Combined Federal Campaign to kick-off

  • Published
  • By Heidi Hunt
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Since 1961, Combined Federal Campaign officials have made it their mission to make a difference for thousands of local, national and international charitable agencies. This year's theme is iCare and kicks-off during "Boss and Buddy" night at Mission's End, Sept 29 and runs through Nov. 12. Anyone donating will receive a coupon for 10 free chicken wings that night.

The CFC umbrellas more than 1,800 agencies, charities and organizations and is the world's largest and annual workplace charity campaign. More than 300 campaigns throughout the country and internationally to help to raise millions of dollars each year according to the official website, www.opm.gov/cfc/.

"The CFC provides everyone with the opportunity to make a significant impact on a person's life," said 1st Lt. Robby Gallegos, 509th Maintenance Group executive officer and co-chair of this years CFC. "Almost any organization you can possibly want to support is likely to be listed in the 2010 charity catalog."

One hundred percent of monetary donations will go directly to the organization of the donator's choice.

Because the campaign is Department of Defense wide, all military members and civilians at Whiteman are eligible to donate and help the base meet this year's goal of $125,000.

"All base tenant units here are encouraged to get involved and participate," Lieutenant Gallegos said. "Any amount can easily be made by filling out a form in which people can donate cash, check or allotted payments."

One hundred percent contact will be made by CFC representatives and donators can choose the code of the charity, name and how much they want to give.

Those who want to have increments deducted from their paycheck can do so. Donations will be deducted starting Jan. 1, 2011, and can be deducted until Dec. 31, 2011.

"The nice thing about this campaign is that you can support the organization of your choice while investing in someone's future," Lieutenant Gallegos said. "You may want to support a charity, organization or agency which offers a range of services designed to improve the lives of at-risk children and families or you may want to support at-risk animals."

Many of the listed charitable organizations or agencies depend on donations in order to keep their operation running.

"If every person on this base donated, the result could be amazing," the lieutenant said. "I am excited to see what we can do together and look forward to the campaign."

For more information on the CFC, log on to www.heartlandcfc.org or contact a group representative.

To make a contribution to the CFC, contact the following assigned unit project officers or the installation project officers are Staff Sgt. Maurice Ingram, 509th Bomb Wing; Capt. Dan St. Clair, 509th Operations Group; Master Sgt. Gary Lustig, 509th Maintenance Group; 1st Lieutenant Amanda Patton, 509th Mission Support Squadron; Capt. Christopher Hollis and 509th Medical Group; Master Sgt. James Bradley, 131st Bomb Squadron; Tech. Sgt. Davey Mohn, 72nd Test; Capt. Keith Yersak, 442nd Fighter Wing; Tech. Sgt. Joseph Linstedt, 19th Munitions; Technical Sgt. Jason Parent, 372nd Training Squadron; Senior Airman Brian Thomas, 325th Weapons Squadron; and Chief Warrant officer Tom East, Army.