Lakenheath surpasses assistance fund campaign goal

  • Published
  • By Airman Torri Henninger
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  This year's Air Force Assistance Fund "Commitment to Caring" campaign brought in $103,314 and exceeded the $68,778 goal by 150 percent.

"This was a new AFAF campaign record for RAF Lakenheath," said Capt. Scott Major, AFAF Installation Project Officer.

Last year, Lakenheath raised about $88,000. The campaign, which ran from Feb. 13 to May 5, provided Airmen the opportunity to contribute to the AFAF and help their fellow Airmen who may be in need.

The task of fundraising was dispersed down into the different groups on base and each one came up with something different to raise money. A car wash was put on by the 48th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the 48th Medical Group had a bake sale and chili cook-off. The Company Grade Officers Council had a CRUD tournament at the Eagle's Landing and the 48th Mission Support Group had a casual dress day.

"The casual dress day was by far the most successful, bringing in around $2000," said Capt. Major. The casual dress day gave Airmen the opportunity to wear civilian clothes to work on a designated day if they donated to the AFAF.

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.

"Funds from the AFAF helped over 80 families last year with grants and loans," said Sally Corey, Air Force Aid Society base officer. "There are also other programs that help servicemembers such as Give Parents a Break, Heartlink and permanent change of station childcare."

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

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

--The Air Force Enlisted Village Indigent Widows' Fund, supporting 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, supporting 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, providing rent and financial assistance to indigent widows and widowers of officers and enlisted people in their own homes and communities.

The success of this year's campaign gives a hopeful outlook to next year.