News From Our Partners: Air Force Assistance Fund Charities Thanks You!

Over the past 83 years our predecessors, we retirees, and those who we’ve passed the active duty baton to, have lived the truth of “Taking Care of our Own”!  We’ve seen the crucial assistance given when needed, either to ourselves, a family member, or a fellow Airman or Guardian.  Certainly, we have always known that at any given time, we could, ourselves, be in the position of needing help and giving today to help others was truly “paying it forward”.  And, because of the generosity of our forebearers, ourselves, and now those who have taken the stick, the four official charities of the Department of the Air Force can ensure Airmen, Guardians and their families are mission-ready, resilient and confident that they will never have to face hardship alone.  In other words – Thank you!

Below are recent updates from the AFAF charities, telling the stories of the great good that your donations accomplish: 

The General & Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation: Thank you for your ongoing support. Your generosity continues to fulfill our promise to “Taking Care of Our Own” by strengthening the financial stability of those who depend on us. For instance, your kindness aids surviving spouses like Mrs. Donna, who resides in Fountain Inn, SC, and is currently receiving LeMay’s Supplemental Income. “I’m Donna, widow of retired TSgt. Douglas. First and foremost, I want to thank The LeMay Foundation for caring for us, Air Force widows. I continue to need the $500 monthly grant I receive from your Foundation. It allows me to live independently, even with the cost of living continuously rising. I can afford all my monthly bills, healthy foods, and daily hygiene essentials.”  - We appreciate your effort in making this possible - you are truly changing lives!

Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation:  Your donations helped a long-time USAF widow sleep at night!  Her retired Lt. Col. spouse passed away in 2022 and she realized she had outlived her resources. Needing higher, more expensive levels of care, your contributions to the AFAF provide medicine, dental work, glasses, and a safe place to live in peace and dignity. Her family, her Air and Space Force family, is filling the gap.

Air Force Aid Society (AFAS):  Thanks to generous donor support, AFAS continues to stand with Airmen, Guardians, and their families by providing critical financial assistance, scholarships, education support, community programs, and disaster relief. Learn more about the impact in our Annual Report: www.afas.org/disclosures. 

This year we streamlined our application process to make assistance easier to access, and expanded our programs to include more funding for mental health services, child care, infant car seats, adoption and additional PCS support. In July, we also launched Financial Lift-Off, a free online financial education course designed to strengthen financial readiness and long-term stability. Thank you for standing with our Air and Space Force families – your support makes a real difference!

Air Force Enlisted Village: Low pay and frequent moves often mean that many military spouses are left without careers, home equity, retirement plans, or significant savings to fall back on. Even the most carefully planned retirement can be shaken by an unexpected tragedy or medical expense, leaving families vulnerable. At the Air Force Enlisted Village, Taking Care of Our Own is more than a phrase - it’s a promise. Through the Benevolence Fund, we provide surviving spouses with the essentials that bring peace of mind and restore hope: a safe home, security, dignity, independence, and a community that understands.

This past year, thanks to your generosity to the Air Force Assistance Fund, we were able to provide over $700,000 in financial support to surviving spouses of Air and Space Force enlisted retirees. Your kindness doesn’t just provide assistance—it transforms lives. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with us and for truly Taking Care of Our Own.

If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to give but want to make a 2025 contribution, you can give anytime online now at https://www.afassistancefund.org.  Just click the red “DONATE NOW!!” button near the top right of the page.  You’ll be taken to our donation page where, on the right side of the page, you can choose to either use a donation form to authorize payroll deduction donations, or document where you’d like your check or money order donation to go. 

Then there’s our “E-Giving” option, on the left side of the page, where you can help your favorite base and squadron by giving directly to their campaign -just scroll down to the “DONATE TODAY WITH OUR NEW PEER-TO-PEER PLATFORM” box and click the “Donate Today!” button.  When you click the “Find a Base” button, you’ll be able to click on the base link where each squadron/organization will have their own link.  Just click on the squadron’s “View Page” button to donate on that page and support the unit goal. 

You can also give this way by texting AFAF to 50155 using your smart phone.

Join the AFAF Wingman Squadron today by signing up for monthly giving and your monthly donation won’t automatically stop after just one year - unless you pause or stop it yourself. You’re in full control with your giving account!  In fact, if you authorize monthly recurring e-giving, it’s highly recommended that you set up an account. You can do that while making your donation online. Here’s how:  Once on your favorite squadron’s page, instead of clicking the “Donate Now!” button, click the “Join My Team” button.  There, you’ll be able to register an account and maintain 100% control over your giving!

 Again, if e-Giving isn’t your thing, that’s okay.  You can still give by check, money order, cashier’s check, or through the annual payroll deduction plan from your retired pay.  The contribution form can be found online at https://www.afassistancefund.org/index.php/donate/.   Please be aware that payroll deduction allotment authorizations mailed to AFPC will not begin coming from retired pay until 1 July 2026 and will run until 1 June 2027. 

*****PLEASE DON’T SEND CASH IN THE MAIL*****

Mail Check and Payroll Deduction Plan Donations to:
AIR FORCE ASSISTANCE FUND
AFPC/DPPPMB
550 C STREET WEST
JBSA RANDOLPH TX  78150
 
Thank you once again for your continued support of the annual AFAF Campaign, and our fellow Airmen, Guardians, and their families.  Retired, but still Active!