Still time to contribute to AFAF campaign Published May 4, 2016 By Mark Wyatt 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- With less than two weeks left in the Air Force Assistance Fund campaign, members of the Hanscom community have raised $29,762 toward the goal of $39,552--nearly 75 percent. Base officials have extended the date to donate to May 13. Although the end of the campaign is approaching, there is still time to contribute. Hanscom personnel can contribute 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 unit point of contact. "While we're confident we can reach this year's goal, we can only do so with the help of Team Hanscom," said Master Sgt. Ross Weatherford, Hanscom AFAF installation project officer. The Air Force Assistance Fund helps provide for the well-being of active duty and retired Airmen and their families. The campaign helps to combat unexpected challenges and improve the quality of life for many who face hardships. Air Force personnel can only seek on-the-job donations from active duty members and military retirees. However, AFAF organizers will accept a contribution from civilians and contractors. The four AFAF charities help Air Force active duty, retirees, Reserve and Air National Guard members in a variety of ways, to include aiding in emergencies, providing educational needs and helping secure a retirement home for Air Force widows or widowers in need of financial assistance. Air Force Aid Society The Air Force Aid Society was founded as a relief organization in 1942 by Army Air Force personnel, including General Henry H. "Hap" Arnold, who wanted to take care of their own, and has been helping Airmen through difficult times ever since. According to the Airman and Family Readiness Center, last year Airmen and their families at Hanscom received more than $70,000 in Air Force emergency assistance, community outreach and education grants. Based on an AFAS fact sheet, the society assisted Airmen with $8.1 million in assistance in 2015 Air Force-wide. The AFAS helps to fund programs run through Hanscom's AFRC such as respite care, Give Parents a Break, childcare for volunteers, childcare for permanent change of station, Car Care Because We Care and Bundles for Babies. General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation General Curtis E. LeMay and his wife, Helen, began their foundation, which provides for the needs of military widows across the nation, in 1987. 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 website www.lemay-foundation.org. The foundation uses grants to provide assistance for rent, utilities, food, some health care and other needs that may strain a widow's budget. The foundation understands that military spouses "spend much of their lives coping with the difficulties of military life and supporting their spouses through years of active duty. Military spouses are entitled to a decent standard of living, entitled to live with dignity, and entitled to be proud of their service." Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation The Air Force Village in San Antonio, known today as Blue Skies of Texas, has been providing a core charitable mission to care for retired Air Force officers' widowed spouses in need of financial help for nearly 50 years. Through this charity, Air Force widowed spouses receive a dignified, comfortable and affordable retirement community. Two retirement communities offer independent living, skilled nursing, wellness clinics, home health care services, assisted living facilities and access to health care centers. Air Force Enlisted Village The Air Force Enlisted Village was founded in 1967 by a group of active duty and retired Air Force noncommissioned officers, with the assistance of former Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. and Mrs. John D. Ryan. The foundation's mission is providing financial assistance and housing to surviving spouses of Air Force enlisted members who have no opportunity for a career, home equity, retirement plan or significant assets, according to the foundation's website at www.afenlistedwidows.org. The Air Force Enlisted Village consists of two separate living facilities, Teresa Village and Bob Hope Village, located in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., and Shalimar, Fla., respectively. The villages include apartments, community centers, chapels, outdoor gardens and other amenities. The Bob Hope Village includes the Hawthorn House, a 64-apartment assisted living facility. For additional information on making a donation, contact Weatherford at 781-225-6131 or Robert Gallagher, AFAF assistant installation project officer, at 781-225-0687.