AFDW focuses on AF Assistance Fund during fun run

Published March 16, 2011
By Benjamin Newell

AIR FORCE DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON -- Air Force District of Washington Airmen and civilians ran two miles on a 50 degree, overcast day to raise awareness for the Air Force Assistance Fund Tuesday March 16 at Joint Base Andrews - NAF Washington, Md.

The command fun run, led by AFDW Commander Maj. Gen. Darren McDew, was attended by units from Andrews and Joint Base Anacostia - Bolling, Washington D.C.
"The Air Force Assistance Fund is the only charity that gives directly back to only Airmen," said Chief Master Sgt. Richard Brown, Functional Manager in the 779th Medical Group at Andrews. Chief Brown finished the run first, and was ready to pace out four additional miles when the run concluded. "Many of my Airmen have been helped over the years by the fund, and we all lean on them at one point or another," he said.

WATCH A VIDEO TESTIMONIAL OF AN AFDW AIRMAN HELPED BY THE AIR FORCE SID SOCIETY

Donations to the Air Force Assistance Fund help Air Force active duty, retirees, reservists, guard members and dependents. Emergency aid, educational needs and a secure retirement home for widows or widowers of Air Force members in need of financial assistance are all provided by the organizations AFAF supports.

The Air Force Aid Society, one of four charities AFAF supports, has the most direct impact on active duty Airmen. It benefits the Air Force mission by providing worldwide emergency assistance, sponsoring education assistance programs and offering an array of base community enhancement programs.

"Make no mistake, these donations help the Airmen you work with every day," said 11th Wing Commander Col. Kenneth Rizer. "Last year, Andrews Airmen received more than $129,000 in grants and loans, for everything from rent payments to baby clothes."

Runners were supported by USO snack packs and water bottles at the conclusion of the run. Though the run was not formation style, several units concluded the route formed up and following guidons.

"I am just very excited to see this event focus on how AFAF helps every Airman," said Maj. Ty Christian, the HQ AFDW Campaign Coordinator. "Think about it, if a fellow airman is helped out and doesn't have to worry about a bill, he's a better wingman. This is a total force effort."