AFAF Spotlight: Lemay Foundation gives back support

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. C. Michaela Judge
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AFB, Mass. --  Editor's note: This article is the third in a series highlighting the Air Force Assistance Fund and the charities that it supports.

General Curtis E. 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 Helen, this same attitude and drive led to the beginning of their organization in 1987 that would provide for the needs of military widows across the nation.

As one of the charities highlighted in this year's Air Force Assistance Fund, the General and Mrs. Curtis E. Lemay foundation provides financial aid to widowed spouses of Air Force personnel of all ranks who are in need of assistance, states the organization's Web site www.afvw.com/lemay.html.

The foundation understands that these women "served with their husbands in the Air Force, all the way through to retirement, and deserve to live out their lives in comfort and dignity," states the Web site.

Before the establishment of the organization, many widows were left destitute because their spouses had retired before the Survivor Benefit Plan was started. Today, this organization uses grants to provide assistance for rent, utilities, food and some healthcare, states the AFAF brochure.

The AFAF Campaign also benefits the Air Force Aid Society, the Air Force Village Foundation, and the Air Force Enlisted Village charities. 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 into the individual's group or squadron key worker.

Hanscom's monetary goal for this year's campaign is $37,089. If that goal is met, and at least 50 percent of active-duty troops participate in the campaign by donating money, then the Hanscom community will be eligible to receive $2,500. The use of the funds awarded will be determined by the installation commander.

Hanscom has collected $16,785.00 so far--45 percent of the monetary goal. Eight percent of the active-duty force is currently participating in the campaign. Additionally, Hanscom is ranked sixth so far in AFMC for active-duty participation.