Air Force Assistance Fund kicks off

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Candy Miller
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Air Force Assistance Fund, an annual fundraiser dedicated to providing support to Air Force families, is scheduled to kick off at Sheppard Feb. 23. 

Sheppard raised its goal over $10,000 above last year's goal of $87,000 to $97,856. 

The funds raised will go towards charitable organizations that aid Air Force people in an emergency, with educational needs or to have a secure retirement home for widows or widowers of Air Force members in need of financial assistance. The funds may also go towards an interest free loan for those who need it. These organizations include the Air Force Villages Foundation, the Air Force Aid Society, and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation. 

Capt. Karen Jackson, an organizer for this year's fundraiser, said one of the biggest keys to the program is Air Force members helping other Air Force members. 

"They're family," she said. "And (the fundraiser) provides support to the Air Force family."
Capt. Jackson's associate in organizing the fundraiser, Capt. Darren Hill, said it gives Airmen an opportunity to impact another Airman's life. He said having an organization that is dedicated to helping his Air Force family through rough times is his motivation to donate. 

"Everyone has the potential to fall on hard times and a small contribution can make a big difference," Captain Hill said. 

The burden that these organizations help lift allows Airmen to focus on the mission. Captain Jackson said helping the Airmen and eliminating that distraction prevents problems at work. 

"They don't have to worry about problems at home," she said. 

If you would like to donate or want more information, please contact your unit representative. 

· Wing Staff Agencies: Senior Master Sgt. Robert Johnson, 676-4861; Master Sgt. Steve Jones, 676-0123
· 982nd Training Group: Master Sgt. David Aman, 676-7155; Master Sgt. Dan Miller, 676-4523
· 882nd Training Group: 1st Lt. Rebecca Peters, 676-4418; Tech. Sgt. Albert Walker, 676-1698
· 782nd Training Group: 2nd Lt. Brad Fisher, 676-5055; Master Sgt. Michael Mire, 676-2161
· 82nd Training Group: 2nd Lt. Steven Cosgrove, 676-2028; Master Sgt. Kevin Grider, 676-0260
· 82nd Medical Group: 2nd Lt. Alyson Strube,676-7061; Master Sgt. James Harris, 676-6274
· 82nd Mission Support Group: Master Sgt. David Hubbard, 676-1123; Master Sgt. Patrick Loftus, 676-6782
· 80th Flying Training Wing: 1st Lt. Jonathan Gibson, 676-6235; 1st Lt. Jeffrey Carter, 676-2346