Academy to take part in AFAF campaign Published Feb. 23, 2016 By Maj. Miguel Lopez U.S. Air Force Academy History Department U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Staff and cadets at the Air Force Academy can volunteer to donate to the Air Force Assistance Fund Feb. 29 – April 8. The annual fund drive supports charitable organizations assisting active duty, Guard, Reserve, retired service members and their dependents, including surviving spouses. The Air Force hopes to raise nearly $6.79 million this year; the Academy and the 10th Air Base Wing hope to surpass their goal of $60,000. The AFAF allows Airmen to help others in need and ourselves. Each Academy unit has an AFAF project officer and employees who will share AFAF information and are authorized to collect donations whether by direct paycheck withdrawal or a one-time cash donation. The AFAF supports four organizations: the Air Force Aid Society, the Air Force Village Charitable Foundation and the Air Force Enlisted Village, and The General and Mrs. Curtis LeMay Foundation The AFAS is the official charity of the Air Force. Airmen can visit their AFAS coordinator and apply for grants and loans for emergency medical bills, car repair or travel to be with a sick family member, food, rent or utilities. Approximately $15 million in emergency help is allocated every year. The Air Force Village Charitable Foundation and the Air Force Enlisted Village provide retirees’ widows and widowers with a home and a caring community. Since 1970, the fund has paid-out more than $10 million for health care services, living accommodations for up to one year, and dependent care for elderly parents and grandparents. The Air Force Enlisted Village Indigent Widows’ fund has provided homes for more than 1,600 surviving spouses since 1975 at its facilities in northern Florida. The housing and services are available to spouses of enlisted members who died on active duty. The village also provides emergency housing to active duty or retired Airmen and their families during natural disasters. The General and Mrs. Curtis LeMay Foundation provides nationwide financial assistance to widows of all retired Air Force personnel. Funds are given with no strings attached. The AFAF is directly administered by the Air Force; 95 percent of funds received go directly to the mission of supporting Airmen and their families. One hundred percent of donations are tax-deductible for the donor. Visit your local AFAF project officer or key employees for more information.