AFAF Campaign 2009 Published March 2, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Coleman 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- The annual Air Force Assistance Fund campaign started March 3 at Eielson in an effort to raise funds for the charitable affiliates that provide support to Air Force family members in need of financial assistance. Participation is voluntary and proceeds from the campaign will benefit four official Air Force charitable organizations. This year, Eielson's goal is $34,000-- only $1,000 more than Eielson's goal last year, which was met. Icemen have until April 9 to reach or even exceed this year's goal. "100 percent contact with Eielson personnel is vital," said Master Sgt. John Hough, AFAF Installation Project Officer. "We want to make sure that everyone is provided the opportunity to contribute." In an effort to put the word out, there will be a free pancake breakfast 6 to 8 a.m., March 11, at the base chapel to help kick start the campaign. "Every year there are people put in charge of overseeing Eielson's goal, but all that really means is someone is appointed to put the word out," said 2nd Lt. David Lang, another AFAF Installation Project Officer. "Advertising it is important, but what makes the goal is the Airmen who decide to donate." The four charitable organizations are: -The Air Force Aid Society which provides Airmen and their families with worldwide emergency financial assistance, education assistance and an array of base-level community enhancement programs. Base family support centers have full details on programs and eligibility requirements. Information is also available online at http://www.afas.org/. -The Air Force Enlisted Village Indigent Widow's Fund in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., near Eglin Air Force Base which provides rent subsidy and other support to indigent widows and widowers of retired enlisted people 55 and older. More information is available at http://www.afenlistedwidows.org. -The Air Force Village Indigent Widow's Fund in San Antonio, a life-care community for retired officers, spouses, widows or widowers and family members. The Air Force Village Web site is http://www.airforcevillages.com. -The General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation provides rent and financial assistance to indigent widows and widowers of Airmen in their own homes and communities. The LeMay Foundation web site is http://www.lemayfoundation.org/. Contributions to the AFAF are tax deductible. Visit http://afassistancefund.org for more information. Lieutenant Lang pointed out that taking full advantage of this opportunity can help out fellow Airmen and their families in financial need. The AFAF and the Combined Federal Campaign are the only on-the-job fundraisers authorized by the Air Force and AFAF affiliates do not solicit annual support through the CFC. This is truly a one-of-a-kind chance for Airmen to help Airmen. "I highly encourage every member of the 354th Fighter Wing to consider contributing," said Chief Master Sgt. Earl Hannon, 354th Fighter Wing command chief, "as this campaign provides us with the great opportunity to give back directly to our Airmen and their families in financial need." For more information or to donate, contact your unit representative. 354th Medical Group 354th Medical Operations Squadron, Tech. Sgt. Christopher Ledgett 354th Medical Support Squadron, Tech. Sgt. Hilda Holmes 354th Mission Support Group 354th Civil Engineering Squadron, Tech. Sgt. Richard Matteson 354th Contracting Squadron, Staff Sgt. Vernon Verschelden 354th Force Support Squadron, Capt. Lee Jeffords 354th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Master Sgt. Katy Stinson 354th Security Forces Squadron, Master Sgt. Carroll Stone and Tech. Sgt. Tangela Taylor 354th Maintenance Group 354th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Master Sgt. Shawn Chura 354th Maintenance Squadron, 2nd Lt. Daniel Mota 354th Operations Group 353rd Combat Training Squadron, Staff Sgt. Brooks Steinbacher 354th Operations Support Squadron, Senior Airman Paul Simonik 18th Aggressor Squadron, Capt. Daniel Sanders 354th Wing Staff Agencies Airman 1st Class Kassandra Pyle