Lakenheath surpasses AFAF goal

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Torri Ingalsbe
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  This year's Air Force Assistance Fund "Commitment to Caring" campaign brought in $124 thousand and exceeded the $100 thousand goal by 124 percent.

"Basically, we rocked," said Capt. Benjamin Martin, AFAF Installation Project Officer. "We raised more than $20 thousand more than the previous high Lakenheath had ever raised."

Last year, Lakenheath raised about $100,000. The campaign, which ran from Feb. 11 to May 3, provided Airmen the opportunity to contribute to the AFAF and help their fellow Airmen who may be in need.

"Capt. Martin and his team are world-class," said Brig. Gen. John Hesterman, 48th Fighter Wing commander. "They helped bring the Liberty Wing to the highest earnings we've ever had for the AFAF. All the Liberty Warriors should be commended for their generosity and their willingness to help each other. The AFAF is a great program and I hope we do this well with it next year." 

The AFAF was established as an annual effort to raise funds for the charities that provide support to the Air Force family including active duty members, retirees, Air Force reservists and Air National Guardsmen. It also supports dependents and surviving spouses.

People can contribute at any time through cash, check, money order or payroll deduction to:

--The Air Force Aid Society provides Airmen and families with worldwide emergency financial aid, education assistance as well as an array of base level community-enhancement programs.

--The Air Force Enlisted Village Indigent Widows' Fund supports the Air Force Village in Shalimar, Fla. The fund provides rent subsidy and other support to indigent widows and widowers of retired enlisted people 55 and older.

--The Air Force Villages Indigent Widows' Fund supports the Air Force Village in San Antonio, Texas, a life-care community for retired officers, spouses, widows or widowers and family members.

--The General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation provides rent and financial assistance to indigent widows and widowers of officers and enlisted people in their own homes and communities.