AFAF campaign surpasses goal

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
Air Force Assistance Fund officials here announced recently that Team Hanscom exceeded the installation's fundraising goal during this year's campaign that ended May 1.

Hanscom employees contributed $37,055 towards the annual Air Force charities fundraiser. The goal for this year's campaign was $33,127.

"Team Hanscom surpassed its goal by more than 11 percent this year," said Capt. Mandy Bradesca, Hanscom AFAF installation project officer. "Our community should be incredibly proud of the impact those contributions will have."

The theme for this year's campaign, which kicked off March 23, was "Commitment to Caring." The campaign is an annual effort to contribute to charities that assist past and present Airmen and their families through unexpected challenges and financial hardships.

"The Air Force Assistance Fund is special to me because it provides all Airmen the opportunity to help their fellow Airmen during times of unanticipated need," said Bradesca, who along with Senior Master Sgt. Aaron Marley managed this year's AFAF campaign for Hanscom.

The AFAF focuses on four charities: the Air Force Aid Society, the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation, the Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation and the Air Force Enlisted Village. The four charities help Air Force active duty, retirees, Reserve and Air National Guard members in a variety of ways, to include aiding in emergencies, providing educational needs and helping secure a retirement home for Air Force widows or widowers in need of financial assistance.

As part of the Air Force Aid Society, a portion of money raised helps Airmen assigned to Hanscom AFB.

"Last year Hanscom pledges to the AFAS totaled more than $14,000; however, through loans, grants, community enhancement programs and scholarships, we provided more than $57,000 in support to Airmen," said Terri O'Keefe, 66th Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness Center community readiness consultant and AFAS officer.

Examples include support to programs such as Bundles for Babies, Give Parents a Break, Child Care for PCS, respite care, Car Care Because We Care, as well as grants and interest-free loans to those who experience unexpected emergencies. The AFAS also provides scholarships to active duty personnel and their dependents.

For further information on the Air Force Assistance Fund and a full list of the charities it supports, visit www.afassistancefund.org.