AFAF campaign kicks off Published March 12, 2008 By Tech. Sgt. Aaron Cram 460th Space Wing Public Affairs BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Buckley Airmen and civilians will have the chance to donate to charities that benefit the Air Force community March 10 to April 16 during this year's Air Force Assistance Fund drive. The AFAF "Commitment to Caring" campaign raises money for four organizations that benefit active duty, Reserve, Guard and retired Air Force people and their families, including surviving spouses and their families. Each unit will have an AFAF campaign project officer who should contact their Buckley Airmen and civilians for an opportunity to contribute. The Buckley community raised almost $40,000 during last year's campaign. "Our goal is to achieve 100 percent contact and to increase total donations," said 1st Lt. Joshua Curtis, the campaign's installation project officer. "Every member of Team Buckley will have the opportunity to donate. Each dollar is appreciated and helps provide for our fellow Airmen and families in times of need." The charities supported by the campaign are the Air Force Aid Society, the Air Force Enlisted Village Indigent Widow's Fund, the Air Force Village Indigent Widows' Fund and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation. Contributions can be made by cash, check, or money order. Active duty personnel and retirees also have the option of payroll deduction. The Air Force Aid Society is the Air Force's official charity and has helped Air Force members during unexpected personal, family or financial crises. From natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods and volcanic eruptions, to providing low- or no-interest loans and grants to airmen experiencing financial hardship or a family medical emergency, the Air Force Aid Society has stepped forward to help. Last year, the Air Force Aid Society, through the Airman and Family Readiness Flight, provided almost $30,144 in assistance to the Buckley community. The Air Force Enlisted Village Indigent Widow's Fund supports retired enlisted members' widows and widowers who live at the foundation's home in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., with rent subsidy and other support. Air Force Village Indigent Widows Fund supports a life-care community in San Antonio, Texas, for retired officers, spouses, widows, widowers and family members. The Air Force Village Indigent Widow's Fund provides support to those indigent widows and widowers who live at AFV. For indigent widows or widowers who don't want or aren't able, to move to either of the retirement homes, rent and financial assistance are available through the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation. The Installation Project Officers for Buckley are Lieutenant Curtis and Master Sgt. Oscar Butler. For more information call 720-847-6480.