HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Hurlburt Field's 37th annual Air Force Assistance Fund drive began Monday, March 29, when Col. Greg Lengyel, 1st Special Operations Wing commander, made the first donations to the six-week fundraiser.

This year's theme is "A commitment to caring," and the goal for Hurlburt is to raise $140,675 to assist with four Air Force charities: The Air Force Village Foundation, Inc., The Air Force Aid Society, Inc., The General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation; and the Air Force Enlisted Village, Inc.

These charities help Airmen from across the Air Force with emergency aid and educational needs, as well as helping secure retirement homes for widows and widowers of Airmen in need of financial assistance, benefitting both active duty and retired Airmen from across the Air Force.

"With this year's challenges, it is even more imperative that we continue to reach out to those in need within our Air Force Family," said Colonel Lengyel in a letter regarding the AFAF kick-off. "This year, let's have a renewed "Commitment to Caring" and show once again that caring for the well-being of our people is the best way to ensure our future ability to assist the world community when and where we are called."

To raise awareness of the campaign, Hurlburt Field is scheduled to host various activities throughout the fundraiser, including a paintball tournament April 16, and a golf tournament May 7.

Anyone interested can contribute through cash, check, money orders or payroll deductions to donate to any of the four funds. For more information, contact your local unit project officer.