RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
The Combined Federal Campaign is officially underway following a breakfast Thursday morning at the officer's club.
The opportunity for military members here to get involved with the CFC will run from Sept. 4 to Oct. 17 and personnel can expect to be briefed on the hows and whys of conscientious giving.
"It's the one time of year when federal employees can be solicited at work for contributions to charitable organizations," said Maj. Ron King, 12th Flying Training Wing OSS assistant director of operations and this year's 12th FTW CFC project officer.
The kickoff breakfast featured Julie Henderson, the wife of an Air Force physician at Wilford Hall Medical Center on Lackland Air Force Base. Ms. Henderson's family has been affected by a long-term health issue and has benefited from CFC contributions.
Col. Jacqueline Van Ovost, 12th FTW commander, served as host for the breakfast, which was attended by numerous other commanders and base personnel.
"The campaign provides a means for servicemembers to contribute money to the causes of their choice," Major King said. "I volunteered to serve as project officer this year after witnessing, first-hand, the positive aspect of these donations."
The annual push to educate people on benefits of such donations will last for six weeks, allowing charitable agencies around the state and nation to benefit from the donations of military members.
"Last year we raised over $270,000 within the 12th Flying Training Wing, plus other large amounts were raised by tenant organizations here at Randolph," Major King said.
The CFC is an annual event and the kickoff always includes a breakfast. The national initiative was the brainchild of former U.S. president John F. Kennedy's administration.
Randolph's current initiative is one of over 300 such campaigns around the world, which raise millions of dollars for non-profit entities. The Combined Federal Campaign is the largest and most successful annual workplace charity program in America.
Group and squadron representatives have been designated around the base with access to information on agencies that are poised to accept contributions and will be in contact with their unit members to provide them an opportunity to donate.
Individuals who desire more information can click on the web site
www.opm.gov/ofc or call Major King at 652-2779.