EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Air Force Assistance Fund is an Air and Space Forces fundraising campaign to support Airmen, Guardians, and their families — active duty and retired, officers and enlisted.
This year, the nationwide goal is to raise $3 million to fund efforts related to natural disasters, global pandemic and personal emergencies. It runs April 12 – May 24.
"Continue our long tradition of taking care of our own,” said Master Sgt. Adam Macowicz, the Installation Project Officer for the Edwards AFB 2024 Air Force Assistance Fund campaign.
Donations can be made online directly to Edwards AFB with the peer-to-peer platform, through check, cash or payroll deductions, or when shopping at the Base Exchange.
Donors can select among four charities that are ready to mobilize and support, as they have done many times in the past.
The Air Force Enlisted Village assists individuals and families facing homelessness or living in less than desirable conditions. In the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, the AFEV established a collection point and issued household essentials, food and monetary support valued at $367,000 in and around Tyndall AFB, Florida.
The Air Force Aid Society provides emergency financial assistance, disaster relief, education support, and on-base community programs. In 2022, the AFAS provided $1.5 million in emergency travel for Airmen, Guardians and their families.
Air Force Village, renamed Blue Skies of Texas, provides widows in financial need with a safe, comfortable home.
The LeMay Foundation provides assistance with monthly grants for day to day living expenses, as well as one-time relief during unexpected home repairs, medical and dental costs, prescription needs, moving fees, and mortgage or rent delinquencies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it provided a stipend to all surviving spouses beneficiaries, alleviating the added financial burdens of medication and grocery deliveries.
The memorandum signed last December by the Air and Space Forces senior leaders call all Airmen to support and highlights that “No other campaign adheres as resolutely to the ethos of being For Airmen and Guardians, By Airmen and Guardians.”
The 2024 Air Force Assistance Fund campaign officially started at Edwards AFB, California, on April 12 with a Sports Kick-Off Day, which included Ultimate Frisbee, 3 vs. 3 Basketball, Bench-press Competition, Kickball, 100m Dash and Dodgeball.