Buckley to host Air Force Assistance Fund

Published Feb. 6, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Emily E. Amyotte
460th Space Wing Public Affairs

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- When Staff Sgt. Christopher Carson, 460th Space Communications Squadron base equipment control officer, was a young Airman he ran into a situation where his car broke down but he couldn't afford the repairs.

"It was the only vehicle that I had at the time, and the base I was stationed with at the time was pretty far away from town," he said. "I would have had to bug my supervisor for a ride."

He reached out to the Air Force Assistance Fund for help and he received the money he needed to make the repairs through the Air Force Aid Society's Falcon Loan program that provides grants to Airmen.

Carson says that the AFAF does great things and he appreciates what the Air Force was able to do for him in his time of need.

Buckley Air Force Base will be participating in the annual AFAF campaign in March.
The six-week program is a campaign designed to support Airmen and their families who have been through or are currently going through hardships such as family emergencies, financial troubles or car problems.

The Air Force Assistance Fund doesn't only go towards helping Air Force members; it is open to all branches of service.

"The primary thing is that it's Airmen helping Airmen, service members helping service members," said Master Sgt. Joseph Laughlin, 460th Operations Group intelligence operations section chief.

Team Buckley's donations will go toward four separate charities:

The Air Force Aid Society: This is the official charity of the U.S. Air Force. Donations would go toward helping relieve stress when money is tight in Airmen's lives. The AFAS funds anything from Falcon Loans to supplies for expecting parents. This charity also aids in financing Airmen's education.

The Air Force Enlisted Village: Founded in 1967, this charity works to provide housing for widowed Air Force spouses, mothers of Airmen and retired enlisted couples in need. The village helps maintain a healthy environment, without the stigma normally associated with subsidized housing.

The Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation: This charity provides senior living for military officers in a resident-focused community that offers rehabilitation, hospice and assisted living services.

The General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation: This foundation helps widowed spouses of Air Force retirees going through financial hardships and provides them assistance for as long as it is required.

For more information about the AFAF charities or to donate, call the Buckley Airman and Family Readiness Center at 720-847-6681 or visit the AFAF website.

Air Force Assistance Fund campaign begins Feb. 12