Airmen raise money for Air Force Enlisted Village

by Airman 1st Class Christine Griffiths
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

5/8/2013 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Airmen at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., are one of many sponsors raising money for the Air Force Enlisted Village at the upcoming 10th Annual Bob Hope Memorial Charity Golf Classic tournament at Eglin AFB, Fla., May 17-18.

The Desert Lightning Team began collecting money in February. So far they have collected $1,000 from professional organizations around base, as well as an additional $500 in ticket sales offering individuals a chance to win a trip to the U.S. Open golf tournament.

The Bob Hope Memorial Charity Golf tournament is the AFEV fundraiser. The AFEV is a nonprofit organization and has a goal to provide financial assistance and a place to call home for widowed spouses of former military veterans.

The AFEV was founded in 1967 to provide a safe, secure and dignified place for indigent surviving spouses of retired Air Force personnel, according to the Village's website. Through group donations, DLT members can register eight golfers through the gold sponsorship which is $5,000; four golfers through the silver sponsorship which is $2,500; and finally two golfers through the bronze sponsorship which is $1,000.

"We've actually collected enough money for a bronze sponsorship," said Senior Master Sgt. Walter Fortenberry, 355th Civil Engineer Squadron and point of contact for fundraiser. "This pays for registration for two golfers. Since we're not sending golfers to the charity golf tournament, we are going to pay for two participants from the AFEV, they were unable to pay for themselves."

The money being collected will go towards various projects to improve the widows' lifestyle.

"The money collected subsidizes their monthly payments," Fortenberry said. "Things like repairs, transportation, upgrades, and entertainment, just anything to enhance their lives."

Donating money isn't the only way Airmen can help.

"AFEV is always looking for help," Fortenberry said. "If anyone wanted to put on a golf tournament for them or put on some other fundraiser, where half the proceeds go to their organization and half go to the AFEV. It's one of our greatest causes out there and it would really be worth the time."

To register for the golf tournament, please visit www.afev.us/GolfClassic.html