MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- The March, 2016, 931st Air Refueling Wing Unit Training Assembly serves as the last opportunity for traditional members of the 931 ARW to donate to the Air Force Assistance Fund. All donations must be coordinated by the close of business March 6, 2016.
The AFAF allows Airmen to donate to specific charities aimed at helping other Airmen and their families who have found themselves facing financial challenges.
"All the units on McConnell are working together for a common goal," said Staff Sgt. Myra Garcia, 931st Air Refueling Wing Air Force Assistance Fund keyworker. "Last week alone we raised more than $11,000, putting us more than halfway toward achieving our monetary goal."
The AFAF assists four separate foundations: The Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Enlisted Village, The Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation and The General and Mrs. Curtis E. Lemay Foundation. Each foundation aids present and past Airmen and their families in a variety of ways.
·The Air Force Aid Society provides Airmen and their families worldwide with emergency financial assistance, education assistance and various base-level community enhancement programs.
· The Air Force Enlisted Village supports Teresa Village in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and provides homes and financial assistance to retired enlisted member's widows and widowers 55 and older.
· The Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation supports independent and assisted living needs for retired officers and their spouses, widows, widowers and family members through communities in San Antonio, Texas.
· The General and Mrs. Curtis E. Lemay Foundation provides rent and financial assistance to widows and widowers of officer and enlisted retirees in their homes and communities through grants.
"Donating to the Air Force Assistance Fund is 100 times easier than most other charities," said Senior Airman Jordan Ewings, 931st Operations Squadron AFAF keyworker. "There are only four foundations involved instead of a few hundred to choose from."
To contribute to the AFAF, please submit an AF Form 2561 to a 931 ARW AFAF keyworker. Cash, check and payroll deduction are all acceptable forms of contribution.
"This fund is all about taking care of one another - Airmen caring for Airmen, past and present." Ewings said.
As the lead keyworker for the 931 ARW, Garcia can put Airmen in contact with their squadron keyworkers. She can be reached at DSN 759-2690
"Last year, the Air Force Aid Society donated $109,000 to Airmen and families on McConnell AFB," Garcia said. "Donations to the assistance fund create visible changes for the Airmen around you"
For more information regarding the Air Force Assistance Fund, please visit the Air Force Assistance Fund website at www.afassistancefund.org