Air Force Assistance Fund encourages your support

24 Mar 2008 | Bruce Carlson, Gen, USAF

This month, at each base in our Command, volunteers from every organization will be coming around to offer you a chance to contribute to the Air Force Assistance Fund (AFAF). I'd like to use this Commander's Log to encourage your support for this great program. Unlike other programs, the Air Force Assistance Fund is run by Airmen, for Airmen ... quite simply it is a powerful way to take care of our own.

Here's how I see it.

We stress the wingman concept a lot in the Air Force, and rightfully so. We have our greatest impact when we invest our time and energy in each other, at a personal level. Unfortunately, it is often hard for an organization as large and complex as the Air Force to act as a wingman ... but the Air Force Assistance Fund allows the Air Force to do so.

The AFAF oversees several different charities. In particular, the Air Force Aid Society provides interest free emergency loans, phone cards and need-based education grants to our active-duty Airmen and their families. Each year, very discreetly and compassionately, thousands of lives are touched by this society. Just check your First Sergeant's phone, my guess is the Air Force Aid Society number is on speed-dial.

Historically, only 30% of our Airmen contribute to this worthy cause. I'm asking each of you to help our Command exceed 50% participation this year. I understand certain situations do not allow all of us to contribute. At the same time, I'm confident well over half of us are able to give, even if it's only a little. The AFAF directly supports our active duty, retirees, reservists, guard and their dependents, including surviving spouses. As such, I am aware this excludes a large portion of our command. And while we don't solicit donations from our Civilian Airmen, I know many of you will enthusiastically donate to this great cause.

So I simply ask you to take a moment and consider if you are able to help the Air Force help its own. If you're a military member, someone from your unit will come find you and give you a chance to help your fellow Airmen. If you're one of our great Civilian Airmen and want to participate, please ask any of your military co-workers and they'll point you in the right direction. In the end, this is all about Airmen helping Airmen, and that's what being a wingman is all about.



I remain your fellow wingman,

Bruce Carlson, Gen, USAF
Commander