AFAF kicks off Published March 23, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Coleman 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Never leave a wingman behind is one of the Air Force's key concepts, something that is briefed at every opportunity. This is your chance to help a fellow Airman. The Air Force Assistance Fund will kick off with a breakfast at the chapel March 29 and conclude May 7 with a bowl-a-thon at the Arctic Lanes bowling alley. Although the foundation will be accepting donations for a longer period of time, this time is significant because donations during this time will be counted towards Eielson's participation points in the drive's competition. Last year, more than 33,700 pledges were made at Eielson alone. The goal is to have at least 50 percent participation for the competition. Participation points could result in a reward for the base - up to $2,500 to be used to improve quality of life. More than 42,000 Air Force members and their families were helped with $21.6 million in assistance last year. Approximately 86 percent of emergency assistance dollars went to active duty members and their families in grades E-6 and below. The remainder went to other active duty members, retirees, widows, and ANG/Reserve members. "I do this personally because it's a great way for Airmen to help Airmen out. It gives people a chance to give to each other and maybe even themselves," said Master Sgt. Terry Patterson, the Assistant Installation Project Officer. There are four different causes supported by the drive; the Air Force Aid Society, the Air Force Enlisted village and Air Force village, and the LeMay Foundation. The AFAS provides aid to active duty and retired, enlisted and officer, as well as their families and widows. The AF Enlisted Village provides a home to surviving spouses of enlisted members who die while on active duty. The AF Village cares for retired officer widows who need financial assistance. The LeMay foundation awards grants to enlisted and officer retirees and their spouses, with no questions as to why they need help. The AFAS is a private non-profit organization. However, since the Society exists only to help Air Force people there are close ties to the Air Force. The Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower and Personnel acts as the Society's principal liaison with the Air Force, publishing a directive authorizing support for AFAS activities at base level. "The fund is used for emergency assistance for people who need help in an emergency situation and don't have the ability to take care of themselves," said Donald Murray, Eielson's AFAS officer. "We (help) in all kinds of emergency situations - from emergency travel assistance to a grandparent's death by providing interest-free loans." The roots of the society go back to 1942 in response to General Henry "Hap" Arnold's concern that members of his Army Air Forces faced unique hardships in meeting the challenges of World War II. He wanted a national organization which could provide emergency assistance to the wives and children of war victims and assure the availability of educational assistance to those families. Editor's note: For complete details about any of these programs, contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 377-2178.