Combined Federal Campaign kicks off Sept. 22

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Eugene Bird
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AFB, Okla. --  Civilian and military workers' yearly chance to examine and to donate to thousands of local, regional and global charities begins Sept 22 with a Burger Burn fund raiser. Unit fund raisers will be announced throughout the campaign. 

During the Combined Federal Campaign, CFC representatives will distribute donation forms and a thick pamphlet filled with descriptions of the charities vying for donors' dollars. 

The mission of the CFC is to support and to promote philanthropy through a voluntary program that is employee-focused, cost efficient and effective in providing all Federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all. 

Strict rules against coercion and competition are designed to eliminate individuals from being pressured to donate, and donors may remain anonymous if they choose. Donors may elect to give to charities they choose via a one-time gift or automatic monthly payroll deductions. 

Started in 1961, the Combined Federal Campaign is the nation's largest workplace charity drive and the only philanthropic effort permitted by law in the federal workplace. Since its inception, the CFC has raised more than $5.5 billion. 

Last year, CFC raised $268.5 million for more than 3,000 charities, $108,000 from Jackson County and Altus Air Force Base. This year's goal is $90,000. 

CFC officials screen each charity to ensure less than 25 percent of donations are used for administrative costs. 

Key workers will ask base federal employees if they would like to donate with a goal of 100 percent contact of the work force. Nationwide surveys indicate 70 percent of federal employees would donate if asked, but only 49 percent donated in 2004.
This year's CFC representatives include: 

97th AMW Capt. Jerry Fausch, Bernie McFarling, Alesia Flagg, Senior Master Sgt. Horace Booker, Michael Fletcher, Airman 1st Class Lavatra Thomas, Staff Sgt. Peter Rollins, Martha Lovett 

97th Operations Group: Capt. Jeremy Gearlin, Technical Sgt. Wade Bond, Staff Sgt. April Willis, Capt. Arnold Rieder, Master Sgt. Brian Eastman, Senior Airman Tiffaney Shumpert, Capt. Marc Summers 

97th MDG Capt. Elizabeth Patton, Capt. Anthony Tranchita, Airman Brustad 

97th MSG Technical Sgt. Marsha Karber, Master Sgt. Dean Zoet, Master Sgt. Lisa Hill, David Salas, Staff Sgt. Nikki Brogdon, Master Sgt. Randy Cravender 

97th MX Roger Kirouvac, Leigh Ann Hendrix, Barbara Johnson, Anna Marie Mason, Randy Raley 

AFOSI Special Agent Arthur Ceballos 

AMCAOS Det. 2 Capt. Chris Cunniff