Air Force Village Foundation reaches out to those in need

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. C. Michaela Walrond
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Hanscom AFB --  Editor's Note: This story is the fifth in a series showcasing the Air Force Assistance Fund programs. 

Through the vision of the Air Force Officers' Wives' Club and numerous Air Force leaders, a foundation took form in 1964 that allowed for the housing and financial assistance of retired Air Force officers' widows who were in need. 

Today, the Air Force Village Foundation has become the helping hand to many widows who are left without any means of financial support or stability. Opening in 1970 in San Antonio, the village was built on 15 acres donated by Ray Ellison, a prominent homebuilder, states the organization's Web site, www.airforcevillages.com. 

"Since then, two established retirement communities have evolved which continue their original charitable mission, but additionally, they serve so many others."  Air Force Village I was not only the first retirement community in the nation that offered care and services for retired military officers and their dependents, it was also the first military related retirement community to be accredited by the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission, the Web site states.

The Air Force Village I, located on 30 acres, has 366 independent living apartments, a wellness clinic, home healthcare services, an assisted living facility and a healthcare center.

The second location, Air Force Village II, located on 660 acres, has 403 independent living apartments, a wellness clinic, home healthcare services, a 34-bed assisted living facility, and a 68-bed healthcare center, which is a skilled nursing facility.

Another facility is the Freedom House, a facility specifically designed to care for people suffering from Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. 

The Air Force Village Foundation prides itself on the belief that "no otherwise qualified widow is ever turned away due to an inability to pay," according to the Web site. 

This principle is made possible through the support of the Air Force officers' wives' and spouses' organizations, the Air Force Assistance Fund, and other foundations and corporations.

Hanscom AFAF Update:
Hanscom's monetary goal for this year's campaign, which ends May 6, is $34,508. Additionally, if at least 50 percent of active-duty troops assigned here participate and the monetary goal is met, the base community will be eligible to receive $2,500. 

So far, Hanscom has raised $26,026 -- 63 percent of this year's monetary goal.

For more information visit www.airforcevillages.com, e-mail info@airforcevillages.com or call (800) 762-1122. The AFAF also benefits the Air Force Aid Society, the Air Force Enlisted Village and the General and Mrs. Curtis Lemay Foundation charities.

To make a contribution to one or more of the charities, visit www.afassistance.org and complete the form. Once completed, the form can be printed and faxed to (781) 377-6829.