Combined Federal Campaign at Dover AFB

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Samuel Taylor
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The 50th annual Combined Federal Campaign kicked off Oct. 3 at Dover Air Force Base, Del. This year's campaign lasts until Nov. 10, 2011.

The CFC is one of two Air Force-sponsored fundraisers service members can donate to on an annual basis. The CFC catalog compiles more than 1,000 local, national and international charities, each with a unique cause. Former President John F. Kennedy issued an executive order in 1961 that established the CFC as a way for charities to solicit funds from federal employees.

"The [CFC] gives service members a chance to donate to whatever cause appeals to them," said Capt. John Decataldo, the installation CFC representative. "This year our goal is to raise $180,000, up three percent from last year, and to make 100 percent face-to-face contact with all donators."

Base leadership held a CFC kickoff meeting at the 3rd Airlift Squadron Oct. 3. Several CFC representatives and leaders from Team Dover spoke on the benefits of supporting a cause one believes in. According to Col. Randal Bright, the commander of the 512th Airlift Wing, each member can find a charity that speaks to them.

"All of us have heartstrings; if you take the time to look in [the CFC catalog], you can find a charity that will pull one of those heartstrings," said Bright.

Squadrons and groups on base have a CFC representative assigned to them. The representatives accept donations and provide information on the CFC and its charities. There is no minimum donation, and service members can donate to as many charities as they wish.

Col. Mark Camerer, the commander of the 436th Airlift Wing, and Bright made the first donation from Dover AFB to the 2011 CFC after the meeting.

"The Combined Federal Campaign is an excellent way for Team Dover to help those who are in need," said Col. Mark Camerer, the commander of 436th Airlift Wing. "I encourage everyone to consider donating to a cause that speaks to their heart."