News | March 3, 2022

AFAF kicks off at HARB March 7

By Tim Norton 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

This year's Air Force Assistance Fund "Taking Care of Our Own" campaign runs March 7 to May 13 at Homestead Air Reserve Base. It allows critical support to Airmen, Guardians, and their families – active duty, Reservists, Guardsmen, retirees, and surviving spouses from the Air and Space Forces.

The campaign is an annual effort to raise funds for the four charities that provide support to our Air Force family members in need.

“Last year the Air Force Aid Society opened up to Reservists and we have personnel here at Homestead who are using these resources,” said Chaplain (Maj.) John Rollyson, 482nd Fighter Wing AFAF chairperson. “This is a great opportunity for us to support the campaign that is already benefiting our Airmen.”

According to Rollyson, the wing’s goal this year is to raise $12,000. The easiest way to donate is to go to the 2022 AFAF Campaign - 2022 AFAF Campaign (qgiv.com) click on the Find a Base link and select Homestead from the list of installations. Contributions to the AFAF are tax-deductible.

“The Air Force Assistance Fund has been an outstanding resource for Airmen and a great way for us to help take care of our own,” said Col. David Castaneda, 482nd FW commander. “And now that the program is available to our Reservists AFAF can reach more of our members in need.”

Below is a brief description of the four charities.

Air Force Aid Society works every day to support and enhance the U.S. Air Force mission by providing emergency financial assistance and on-base community programs. Their mission now extends to include our newest service branch – the U.S. Space Force Guardians and their families.

Since 2008, AFAS has provided more than $215 million in direct assists to Airmen and their families. We can provide this support through generous contributions to the AFAF drive.

Air Force Enlisted Village located in Shalimar, Florida (close to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida) has provided a safe, comfortable home to thousands of military widows. Housing is available at Bob Hope Village, our independent living community, or at Hawthorn House, our assisted living and memory care residence.

Residents receive over $1.1 million annually in aid to live in a safe, dignified, caring community. AFEV provides support not just once, but for the life of our residents. AFEV offers a home to moms of active duty and retired military members and provides temporary housing to surviving spouses of enlisted members who die while on active duty or to active-duty members when tragedy strikes.

Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation, renamed Blue Skies of Texas, supports the Air Force Village in San Antonio, Texas, a life-care community to care for the widowed spouses of retired Air Force officers. From the first widowed spouse served in 1974, until today, more than $23 million have been invested in care.

More than 92 percent of those receiving assistance reside in assisted living, skilled nursing, or memory care, truly in the most vulnerable phase of their lives. Increased longevity and rising healthcare costs have created a crisis for many seniors.

General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation’s mission is to provide financial support to widows and widowers of Airmen and Guardian retirees. Grants awarded to the enlisted and officer’s surviving spouses provide rent and other financial assistance to indigent widows and widowers in their own homes and communities.

For more information, contact Chaplain Rollyson at 482fw.hc@us.af.mil or visit the Air Force Assistance Fund website.