Annual AFAF campaign kicks off March 22

  • Published
  • By Maj. Htein Lin
  • 82nd Training Wing

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – 2020 was a challenging year for everyone.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had its reach across every nook and cranny of the world. Our military members, their families and retirees felt the personal, financial, emotional, and physical toll this pandemic has brought to our daily lives.

For those needing support, the Air Force Assistance Fund charities have been a lifeline and crucial in helping Airmen, families and retirees through their hard times. To highlight one of the charities, the Air Force Aid Society provided $2 million in support to Airmen, Guardians, and their families impacted by COVID-19.

As we move forward in 2021, AFAF charities continue to play a crucial role in supporting those who support and have supported our missions. To give back and take care of our own, our AFAF Campaign installation goal this year is to raise $49,000. While pandemic mitigations and limited desk-to-desk contact for our key worker and volunteers make campaigning and outreach difficult, I know Team Sheppard is up to the challenge of attaining this goal.

All the donations that we give directly benefits the four charities that take care of Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Some of the support they provide include:

The annual AFAF Campaign for Sheppard AFB will officially kick off on March 22 with this year’s theme being “For Airmen and Guardians, by Airmen and Guardians.” We will initiate the campaign with volunteers stationed at various high traffic locations across SAFB on March 22-23 to spread awareness of this campaign. Key workers within your units will also be reaching out on a one-on-one personal basis throughout the entire campaign period.

You may also donate directly to the campaign by going to www.afassistancefund.org and clicking the “Donate Now” button, or by texting “AFAF” to 50155.  Be sure to select SHEPPARD as your base on the e-giving form. You may also enter your unit of assignment without spaces (i.e. 361TRS, 459FTS, and etc.) to add to your unit’s contribution numbers.

For questions about volunteering with the campaign, participating in the events, or donating, please contact your unit key workers or this year’s Installation Project Officers (Maj. Htein Lin at 940-676-5777 or Master Sgt. Jacob Benke at 940-676-3466).