Aviano Airmen contribute $93K to AFAF campaign Published April 22, 2009 By Staff Sgt. Lindsey Maurice 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- This year's Aviano Air Force Assistance Fund Campaign came to a close April 20 with base personnel donating more than $93,000 to four major Air Force affiliated charities. The campaign, themed "Commitment to Caring," gave Airmen and civilians the chance to contribute money toward the Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Village Foundation, Gen. and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation and Air Force Enlisted Village, which help Air Force people with emergency aid, educational needs and in securing retirement homes for widows and widowers of Airmen in need of financial assistance. "I would like to extend a huge thank you to all of the members assigned to Aviano and our geographically separated units who were able to make the commitment to donate this year," said Capt. Melissa Bailey, Aviano AFAF coordinator. "Despite the current economic crunch, AFAF donors sent a strong message of support to fellow Air Force members by surpassing the base goal by more than $13,000." One way in which Aviano members can directly see their contributions put to use is through the Air Force Aid Society, through which more than 1,050 base members received direct financial assistance during 2008. "The Aviano community received in excess of $278,000 during 2008 and obtains all of its financial donations through the AFAF campaign," said Regan Mendina-Pellow, Aviano AFAS officer. "The Air Force Aid Society is all about Airmen helping Airmen," said Ms. Mendina-Pellow. "We all hope to remain financially strong and independent yet when emergencies arise, it is such a relief to know that you are not alone and there is help within our own Air Force community. AFAS reinforces a strong community and fosters a sense that we can rely on one another when emergencies happen or military demands become overwhelming." Captain Bailey said that this year's base AFAF campaign, which ran from May 9 to April 20, would not have been successful had it not been for the hardworking men and women who volunteered as unit representatives and key workers. "The unit representatives and key workers played a critical role in the success of this year's AFAF campaign," she said. "These volunteers dedicated their time to spread the word throughout their squadrons to ensure 100 percent contact and completed the necessary documents to account for all of the monetary donations. Volunteers are truly exceptional people who go above and beyond." To contact the AFAS at Aviano Air Base for assistance or more details about the various programs listed below, call 632-5407. -Emergency loans for travel, car repairs and the like; -Bundles for Babies, which offers financial help and parenting skills; -Car Care Because We Care, which offers spouses of deployed members a free oil change; -Child Care for Volunteers, which provides child care for those who volunteer on base; -Give Parents a Break, which offers free child care once a month to parents; -Child Care for PCS Moves, which provides 20 hours of free child care during a permanent change of station move; -Heart Link Spouse Orientation, which offers a fun gathering with helpful information for spouses regarding military life and changes; -Spouses Tuition Assistance and General Hap Arnold Educational Assistance, which offer tuition assistance for spouses stationed overseas as a result of a PCS; and the -Phone Home, which provides phone cards to deploying members to stay in touch with their loved ones back home.