AFAF 2012 to kick off Published March 15, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Whitney Tucker 36th Wing Public Affairs ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- The annual Air Force Assistance Fund is scheduled to kick off March 26 and run through May 4. The AFAF was established to raise funds for the charitable affiliates that provide support to the Air Force families (active duty, retirees, reservists, guard and their dependents, including surviving spouses) in need. Last year, Andersen raised more than $60,000 in contributions. Team Andersen members have received back approximately $54,000 in aid from the Air Force Aid Society since October 2011. According to the 2012 campaign plan, the AFAF is an annual, on-the-job fundraising appeal conducted among Air Force personnel for the benefit of Air Force personnel. The campaign contributions provide financial support to four AFAF affiliates. They are the Air Force Village, the Air Force Aid Society, the Air Force Enlisted Village and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation. "All Air Force active-duty, Reserve and Air National Guard members (on Title 10 orders), Air Force retirees and family members possessing a power of attorney are authorized to take advantage of AFAF loans and grants," said Capt. Nicholas Paltzer from the 644th Combat Communications Squadron and this year's AFAF Installation Project Officer. "The 36th Wing goal for this year's AFAF is $37,530," the Captain continued. "To contribute, personnel should locate their unit program officer or a designated member and keep in mind, donations are tax deductible." Individuals may contribute by cash, check, or money order, or use payroll deductions for: -The Air Force Aid Society, which provides Airmen and their families worldwide with emergency financial assistance, education assistance and an array of base-level community-enhancement programs. More information is available at www.afas.org. - The Air Force Enlisted Village, which includes Teresa Village in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., and Bob Hope Village in Shalimar, Fla., near Eglin Air Force Base. The fund provides homes and financial assistance to widows and widowers of retired enlisted people 55 and older. Hawthorn House, also in Shalimar, provides assisted living for residents requiring more assistance than others, including 24-hour nursing care. More information is available at www.afenlistedwidows.org. - Air Force Village, which includes Air Force Village I and II in San Antonio, is a life-care community for retired officers, spouses, widows or widowers and family members. The Air Force Village Web site is www.airforcevillages.com. - The General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation provides rent and financial assistance to widows and widowers of officer and enlisted retirees in their homes and communities through financial grants of assistance. The LeMay Foundation Web site is www.lemay-foundation.org. For more information about the charitable organizations and AFAF visit www.afassistancefund.org.