistance Program.

"The Air Force Assistance Fund is a unique program that you don't find in too many civilian organizations; this is what sets us apart ... we are Airmen taking care of Airmen", said 1st Lt. Cindy Serrano, installation AFAF project manager.

For more information or to contribute, contact a unit AFAF representative or Lieutenant Serrano at 452-6767.