News

AFAF campaign underway at Robins

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Melinda Screws
  • 78th Medical Group
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The Robins 2012 Air Force Assistance Fund campaign is underway, and will run through April 13. This year's theme is "Commitment to Caring," with a Robins goal of $78,560.

The AFAF includes four charities: the LeMay Foundation, Air Force Enlisted Village, Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation, and the Air Force Aid Society, whose office at Robins is housed in the Airman & Family Readiness Center in Bldg. 794.

In 2011, the Robins AFAS office awarded $124,559 in emergency assistance in the form of loans and grants, as well as community programs and educational funding. During last year's campaign, Robins members pledged $55,963.

"People here at Robins received two and a half times what they gave in donations," said Brendon Lausch, A&FRC supervisory community readiness consultant.

Last year at Robins, there were 111 individuals who received emergency assistance loans and grants; 29 individuals received education grants and loans.

The most common need is for emergency loan assistance, which includes basic living expenses for utility bills, food, rent or mortgage payments, emergency travel, vehicle repair and care, childcare assistance or respite care.

Those interested in applying for aid must meet eligibility guidelines, and fill out an initial application by visiting the AFAS website at http://www.afas.org.

Eligible applicants include active duty and retired Air Force members and their dependents, as well as dependents of deceased Air Force personnel who died on active duty or in retired status.

Once an application is submitted, you can make an appointment with an A&FRC community readiness specialist during the week. A counselor will discuss financial or education options.

Community enhancement programs are also popular, which include Give Parents A Break, childcare for PCS and volunteers, Bundles for Babies and infant care, HeartLink spouse orientations, and the Youth Employment Skills program which helps toward college savings.

One recent grant will allow up to 20 Air Force spouses to receive customer service training beginning in March at Middle Georgia Technical College in Warner Robins.

Overall in 2011, AFAS - the official charity of the Air Force - helped more than 40,000 Airmen and families. Nearly $18 million was provided through emergency assistance, and education and community programs.

To learn more about available assistance, call DSN 478-468-1256 or visit the A&FRC Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.