For Airmen, by Airmen: Sheppard runs for assistance fund Published March 31, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Robert L. McIlrath 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Hootin' hollerin' and high-fives between gasps of air drowned out the slapping of fatigued feet on the asphalt during the Air Force Assistance Fund campaign kick-off 5K run here Mar. 24. A small crowd cheered at the Sheppard parade field when close to 300 participants started trickling toward the finish line. The runners consisted of service members, civilians, dependents and civilians at Sheppard. The AFAF is one of only two official Air Force fundraisers that aim to provide support to Air Force personnel and their families. "It's a great way for Airmen and members of the Sheppard community to get together and raise some money and bring awareness to a program that needs our support," said Senior Airman Joshua Williams, a student at the 361st Training Squadron aircrew flight equipment student and AFAF 5K first place finisher. The donations collected will go to AFAF official charities that are dedicated to caring for Airmen from induction through retirement and beyond. Charities included are Air Force Village, Air Force Aid Society, the General and Mrs. Curtis E. Lemay Foundation and the Air Force Enlisted Village. The charities listed are examples of members of the Air Force taking care of their own. "We had a ton of more people show up than expected," said Capt. Yonca Nice, 82nd Security Forces Squadron operations officer and base AFAF campaign manager. "The 5K turned out great."