LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
When Staff Sgt. Katrina Wilson's only form of transportation broke down and her family was struggling to get by due to lack of finances, the Air Force Assistance Fund helped her get back on track.
"I told my supervisor about my trouble, and he recommended I contact the AFAF," said Sergeant Wilson, 1st Logistics Readiness Squadron equipment liaison. "Within a day, I received enough money to get our car fixed; no questions asked."
The AFAF campaign will continue until April 15.
The fund helps Airmen in need through four different charities: The General and Mrs. LeMay Foundation, the Air Force Enlisted Village Inc., the Air Force Village Foundation and the Air Force Aid Society.
"It's Airmen helping Airmen," said Capt. Kylene Ruth, AFAF installation project officer and 1st Component Maintenance Squadron maintenance operations officer. "The fund provides everything from emergency aid to educational grants and even a secure retirement home for Air Force widows and widowers."
In 2006, Langley Airmen raised $145,663. This year, Langley's goal is to raise $160,618.
"If you look at it in the big scheme of things, donating a small portion of a paycheck can affect someone's life in a big way," said 1st Lt. Joel Pitman, AFAF assistant installation project officer and 1st Logistics Readiness Squadron compliance officer in charge.
"Donations are just a small portion of what the spirit of AFAF is all about. Helping a fellow Airman out in a time of need is the true essence of what it's all about."
Although there's still time left to donate, some Langley Airmen have taken advantage of the opportunity.
"We're standing at 28 percent of our goal so far," said Lieutenant Pitman. "The participation hasn't been as high as we had hoped, but the Airmen who have donated have done a tremendous job of helping other Airmen and potentially themselves."
For the Airmen who have already donated, it's not too late to educate other Airmen and families who aren't familiar with the fund.
"The reason I donated this year was to help others who need the assistance like I did," said Sergeant Wilson. "It's worthwhile to help any Airmen in a time of need."
To donate, people can contact their unit project officer, key worker or supervisor.
People can also conduct unit fundraisers to raise money for the campaign.