AFAF charity spotlight: AFEV provides homes, hope to those in need

  • Published
  • By Meredith March
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Air Force Enlisted Village
In 1967, a group of active-duty and retired Air Force noncommissioned officers, assisted by former Air Force Chief of Staff General and Mrs. John D. Ryan, founded an organization dedicated to providing financial assistance and housing to surviving spouses of retired Air Force Enlisted members.

The foundation's mission is providing financial assistance and housing to surviving spouses of Air Force enlisted members who, due to low pay and frequent military moves, are left without the opportunity for careers or benefits of home equities, retirement plans or any significant assets, states the foundation's Web site, www.afenlistedwidows.org.

"Temporary housing is also available to spouses of enlisted members who die or who are killed on active duty. Adult dependents -- typically parents of active-duty members or their spouses -- are eligible for permanent housing on a space-available basis," the Web site states.

The Air Force Enlisted Village consists of two separate living facilities, Theresa Village and Bob Hope Village, located in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., and Shalimar, Fla., respectively.

The Theresa Village, founded in 1975, houses 101 two-bedroom and eight one-bedroom apartments, along with seven three-bedroom houses. The community center houses a dining room, kitchen, small chapel, library, gift shop, arts and crafts room, and a game room. An outdoor swimming pool, picnic area, and garden plots are also located at the facility, the Web site states.

The Bob Hope village offers 224 one-bedroom apartments and 32 two-bedroom apartments. A few of the other highlights of the village include a chapel, community center, a welcome center and an outdoor garden and nature trail.

The Hawthorn House, located in Shalimar, Fla. on the Bob Hope Village campus, offers a 64-apartment assisted living facility.

For more information, contact the Air Force Enlisted Village through their Web site, e-mail afef@afenlistedfoundation.org, or call (800) 258-1413.

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

Hanscom's monetary goal for this year's campaign, which ends April 10, is $37,170. Base personnel have donated nearly $32,000 so far -- 86 percent of the goal.

"Time is running short on this year's AFAF campaign. Thanks so much for those who have contributed this year; your generosity will ease the burdens of our Air Force families in need," said Col. Dave 'Iron' Orr, 66th Air Base Wing commander. "I encourage those who have yet to participate to help us reach our goal. Remember, we only ask our Air Force community to give twice each year and the Air Force Assistance Fund gives back directly to Air Force members and to Hanscom families in need. "

Hanscom personnel who want to make a contribution to one or more of the charities can do so online by visiting the AFAF Web site, www.afassistancefund.org, and completing the form. Once completed, the form can be printed and turned in to the individual's group or squadron POC.