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One reason to give to the AFAF

  • Published
  • By Capt. Nicholas Whritenour
  • 43rd Airlift Wing AFAF Project Officer
POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  I have received some really good feedback from the article I wrote a couple of weeks ago. Several of you have given serious consideration to "adjusting" your way of looking at the Air Force Assistance Fund campaign. One of the young Airmen I spoke to asked me a very good question. He said, "Have you heard of anyone at Pope who received assistance from the AFAF?" It didn't take me long to answer that question. I have been here nearly one year, so my answer was simply, "No." I know that the AFAF collected close to $88,000 from the campaign last year, and that we (Pope Airmen) had received about $215,000 in support. I knew there were many stories out there, and it was my job to find one. I called our neighborhood Air Force Aid Society. I asked if they would find someone out there who would be willing to tell me their story. Since everything they do is confidential, I let them do the research. I received a call later that day about an Airman. For the purpose of anonymity, we will call him Airman Smith. Here is his story: 

In February of 2008, Airman Smith and his wife were expecting their second child. They were looking forward to the addition to their small family when one day their doctor told them their unborn child had passed. Dealing with the emotional challenges that came with that loss would have been more than enough pain for a young couple, but they also had to face a huge financial burden. Since their baby had never "taken a breath," their insurance could not cover any of the funeral expenses. n desperation, Airman Smith went to seek assistance from the AFAS. He asked for a loan to cover the cost of having his child cremated, and without hesitation the AFAS gave him a grant. 

This is a short story about one family's tragic loss. It was very difficult for me, as a father of three kids, to speak to Airman Smith. I know he is eternally grateful for the compassion and assistance the AFAS provided to his family. I can't imagine how I would feel if something happened to one of my children. I don't think anyone can prepare themselves for this type of tragedy. What the AFAS did for the Smith family may seem miniscule, but it was help when they needed it the most. 

I am certain the campaign will be a huge success, but I have heard several negative comments about giving to the AFAF. I, like you, can come up with many "reasons" not to give this year. I can find a thousand excuses to pass on my obligation of ensuring my Airmen have this fantastic legacy. As I sit here now, after talking to Airman Smith, and look at the contribution receipt on my desk. Yes, as always, I contributed my "$20 each month" on the first day of the campaign. Now when I look at this form, I can't help but see Airman Smith, and I know I have made a difference. Find one "reason" to do the right thing. If you can't think of your own, remember Airman Smith.