AFAF highlight: General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation

  • Published
  • By Sarah Olaciregui
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  The Air Force Assistance Fund is the main source of support for the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation, established by the general and his wife, Helen, in 1987. The foundation provides for the needs of Air Force retirees' widows across the nation.

General LeMay once said, "If there is going to be change for the better in this world, you have to provide it by doing something."

With the aid of his wife, this same attitude and drive led to the creation of the organization, which offers grants to provide widows of Air Force retirees of all ranks with assistance for rent, utilities, food and some health care.

The foundation was based on the concept that these widows "spent much of their lives coping with the difficulties of military life and supporting their spouses through years of active duty," states the organization's website, located at www.lemay-foundation.org. "Military spouses are entitled to a decent standard of living, entitled to live with dignity, and entitled to be proud of their service."

Helen LeMay was always concerned about the welfare of the military personnel, according to the foundation's website.

"While General LeMay fought for better housing and pay for his men, Mrs. LeMay worked hand in hand with him to help start housing programs beginning with the Wherry Housing unit at Offutt," stated the website. "This spread through the rest of the bases."

Because of his position, the general was able to directly influence Air Force matters. In 1957, LeMay was appointed Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, and in 1961 was appointed Chief of Staff. He and his wife Helen had been married 56 years at the time of his death on Oct. 1, 1990.

Hanscom AFAF update
The AFAF Campaign also benefits the Air Force Aid Society, the Air Force Village and the Air Force Enlisted Village charities.

Hanscom's monetary goal for this year's campaign, which ends May 3, is $41,189. Base personnel have donated $16,198 so far, with two weeks still remaining.

Hanscom personnel who want to make a contribution to one or more of the charities can do so online by visiting the AFAF website, www.afassistancefund.org, and completing the form. Once completed, the form can be printed and turned in to the individual's group or squadron point of contact. For further information, contact one of Hanscom's campaign project officers.

Hanscom AFAF installation project officers:
Capt. Carmen Sowers: 781-225-4239
Lt. David Lam: 781-225-0144