From the Airmen, for the Airmen Published April 10, 2017 By Staff Sgt. Kyle E. Gese 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- While there are many ways to care for our fellow Airmen, the Air Force Assistance Fund continues to be a way through which Airmen are contributing to a community of support. The 2017 AFAF Campaign began with a kickoff breakfast April 10, 2017, which encouraged Airmen to continue supporting each other through charitable donations. How does it work? Every cash donation is added to a pot which is distributed to affiliate charities to help Airmen, families and retirees in need. These affiliates are the Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation, Lemay Foundation and the Air Force Enlisted Village. The contributions made to the AFAF help by providing services to these people such as support for emergency needs, educational assistance and family support to include comfort to Air Force widows. “This program is all about taking care of the Airmen,” said Master Sgt. Donald Foster, Airmen Leadership School commandant and AFAF representative. “Sheppard Air Force Base can be a huge contributor to taking care of our people by donating a little bit out of their paycheck … giving a little bit can go a long way toward taking care of these people.” To get involved with this year’s AFAF Campaign, contact your squadron representative or wait for them to visit you in person. The campaign will run until May 19, 2017. You can also visit the AFAF website for more information at http://www.afassistancefund.org/. “Any four of these affiliate charities support a really great cause; taking care of people,” said 1st Lt. Austen Collie, AFAF project officer. “Any contributions will greatly support our Air Force widows – as they are still a part of our family – and our active duty Airmen. We look forward to working with everyone to ensure we make this year's AFAF Campaign a continued success.”