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CFC-O looks to finish strong

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Matt Summers
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  The Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas is literally sprinting to the finish at this undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.

Case in point: More than 100 people took part in a CFC-O-sponsored 10K Relay race Nov. 16 which raised $378 for the Family Support and Youth Programs here.

The event raised not only dollars, but the overall general awareness of the campaign which runs through Dec. 2. The money donated at the race comes back to the wing commander to be used for morale purposes, according to Capt. Benjamin Crandall, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing CFC-O project officer.

"The run gave us a conduit to increase awareness, participation and excitement about the campaign - and it was fun," he said. "Participants really enjoyed the teamwork that a relay-style race allowed and they were excited to be out doing something fun to support the CFC."

The winning team finished in a time of 33:54, averaging just under 5:30 per mile. "Team International" was made up of: 1st Lt. Ben Coffman, 379th Expeditionary Contracting Squadron; Tech. Sgt. Donnie Gray, 379th Expeditionary Communications Squadron, a native of Barbourville, Ky., deployed from Aviano Air Base, Italy; Royal Air Force Cpl. David Adam, 901st Expeditionary Air Wing, a native of Dundee, Scotland; and Royal Australian Air Force Flight Lt. Andrew Shearer, RAAF Detachment, a native of Wodonga, Victoria.

Coffman said there were several reasons for taking part.

"A mix of the great incentives - who doesn't want a free massage [winner's prize], the camaraderie we could form as a four-man team, and knowing that we were supporting a great cause like the CFC combined to get us excited about the race," said the Edwardsville, Kan., native deployed from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. "Also, we wanted to win and we couldn't let Colonel Kennedy's [379th Air Expeditionary Wing vice commander] team come away with bragging rights."

To finish strong in the CFC-O, contributors can go to www.cfcoverseas.org to research charities and complete a paperless contribution via credit card, debit card or e-check. Donations can also be made via payroll allotment, cash or check on a paper Pledge Card, which are available through unit CFC-O key workers/representatives.

"There is still time to give to your favorite charities through the CFC," added Crandall.

The CFC-O sponsors a Flea Market Nov. 27 from 10 a.m. to noon at the CC gymnasium. People can donate items for the Flea Market at Bldg. 8119 in the CE compound until Nov. 25.

There will also be CFC-O tables set up to take donations at the U.S. Air Forces Central Band "Top Cover" farewell concert Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. in Memorial Plaza and Nov. 29-30 at the base dining facilities.