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AFDW surpasses AFAF goals, sets new record

  • Published
  • By Benjamin Newell
  • AFDW/PA
AIR FORCE DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON --  The Air Force District of Washington raised an all-time record of $101,618 for the Air Force Assistance Fund. All AFDW units in the National Capital Region bested their own yearly goals.

Each Year, Airmen are given the chance to provide for the Air Force family during the annual AFAF campaign. This year's fund allowed donations to pour into the four charitable organizations that directly benefit active duty servicemen, retired Airmen and the widows of officers and enlisted servicemen.

"This year's totals were really the result of donations from the total force." Airmen, civilians and contractors combined to make this year's campaign an unqualified success, according to AFDW's project manager for AFAF, Captain John Bixby of the 316th Wing Security Forces Squadron.

At commander's calls, weekly meetings and at the water cooler, key workers in every Air Force unit in the National Capital Region promoted the campaign as a whole, utilizing stories of those helped by each individual campaign.

"Some gave a little, some gave a lot," said AFDW Commander Maj. Gen. Darrell Jones. "The key is that everyone is willing to go above and beyond for their fellow airmen."
AFAF donors could choose from any combination of four the charities on their form.

The Air Force Enlisted Village was founded in 1967 after a survey found more than 50,000 widows of enlisted men were living below the poverty line. The village provides temporary housing to spouses of enlisted members who die or who are killed on active duty. Adult dependents - typically parents of active duty members or their spouses - are eligible for permanent housing on a space-available basis.

A video outlining the value of the enlisted village to those who depend on it was shown to some members of AFDW's headquarters staff during the campaign. AFDW Deputy Director of Staff Marsha Johnson, the HQ key worker, credits this video for bringing in $8,200. "Command Chief Pat Battenberg is a big believer in the village," said Mrs. Johnson. "He made sure everyone was aware of how their specific donation impacts individual people."

Another donation option, the Air Force Village, was founded by the Air Force Officers' Wives' Clubs in 1964 with a mission to provide a dignified and cost-effective retirement community for the widows of retired Air Force officers.

The Village continues to care for widows in need. In 2007, the village began building an endowment to assist widows who, as a result of tragic circumstances, exhausted their financial resources.

The General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation provides rent and financial assistance to widows and widowers of officer and enlisted retirees in their homes and communities through financial grants of assistance.

AFAF donors can also choose the Air Force Aid Society, which works to provide for active duty Airmen who are having financial difficulties. "The Air Force family is replete with stories of Airmen helped by the aid society," said General Jones. "We want to continue to build on the success of this campaign. Next year is another opportunity to give."