Team Moody is participating in the Air Force Assistance Fund (AFAF), and is accepting donations until April 26, 2019, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga.

Moody’s goal is to raise approximately $72,000 in an effort to help fund the charitable affiliates of AFAF that provide support to Airmen and their families.

“I think one of the fulfilling things as an Airman is being able to give back to those I have the opportunity to lead,” said 2nd Lt. Jacob England, AFAF base coordinator. “The entire premise of AFAF is to ensure that our Airmen are taken care of; and as an officer that is one of the most fulfilling things I can do, to ensure my Airmen are taken care of. From that aspect, I think it’s very rewarding to be a part of.”

AFAF is able to care for Airmen and their families through four sub-organizations, offering worldwide emergency financial and education assistance, along with an array of base-level, community-enhancement programs, helping Airmen through every step of their life.

“AFAF is something that’s always here for us if we need help, that we can rely on,” said Senior Airman Alexis Zurfluh, 23d OSS intelligence targeteer. “One day I could need their help, and knowing Airmen play such a big part in this makes it feel all that more impactful. It’s great to see an organization that’s helping Airmen by Airmen.”

Tackling the objections people have given in the past, England explained how for less than one dollar a day, Moody could reach its objective for a charity that puts 100% of their proceeds into helping Airmen.

“If every person would donate $15, we would essentially hit our goal,” England said. “Then if you divide that number by the 12 months in a year, and split that number in half for each paycheck, that’s less than a dollar a paycheck. I think most people can afford that. If we let Airmen know that it can come directly from their paycheck, being automatically taken out and you don’t have to worry about it, it’s quite doable.

“I know that some objections people have is how they don’t know where the money is going,” England added. “For these foundations, 100% of every dollar given goes directly back to Airmen and their families.”

Last year, Moody received more than $200,000 from the Air Force Aid Society, one of the AFAF sub-organizations, which contributed toward emergency assistance loans and grants, community programs, and education loans and grants.

Col. Jennifer Short, 23d Wing commander, emphasized the need for everyone to come together in support of ensuring Team Moody will be able to help make a difference to those who make a difference every day.

“Just a few dollars a month from your paycheck will ensure your fellow Airmen will have the assistance they need when they need it most,” Short said. “And, you never know, you may just find in the future that you have “paid it forward,” and our AFAF charities will be there for you should you need them.”