Hanscom recognized as AFAF super base

  • Published
  • By Sarah Olaciregui
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  The total is in for the Air Force Assistance Fund campaign and Hanscom has been recognized as a "super base" for raising more than 150 percent toward its goal.

Hanscom's goal for this year's campaign, which began March 28, was $21,157. When it wrapped up May 6, Airmen had contributed $35,055.37 -- 165.5 percent of the goal.

"This shows the dedication of Hanscom to take care of their own," said Col. Stacy L. Yike, 66th Air Base Group commander. "You made it another successful campaign this year. Raising this money shows you want to make sure there is help for our fellow Airmen and their families when they need it."

The 2011 AFAF campaign was conducted at active duty Air Force installations between Feb. 7 and May 6. As of May 10, Air Force totals reached 102 percent of the service's goal of $6.2 million, with a few bases still compiling results.

"You did it!" said Bill D'Avanzo, Air Force voting action officer and fundraising chief, in an email to installation campaign officers. "Getting the word out on the good our AFAF charities do for the Air Force family, your innovative ideas for fundraisers and your dedication to taking care of our own have all made this another successful campaign year in the face of great adversity."

The Air Force Assistance Fund helps provide for the well-being of active duty and retired Airmen and their families. The campaign benefits four charities: the Air Force Aid Society, the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation, the Air Force Village Foundation and the Air Force Enlisted Village. The four charities help Air Force personnel in a variety of ways, to include aiding in emergencies, providing for educational needs and helping to secure a retirement home for widows or widowers of Air Force members in need of financial assistance.

A significant portion of the money raised is used to help Airmen here at Hanscom, through the Air Force Aid Society. The organization provided $46,905 in aid to members of the Hanscom community in 2010. Locally, the AFAS helps to fund many programs run through the Airman and Family Readiness Center. These programs include: respite care, Give Parents a Break, child care for volunteers, child care for PCS, Car Care Because We Care and Bundles for Babies.

"All of our unit project officers were really committed this year to get the word out about the AFAF campaign," said Master Sgt. Richard Olivarez, AFAF installation project officer. "Through their hard work, dedication and especially Team Hanscom's generosity, we were able to significantly exceed our goal."

Air Force Reserve installations will conduct AFAF campaign through June and an annual retiree appeal will be in a future electronic edition of the Air Force retiree newsletter, the e-Afterburner, and through the Air Force Retiree news service.

For further information about the Air Force Assistance Fund and the charities it supports, visit www.afassistancefund.org.