Walking on her own

by Senior Airman John Nieves Camacho
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

4/22/2014 - SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C.  -- At two-years-old, she still wasn't walking and suffered from balance and coordination issues. Due to a variety of medical conditions, caring for her was a 24-hour, 7-day a week job. The family needed help, but didn't know where to turn.

In time, it came to the family's attention that she needed medical equipment to help her walk. The equipment turned out to be $657.87 more than retired Air Force Master Sgt. Brian Buss had in his pocket.

After exhausting most of his resources and options, Brian was referred to the Air Force Aid Society, an Air Force charity that provides Airmen and their families with worldwide emergency financial assistance, education assistance and base-level, community-enhancement programs.

"I didn't know as a retiree we would even be eligible," said Brian. "Once we contacted them and found out we were, I said 'Wow, this is great.' We were grateful they were there and could help us out. It's such a relief to know there are resources available to also help retirees."

Not only was the Buss family's situation eligible, they were approved for a grant to cover the cost of the medical equipment needed for Brian and Jennifer's daughter.

"Without the grant they gave us, our daughter's mobility would still be challenged," said Jennifer Buss, Brian's wife. "They've given her freedom. When we were notified we would be receiving a grant for the equipment, I cried. I had a sense of overwhelming gratitude that just meant the world to me."

With the approved grant in hand, the Buss family immediately ordered the medical equipment that would help their daughter walk. Soon, a pediatric wheelchair and walker was on their doorstep.

"My daughter can now walk on her own with the help of her equipment," Buss said. "If it wasn't for the Air Force Aid Society, and the generosity of not only the individuals in the 4th Fighter Wing, but the whole Air Force, the equipment she has today wouldn't be here. Every time I see her in her walker with that smile on her face, I'm overwhelmed with happiness. It's really a blessing beyond compare."

The Buss family is one of many families impacted by the AFAS. The AFAS receives its funding by way of the Air Force Assistance Fund. The AFAF is a charitable fund by Airmen for Airmen. Currently, the AFAF drive runs through May 14 and this year Seymour Johnson's goal is to raise $82,260. The base currently has reached 45% of its goal this year. All monies raised during the campaign go to supporting the Air Force's four charities: the Gen. and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation, the Air Force Enlisted Village, the Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation and the AFAS.

"Donating to the AFAF directly supports our Airmen, retirees, and their families," said Capt. Steve Keefer, 334th Fighter Squadron pilot and the installation project manager for this year's campaign. "It's an opportunity to make a difference for someone who has fallen on hard circumstances."

Brian says having the AFAS there to help in a moment of need, and for it to come from the kindness of Air Force members is a blessing.

"When I was still active duty, I contributed," he said. "I never thought about it; like what it goes into. You often don't see the end result. And here, we've seen it."

Donations can be made by cash, check, money order or payroll deduction. For more information about the AFAF, visit www.afassistancefund.org or contact a unit AFAF representative.