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AF Assistance Fund in Focus: AF Aid Society

  • Published
  • By Capt. John Bixby
  • 316th WG Security Forces Squadron
Air Force District of Washington --  The Air Force Aid Society is the official charity of the US Air Force, incorporated in 1942 as a non-profit organization whose mission is to help relieve financial distress of Air Force service members and their families. It also provides educational assistance funds to those seeking higher education.

"AFAS is a diverse organization in both its fundraising goals and objectives," according to Debbie Vosburg, director of AFAS communication and marketing. AFAS one of the options listed on the yearly Air Force Assistance Fund donation forms. "Any Airman choosing to donate to AFAS will be helping his fellow Airman out of a financial emergency such as unexpected vehicle repair, funeral expenses or emergency travel," said Ms. Vosburg. "We also have a $7 million education fund and maintain programs that are base-and community-specific to all of our Airmen."

Air Force District of Washington Commander Maj. Gen. Darrell Jones and Command Chief Pat Battenberg took time out of their day March 22, 2010 to sign AFAF forms together. "Everyone has been helped by this organization," said General Jones. "If you haven't been directly helped, then one of your friends has. Everyone should keep the broad impact of an organization like this in mind during the AFAF drive."

To date, AFDW and it's reporting units have collected $25,191 for the AFAF campaign. Every dollar donated through the AFAF to the Society supports emergency assistance programs.

In addition to extensive year-round fundraising campaigns, the AFAS hosts an annual ball. General Jones and Chief Battenberg attended this year's Air Force Charity Ball, which raised $556,000 for the AFAS. "The Air Force Ball brought to my attention the story of Tech. Sgt. Matthew Slaydon, an Air Force Explosive Ordinance Disposal technician who lost his eyesight and both arms after an IED detonated inches from him," said Chief Battenberg.
"This is really the time of year we need to pull together to be sure that Airmen like Sergeant Slaydon get the support they need." The AFAS helped Sergeant Slaydon and his wife keep their home, a familiar environment necessary for full recovery following combat-caused blindness.

The roots of the Society go back to 1942 in response to then Lt. Gen. 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 service members and assure the availability of educational assistance to those families.

Fortunately, loan paybacks and investment fund income allow the AFAS to satisfy 100 percent of emergency assistance requirements and education and community enhancement programs. This added income also enables the AFAS to absorb conservative operating costs.

In 2009, AFAS provided more than $21.6 million in support to Airmen and their families while their donations for the year were approximately $6.3 million. The ratio of support to contributions for 2009 was 346 percent. Generous donations will help the fund recover from a financially challenging period.

[Editors Note: The 2010 Air Force Assistance Fund In Focus, is the first of a three part series running exclusively in AFDW during the AFAF campaign from March 15 to April 23. Future 2010 Air Force Assistance Fund, In Focus articles will profile the Air Force Enlisted Village, The Air Force Village and the LeMay Foundation.]