Team Edwards AFAF campaign a 'resounding' success

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class William O'Brien
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The 2009 Air Force Assistance Fund generated $48,860 this year, exceeding the preset goal by 35 percent.

These contributions will directly benefit the four AFAF affiliates: the Air Force Aid Society, the Air Force Villages Indigent Widows' Fund, the Air Force Enlisted Village Indigent Widows' Fund, and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. Lemay Foundation.

"This year's Air Force Assistance Fund Campaign was a resounding success," said 2nd Lt. Myogene Park, 95th Contracting Squadron contract specialist. "More than $48,000 in total collections was generated. (One hundred percent of) these contributions will directly benefit the four AFAF affiliates."

Generally, when faced with economic hardships, philanthropy is hard to come by, but Capt. Justin Higham, 95th Medical Group Resource Management flight commander, said he was pleased to see the generosity of Team Edwards. 

"The efforts and contributions of personnel assigned to Edwards was especially extraordinary considering the difficult economic conditions that all families currently face," he said. "These same economic realities have a real effect on charitable fund raising efforts, but when faced with a great need, the Edwards community stepped up and exceeded all expectations."

The effort of their key workers and unit project officers, led to the campaign's success, said Lieutenant Park and Captain Higham.

"I'm just thankful I had awesome unit project officers and key workers who put in the extra energy and effort to make this all happen," said Lieutenant Park. "I'd really like to thank every contributor. The results of this campaign show the level of generosity and genuine dedication our people at Edwards have for one another."

All of the money raised in the AFAF campaign goes to the foundations and will benefit active-duty, Reserve, Guard, retired Air Force members and surviving spouses and their families.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who made a contribution," said Captain Higham. "I would especially like to thank each of the unit project officers and key workers who were instrumental in making this year's campaign such an achievement."

Through the AFAF, people receive emergency assistance and educational support. This money is garnered only through donations.

"Once again, the base pulled out all the stops to make this a truly successful campaign," said Col. Nancy Reeves-Flores, 95th Air Base Wing vice commander. "Not only did we achieve our 100 percent contact goal, but we were well above our monetary goal. This is just one of many examples of how Team Edwards takes care of our Air Force members and their families. Kudos to Lieutenant Park, Captain Higham and all the AFAF representatives who made this happen."

For more information, visit the Air Force Assistance Fund's Web site at www.afassistancefund.org.