CFC begins at Buckley

Published Oct. 17, 2014
By Airman Emily E. Amyotte
460th Space Wing Public Affairs

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The Combined Federal Campaign has begun at Buckley with its annual kickoff event Oct. 15.

The CFC is a program that brings local, national and international charities into one combined, easily accessible program that offers federal entities the opportunity to contribute to 20,000 charities worldwide.

"The CFC is a great way for us to be able to support our community and be able to help out the causes that we are passionate about," said Master Sgt. Chad Obermiller, 460th CFC Representative. "It is important to remember that there are millions of people every day that are facing hardships and need assistance. Without these charities there would be nowhere for them to turn. It is just another way that we can give back to our community."

Donating to a CFC charity is not mandatory. But for those who wish to donate, there are two ways to do so: a one-time donation by cash or check or a payroll deduction of a set amount each month. If the payroll deduction option is chosen, a minimum donation of $2 per month for military or $1 for civilians is required. There is no minimum amount for cash or check donations.

Regardless of which option they choose, members will have to fill out a pledge card available from their unit CFC representative.

While at the CFC kickoff event, Team Buckley members said that although they haven't yet chosen to which charity they will donate, they will because it's important to give back to the community.

"I definitely will be donating but I haven't decided which charity yet," said Senior Airman Jasmine Madison, 460th Space Wing Force Support Squadron. "I think there are a lot of good causes and people need help. I think there are a lot of things we can do as Airmen to help."

Maj. Gene Smith, 460th Contracting Flight commander, agrees that giving back is an important part of being a military member.

"I see there were quite a variety of different organizations that I wasn't aware of, or I knew of but not enough details," he said. "Maybe I can spread my dollars out to multiple different organizations. That's why I'm here. It's who we are in the military. I think we should give to charitable events and organizations, it means a lot."

However, some of Team Buckley went to the CFC kickoff already knowing which charities they would be supporting.

"For 16 years I've constantly donated to the Make a Wish Foundation of America," Obermiller said. "I have chosen them because prior to me joining the military I had a friend that became terminally ill. While he was ill, the Make a Wish Foundation of America was able to grant him his wish, which was to meet a band that was his favorite. With over 20,000 charities in the CFC you should be able to find one that moves you."

For more information, contact your unit CFC representative.

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