'Airmen helping Airmen'

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Krystal Jimenez
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  The Air Force Assistance Fund will begin here on March 2 and it will run until April 10.

The AFAF is an effort to raise money for charities that provide support to Air Force members and their families throughout the year. 

"The Air Force Assistance Fund allows Airmen to help other Airmen," said Col. Albert Miller, the 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander. "I  know we have some of the best men and women in the Air Force working here and I am confident this is just another opportunity for Team McConnell to show how committed we are to helping those in need." 

The kick off event will be March 3 at the Robert J.Dole Community Center from 8 to 10 a.m. Tickets are six dollars on presale at eight dollars at the door and include all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage and drinks.

The fundraiser will end April 10  with a 5k run on base at 3 p.m. with prizes and shirts at the end of the race. The tanker tavern will be open at 3:45 p.m. for those who would like to eat some burgers. Ticket prices are to be determined.

"The charities of the Air Force Assistance Fund contribute in a variety of ways to assist Airmen and their families," said Capt. Brandon Rogers, 22nd Air Refueling Wing AFAF installation project officer.  "There are opportunities for Airmen and even their families to receive scholarships or loans in times of hardship. Some of the charities even offer assistance in the event a family member passes and a member can't afford travel arrangements.  Ultimately, commitment to caring by paying it forward!"

This year Team McConnell hopes to raise $49,669.00.

"The Air Force has recognized both the need and desire for Airmen to help Airmen, and that's exactly what we are doing with this campaign," said Capt. Michael Cox, AFAF installation project officer "Our group and unit representatives have been working extremely hard to ensure that this campaign has a successful kickoff and I'm excited to see what kind of support Team McConnell will provide over the next six weeks."