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News

Team Buckley Kicks Off 2019 AFAF Campaign

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Elizabeth Anschutz

Team Buckley kicked off its 2019 Air Force Assistance Fund Campaign this week, marking the beginning of the season for Airmen to help Airmen. 

For more than four decades, Airmen have supported this annual effort to raise funds for four charitable organizations: the Air Force Aid Society, the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation, the Air Force Enlisted Village, and the Air Force Village Charitable Foundation; all of which benefit Airmen and their families.

In a memo to the force, Air Force leadership explained the importance of this year’s AFAF Campaign.

“Air Force families' needs spiked in 2018 following natural disasters like Hurricane Michael. The need is real and impacts our readiness,” the memo read. “After the hurricane hit Tyndall, many of our Airmen were left without a home and in great financial need. The Air Force Aid Society provided Airmen and families with more than $6 million in assistance in the first three weeks following Hurricane Michael.”

Leadership put out a call to action, asking for the team to continue the Air Force’s long tradition of taking care of our own.

“This support demonstrates how the Air Force Assistance Fund charities care for the entire Air Force family and exemplifies the Campaign’s motto – For Airmen, By Airmen,” the memo concluded.

Master Sgt. Jason Stonehocker, 460th Logistics Readiness Squadron, volunteered to serve as an AFAF Project Officer for Team Buckley and explained how the campaign will run and echoed leadership’s message to give.

“Designated keyworkers will be visiting work centers within their respective groups, squadrons and flights, spreading awareness of the significance of the Campaign,” Stonehocker said. “Many Airmen aren’t aware of the available support options provided by the AFAF affiliates.  In some cases, Airmen may become overwhelmed with life circumstances, and aren’t familiar with the programs in place to help relieve some of the pressure or burdens that they face.  It is imperative that we continue to raise overall awareness, and encourage our Airmen to contribute to the cause.” 

The Buckley AFAF Campaign will run from March 18 to April 26. According to Stonehocker, the Team Buckley goal is $67,598.

“This total includes the potential giving of all 460th Space Wing units and detachments, Buckley tenant units, and all National Guard and Reserve members serving on Buckley,” he said. “It is with our donations that the AFAF charities can lend critical support when needed most, greatly impacting the lives of our fellow Airmen and families in need. Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of our Airmen. It starts with you!”

For more information on the 2019 AFAF Campaign, or to donate online, visit https://www.afassistancefund.org.