Sabers exceed AFAF goal Published April 12, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Tammie Moore 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office SPANGHDAHLEM AIR BASE, GERMANY -- Sabers have rallied together to support the Air Force Assistance Fund exceeding the base's donation goal of $85,558 and giving more than $114,000. At week three of the six-week campaign, Sabers had already donated enough to surpass the established donation goal. "I am extremely impressed by the generosity and passion members of Spangdahlem have toward the Air Force Assistance Fund," said Capt. Eric Haler, 52nd Fighter Wing AFAF project officer. "The way everyone, active duty, retirees and civilians all came together to donate money or put together a fundraiser to support this cause (was amazing). It just proves the saying that the Air Force is one large family." While the campaign here has been very successful Captain Haler said being in contact with so many people who have been assisted by the AFAF agencies has been eye opening. Hearing the stories first-hand of how these charities, especially the Air Force Aid Society has benefited members of the Spangdahlem Community and ensuring finical aid is available to future Airmen has been very rewarding, Captain Haler said. Tech. Sgt. Stephen Cunningham, 726th Air Mobility Squadron, received finical assistance from the Air Force Aid Society after his first daughter, Abigayle Victoria Cunningham, died in utero. "After taking care of my wife and finally returning home (from the hospital), childless, we had to make arrangements for a funeral," Sergeant Cunningham said. "If you have ever had to bury a loved one, you know the cost can be very overwhelming. The cost to bury my daughter was more than $10,000. As a young staff sergeant I did not have that kind of money, especially after spending money to get prepared for Abby. My first sergeant contacted the Air Force Aid Society and was able to arrange a grant." "Even though I do not need to pay back the $10,000 grant, I still feel obligated to assist the Air Force Aid Society," Sergeant Cunningham said. "Unfortunately, at times in our lives, stuff happens, and our world is rocked. We don't know when or where this stuff will happen, but fortunately we know that the Air Force Aid Society is there to lend us a hand." Like Sergeant Cunningham, Staff Sgt. Travis Cannon, 606th Air Control Squadron, received assistance from the Air Force Aid Society when his Grandmother passed away. "I absolutely had to get home to attend the funeral," Sergeant Cannon said. "I had no savings and even my entire paycheck wouldn't have been enough to cover the expense of a no notice plane trip home to the states." Sergeant Cannon called his first sergeant and explained his situation. After they hung up the phone, his first sergeant connected the Airman and Family Readiness Center to begin the Air Force Aid Society Loan process. "Thanks to the Air Force Aid Society Loan, I was able to attend my dear Grandmother's funeral and be with my family in their time of need," he said. "Certainly without the Air Force Aid Society there would have been no way I would have been able to get home." Sabers donated approximately $86,000 for the Air Force Aid Society, $11,000 for the Air Force Enlisted Village, $10,000 for the Air Force Village and $7,500 for the LeMay Foundation. (Editor's note: To read Sergeant Cunningham's story, visit www.spangdahlem.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123045834. To read Sergeant Cannon's story, visit www.spangdahlem.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123048354.)