Team Hill rolls out virtual Air Force Assistance Fund campaign

  • Published
  • Air Force Assistance Fund Committee

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- In these trying times, Hill Air Force Base has an opportunity to band together to provide for Airmen past, present, and future.

A virtual Air Force Assistance Fund fundraising campaign will be held July 20-31 at Hill Air Force Base. During the campaign, representatives from around the base will reach out virtually to their coworkers to encourage participation.

Second Lt. Zachary Burdick, AFAF project officer, said the campaign has been dubbed the “Lightning Strike” campaign due to Hill AFB’s association with the F-35A Lightning II. Just like Team Hill’s mission, the AFAF has a mission to impact Airmen globally.

He said the AFAF has a long heritage of providing Airmen with needed financial support.

Last year, the Air Force Aid Society provided Hill AFB Airmen with $115,000 in emergency assistance, $37,000 in education grants, and $28,000 in community program support, through generous donations from our Airmen.

“We are calling for your support again to keep this proud heritage alive and prosperous. Help us embody the 2020 AFAF banner of “Taking Care of Our Own,’” Burdick said.

A little about the Air Force Assistance Fund:

1. Who does AFAF support?

The AFAF supports active-duty, eligible Air National Guard and Reserve Airmen, as well as retirees, spouses, immediate family members and surviving family members of deceased retirees.

2. What are the four affiliate AFAF charities?

Air Force Aid Society provides total force Airmen and their families with financial assistance during emergencies, educational assistance and various base-level community programs such as Bundles for Babies, and the Car Care Because We Care programs. Last year, AFAS provided $14.4 million in direct assistance to more than 27,000 Airmen and their families.

The Air Force Enlisted Village supports retired enlisted members’ surviving spouses 55 and older with independent assisted and memory care living. Contributions also cover living expenses, meals and medical costs to ensure these men and women live in a safe, dignified, caring community. Communities are located in Shalimar, Florida, near Eglin Air Force Base.

The General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation provides nearly half a million dollars in annual financial assistance grants for living expenses and resources surviving spouses of Air Force retirees may need in order to live a dignified lifestyle and stay in their homes longer. The LeMay Foundation helps with recurring grants between $250 and $750 per month as well as one-time assistance for medical expenses, car repairs, hearing aids, funeral expenses and disaster relief.

Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation provides aging seniors with a full spectrum of care ranging from independent living to long-term skilled nursing care at Blue Skies of Texas retirement community by financially assisting qualified surviving spouses of retired Air Force officers.

3. How can people make a donation?

Donating this year is easier than ever. There are a few avenues to contribute:

E-give an online contribution at www.afassistancefund.org and clicking “Donate Now,” or by texting “AFAF” to 50155.

In addition, elect payroll deduction by reaching out to a unit project officer or email Tech. Sgt. Wayne Pilcher, AFAF assistant project officer, wayne.pilcher@us.af.mil. Active duty and eligible Guardsmen and Reservists can make a 3-12 month payroll deduction. Retirees can make a 12-month retired-pay deduction.

For more information, contact Pilcher or Burdick at zachary.burdick@us.af.mil.