Aid Society provides grant to Enlisted Village

  • Published
  • Air Force Aid Society
The Air Force Aid Society announced a $1 million grant to the Air Force Enlisted Village, June 26, to complete a $3 million community center renovation project.

The grant will be used to fund construction updates to the Bob Hope Village Community Center, which will undergo a complete interior building redesign. The 30-year-old facility has historically been used for social events, fitness and wellness programs year-round for residents. The entire Bob Hope community houses more than 430 senior residents in 350 independent living apartments.

“We are proud to support the Air Force Enlisted Village in their effort to provide quality housing for the surviving spouses of retired enlisted Air Force members,” said AFAS CEO and retired Lt. Gen. John D. Hopper Jr. “Providing critical help to Airmen and their families is at the core of our mission at the Air Force Aid Society.”

The AFEV, located only miles from Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, was formerly the Air Force Enlisted Widows Home Foundation. It was created in 1967 to provide a home and financial assistance for the widows of retired enlisted Air Force members over the age of 55. In 1968, the organization was incorporated and in 1971 was granted federal tax-exempt status as a 501(c)(3) charity. Today, the Air Force Enlisted Village operates the Bob Hope Village, an independent living community, and Hawthorn House, an assisted living and memory support residence, located on the Bob Hope Village campus.

“We are extremely happy to be moving forward on the renovation of our community center.  Bob Hope Commons is the hub of our community and serves multiple functions for our residents and staff,” said AFEV president and CEO, and retired Chief Master Sgt. Brooke P. McLean. “For over 30 years we have gathered in the community center, and with the investment by the AFAS, we look forward to continuing this excellent service to our current and future residents.”

The AFAS and the AFEV are both affiliates of the AFAF annual campaign drive to raise funds to support Air Force families.

To learn more about the AFAS, please visit www.afas.org. To learn more about the AFEV, please visit www.afev.us.