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Take care of our Air Force ohana through fund drive

  • Published
  • By Chris Aguinaldo
  • Hickam Kukini editor
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii --  It's time again to show Team Hickam's "Commitment to Caring" for Airmen and their ohana.

The annual Air Force Assistance Fund drive kicked off Monday, beginning a 6-week campaign of charitable giving through the easy method of payroll deduction.

"With this year's economic challenges, it is even more imperative that we continue to reach out to those in need in our Air Force family," implored 15th Airlift Wing commander, Col. Giovanni Tuck, after he signed his own payroll deduction form. "We ask those of you who have not contributed to the AFAF campaign in the past to consider contributing this time around." 

The fact that Hickam personnel received more in aid last year (over $272,000) than collected in the base's 2008 campaign (about $148,000) underscores the importance of the fund, said local organizer Capt. Maritza Sayle-Walker. "It's about taking care of each other."

Airmen can choose four charities to receive their donation: the Air Force Aid Society, the Air Force Village Foundation, the Air Force Enlisted Village Foundation, and the Curtis E. Lemay Foundation.

These organizations help with aid in an emergency, educational needs or securing a retirement home for Air Force widows or widowers in times of need.

After signing his own payroll deduction form, Command Chief Master Sergeant Thomas Westermeyer said, "When the time comes to donate, I never think twice. It is almost like paying your insurance -- you hope you never need it. But if you do, you know it will be there for you." 

This year's goal is $96,578. To participate in this 36th annual effort, talk to your Unit Project Officer or call Tech. Sgt. Chrystal Tanksley at 449-2946 ext. 310 or Master Sgt. Robert McCain at 448-1313. 

For information on the campaign, go online to www.afassistancefund.org.