AFAF -- Lending a helping hand

Photo By Senior Airman Ilyana Escalona | U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Susan Erdrich, 51st Medical Group first sergeant, at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Mar. 26, 2018. The Air Force Assistance Fund campaign which is an annual fundraiser that provides financial support to Air Force Village Charitable Foundation, Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Enlisted Village and the General & Mrs. Curtis E. Lemay Foundation, kicks-off Mar. 26, 2018. Erdich received assistance from the Air Force Aid Society to help cover expenses she incurred while helping her sister-in-law who became ill in 2006. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ilyana Escalona/Released)  

OSAN AB, SOUTH KOREA

03.28.2018

Story by Airman 1st Class Ilyana Escalona 

51st Fighter Wing

The AFAF provides financial support to four partners including the Air Force Village Charitable Foundation (AFVCF), Air Force Aid Society (AFAS), Air Force Enlisted Village (AFEV) and the General & Mrs. Curtis E. Lemay Foundation (LEMAY).
Each partner provides help for various groups of military affiliates and can be accessed by those who are in need of financial relief in emergency situations.
“I used the Air Force Aid Society in 2006 as a Senior Airman,” said Master Sgt. Susan Erdrich, 51st Medical Group first sergeant. “My sister-in-law became very ill while my family and I were stationed at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England. My husband, two step-daughters and I went on emergency leave to Phoenix to be by her side and gain custody of her son.”
The AFAS offers both grants and loans to help pay for expenses such as plane tickets home for a family emergency. They also assist with cost for medical equipment used for various treatments.
“The cost of lodging, rental car and court fees became too much, and my first sergeant recommended that I go to the Airman and Family Readiness Center for assistance,” said Erdrich. “I applied for and received a loan to cover the cost of the rental car and lodging.”
Contributions to the AFAF can make lasting impacts on fellow Airmen in their time of need.
“You never know who among you will need help,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Kurt Tom, 51st Fighter Wing AFAF assistant installation project officer. “Everybody endures hardships at some point in life. The AFAF provides peace of mind to know that help is available whenever you need it.”
For more information about AFAF contact you unit’s key worker or project officer.

• Date Taken: 03.28.2018
• Date Posted: 03.27.2018 21:39
• Story ID: 270855
• Location: OSAN AB, KR