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CFC kicks off at Grand Slam Wing

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  The 2013 Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas kicks off here Sept. 16 and runs through Nov. 15. This year, the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing's campaign goal is $155,000. Last year, the total amount raised was $154,000.

This year's campaign theme is "Serve to honor your country, give because you care."

Established by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, the CFC is the largest workplace charity campaign in the country and the only campaign authorized to solicit and collect contributions from federal employees in the workplace. This annual fall fundraising drive allows nearly 4 million federal employees and servicemembers to contribute to thousands of local and national non-profit organizations.

"Contributing to CFC-O can make a profound difference to many of these charities and in some cases the vast majority of their contributions come from our donations," said Master Sgt. Mitchell Mellott, the 379th AEW wing staff agencies CFC representative deployed from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., and a Moorcroft, Wyo., native. "It is very important for everyone to participate as almost everyone either knows someone who has benefitted, or have themselves benefitted from one of the charities that the CFC supports."

Last year, federal employees and servicemembers donated $13.6 million to the campaign. Since its inception, the federal community has donated nearly $7 billion to the CFC over the last 50 years.

"I feel contributions have a substantial impact on the overall goal, for the simple reason there are so many people deployed," Mellott said. "I am just glad we still get the opportunity to contribute."

Contributions can be made through squadron or group representatives in cash, check or by payroll deduction. Donors may designate which charity, or charities, receive their money by filling out a pledge form.

"CFC-O raises funds to assist people in need in our military communities all over the world," said Staff Sgt. Carlos Sanders, a 379th AEW CFC-O coordinator deployed from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idah, and hails from Virginia Beach, Va. "Find something you are passionate about, something that hits home and you believe in -- whether that is to help find cures for diseases, feed the hungry or just simply improving the quality of life in military communities. Your decision to contribute goes so much further than we can fathom while making difference in the world."

For more information or to find out how to contribute, contact your unit representative, or visit http://cfcoverseas.org.