Support fellow Airmen through AFAF Published Feb. 12, 2010 By Maj. Manuel Perez 30th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Worthwhile opportunities to give financially are not only numerous, but also quick and easy to contribute to. The tragedy that struck thousands of Haitians is a prominent example of the tremendous need and ease of donating. Donations can be in the form of a text message, online payment and at retailers by credit card or personal check. These easy transactions help us all contribute and immediately feel the gratification of donating. In doing so, we can easily move on and forget about those in need year-round within the Air Force. The Air Force provides an annual venue to contribute to those in our military community in need, where we can provide assistance throughout the year and affect thousands wearing blue. The Air Force Assistance Fund is this venue. It is an annual effort to raise funds for various charities designed to help those in the Air Force family. AFAF affiliates are not only for active duty members, but apply to reservists, National Guard, retirees and dependents as well. The charities that receive support from AFAF are the Air Force Aid Society, the official charity of the Air Force that provides emergency assistance, sponsors education assistance and offers other programs to enhance the lives of Air Force members, their families and communities; Air Force Village Foundation, a community for retired military officers; and General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation, which provides support for the widows of all Air Force retirees. All of these charities provide a tremendous service to those in our Air Force family that need the help. Our efforts to raise funds to help are the sole means for these charities to continue to operate and serve. With the increased deployments throughout the Air Force, and with the current status of our economy, these charities and the services they provide are needed more than ever. Although we're expected to be financially responsible, life still throws all of us some curveballs, such as the death of a family member or the need for emergency car repairs. While it might not necessarily be evident, in 2009, right here at Vandenberg, there were 148 assists to enlisted, officers, spouses and families that needed assistance to the tune of $111,550; this included $7,888 for emergency travel, $23,812 for vehicle repairs, and $41,357 for shelter and rent. Obviously, supporting AFAF is one of the best ways for us to reach out and do our part right here at home. This year for the Air Force is the "Year of the Air Force Family," and in the spirit of Airmen taking care of Airmen, AFAF deserves our support. These programs provide the aid in a manner due to their wide reach and programs that, as individuals, we cannot. This year's AFAF campaign started Feb. 8 and will continue until May 7 at all Air Force installations. The campaign will run for six consecutive weeks at each active duty installation. Make the most of your opportunity to give and help our extended Air Force family's members in need. For more information, you can go to AFAF's Web site at www.afassistancefund.org.