First sergeant BBQ raises money for AFAF

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  A barbeque sponsored by the First Sergeant's Council for the Air Force Assistance Fund took place at Sheppard March 29.

The objective of the barbeque was to raise money for AFAF, one of only two official Air Force fundraisers. The fundraiser was aimed to accommodate 500 to 600 people; approximately 850 attended. The initial $2,513 goal was exceeded as the event raised $5,017.
 
"Everybody loves a barbeque," said Tech. Sgt. Timothy Raines, first sergeant for the 365th Training Squadron. "Not too many people are going to object to that one."

Raines emphasized the need for first sergeants to coordinate an interesting concept for the AFAF fundraiser and engage airman.

"We wanted to break up the monotony of the Airmen's day," Raines said.
 
Raines cites the planning as one of the most challenging aspects of the fundraising barbeque.

"The days leading up to it were chaos," Raines said.

Despite the obstacles of planning a large event, Raines believes it is worth it in the end.

"It's a little over the top, but definitely worth it," Raines said.

AFAF has also assisted some of the Airman that have come to Raines for help.
 
"In the last 10 months, I've had eight Airman come to me for AFAF assistance," Raines said. "It's helped my Airmen."
 
Raines credits the rest of the First Sergeants' Council with helping him make the preparations.
 
"We trashed Master Sgt. (Jason) Chiasson's house making brownies," Raines said with a smile. "Staff Sgt. Devin Sutherland stayed up all night."
 
Looking at the barbeque in its entirety, Raines counts his favorite moment as the end results.

"I like being to give that much back to AFAF," Raines said.

Raines looked at the fundraiser as way of bringing Airmen together.

"Everybody has a single focus; one team, one fight," Raines said. "Everybody had a single focus, it didn't matter what rank you were."