NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — It is that time of year again; the kick-off of the 43rd Annual Air Force Assistance Fund Campaign at Nellis, Creech, and the Nevada Test and Training Range.
Determined long ago, the permanent theme “Commitment to Caring” has exemplified the dedication that we as Airmen have shown over the years for those who have served and their families. We wish to continue to show this commitment in providing essential aid to those in need. That’s why, commitment to caring is so important. I would like to tell you about the effects of this fund on the lives of our veterans.
• The Air Force Aid Society provides Airmen and their families worldwide with emergency financial assistance, education assistance and various base-level community enhancement programs. Last year, they alone provided more than $359,515 to Nellis AFB families alone. This money comes in the form of help with vehicle expenses, emergency travel, basic living, funeral expenses, medical and dental expenses, child care or respite, and moving expenses. Millions of dollars are distributed by the Air Force Aid Society every year and it all comes from people like you to veterans in need.
• The Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation opened its doors in San Antonio, Texas, in 1970 with a core charitable mission to care for retired Air Force Officers’ widowed spouses who need financial assistance. With the motto, “take care of our own,” it really says it all and for nearly 50 years they have been proving it every day with more than $17.5 Million in donations to the assistance and care of surviving spouses of military Veterans.
• The Lemay Foundation in 2013 gave over $426,302 in assistance that benefited widows with monthly grants to augment incomes that fall below the poverty line and provided one-time grants to assist with needs like hearing aids, dental care, and minor home repairs.
• Air Force Enlisted Village “To Provide a Home” is a simple mission based on the ideal that no one should be homeless or living in less than desirable conditions. Through your generous support, the Air Force Enlisted Village, gives over $1.1 million annually in aid to the widows of military veterans to live in a safe, dignified, caring communities and have been doing so since 1975. They provide transportation, prescription pick-up service, fitness activities, and social events for the widows they serve.
The 2016 AFAF campaign officially kicks off March 21 and will run through April 29, everyone at Nellis, Creech AFB’s and the NTTR is encouraged to contribute.
The goals this year for team Nellis is to obtain 100 percent contact and participation and to raise $201,652.
The donation process is simple and painless, taking very little time or effort to complete. Like last year, personnel can donate via the Payroll Deduction Plan, cash, or check to any of the four major AFAF charities above. Your donations will go to families that answered our nation’s call and have now fallen on hard times and need our help. Please support the charities listed above.
