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Command exceeds AFAF goals

  • Published
  • By Carla Pampe
  • Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Members of Air Force Global Strike Command showed their generosity recently during the annual Air Force Assistance Fund drive, exceeding the fund-raising goals at every base in the Command.

At the beginning of the campaign, the Command set a goal of raising $378,839 for the Air Force Assistance Fund, which provides support for the Air Force family, including active duty, retirees, reservists, guard and their dependents. By the end of the campaign, the Airmen of Air Force Global Strike Command pledged $447,082.

"I think that AF members contribute to AFAF because they realize that this money is really there in case of emergencies, for them, their families, their wingmen, and their troops," said 2nd Lt. Jennifer Barkenhagen, Chief of Current Intel with the AFGSC Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Directorate. "Everyone has been through tough times or knows someone who has, and the groups that AFAF supports are in place for AF members, active and retired, and their families."

Barkenhagen said exceeding the Command's goal was even more impressive in a challenging economy.

"I think Air Force members contribute more, especially in tough economic times, because the threat of falling on hard times hits closer to home," she said. "We all believe in and fully support the wingman concept."

There are four major organizations under the Air Force Assistance Fund to provide support. They are:

· The Air Force Village, which cares for widowed Air Force spouses who need assistance.
· The Air Force Aid Society, which provides worldwide emergency assistance and offers education assistance programs and base community enhancement programs.
· The General and Mrs. Curtis Lemay Foundation, which helps widows of all Air Force Retirees, both officers and enlisted, through financial grants of assistance.
· The Air Force Enlisted Village, which provides a home and financial assistance to indigent surviving spouses of Retired Air Force personnel.

Each base has a six-week time period in which to raise funds, but campaigns are conducted at different times. This year's Air Force goal was $6.3 million, and total pledges to date exceed $7.8 million, Barkenhagen said.