CFC kickoff at the ‘Lik’

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tiffany Colburn
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Giving back to a community is something most people have a strong desire to do. The Combined Federal Campaign allows Air Force members to pick from more than 2,000 organizations to donate money and ensure those who are in need, receive.

"CFC is an event that is organized so that military members and Department of Defense civilian members can give to any charity of their choice," said Master Sgt. Tyrone Robinson, CFC alternate community area project officer. "It helps those organizations out there that need a helping hand to get projects and funding that they need. These small groups basically don't have the support or the funding and charities are the only way they can receive money."

The overseas program officially starts Oct. 1 and will last until Nov. 30. The theme this year is "Making a World of Difference."

Incirlik's 2007 CFC donation goal is $114,035 with 50 percent of the eligible population contributing. CFC unit representatives plan to meet this goal with 100 percent meaningful contact of all potential donators.

By reaching the goal, Incirlik members can help enrich the lives of others worldwide.

"The CFC is an excellent opportunity for military and federal employees to positively impact the lives of people at home and around the world," said Gen. William Hobbins, U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander.

The CFC is only made possible by those willing to volunteer; and Team Incirlik in no exception. The volunteers here were sent to a training session to learn what their responsibilities are for being a CFC representative.

"We have approximately 25 volunteers here and in the Geographically Separated Units," said Sergeant Robinson.

The volunteers are from different squadrons around the base and will be giving a lot of their time to the campaign.

"It sounded like a good program to get involved with, so I volunteered," said Staff Sgt. Rachael Raines, 39th Mission Support Group client support administrator. "We are responsible for planning, implementing and overseeing the CFC for all military, civilian, and DOD personnel."

The representatives will be going around to different work centers throughout the next couple of weeks and helping base members fill out forms if they want to sign up and donate.

"Each unit has a coordinator who is responsible for their unit. They are also the key personnel who are the ones that go out and speak to the base," said Sergeant Raines.

The base will let members know throughout the campaign how much money has been raised.

"As of now, we will be giving out a report to the squadron commanders on a weekly basis to let their people know how much money has been donated," said Sergeant Robinson.

Last year, USAFE exceeded its goal and more than $111,000 went directly to USAFE programs. General Hobbins said our support is necessary to surpass the goal again.

"We are counting on you again this year to contribute to the CFC," said General Hobbins. "Your generosity makes a world of difference to USAFE and the United States Air Force."