AF Assistance Fund: "Committment to Caring" Published Feb. 27, 2013 By Brig. Gen. Michael Fantini 82nd Training Wing commander SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The annual Air Force Assistance Fund (AFAF) campaign will begin on March 4 and runs through April 12. The AFAF campaign gives us an opportunity to support our own via four charities. These charities are the Air Force Aid Society, the General and Mrs. Curtis E. Lemay Foundation, the Air Force Village and the Air Force Enlisted Village. They are an example of Air Force people taking care of their own; Airmen helping Airmen. Our base goal is $85,345; you should soon be contacted by a key worker visiting work centers to answer any questions. You'll also be able to participate in fundraising events by way of providing assistance or donating; either way, please get involved if you can. I invite our private organizations and units to be creative and have fun with any fundraisers for the AFAF over the next few weeks. The average Air Force base historically has between a 19-30 percent participation rate; I believe Sheppard Air Force Base is far above average! Chief Johnson and I hope that everyone gives serious consideration to assisting our Air Force family. Just a few dollars a month will ensure your fellow Airmen have the assistance needed. You never know, you may just find in the future that you have "paid it forward" and our AFAF charities will be there for you should you or your family need them. Thank you for continuing our proud tradition in our "Committment to Caring" through your action to support the AFAF campaign.