Nellis kicks off 2008 Combined Federal Campaign Published Oct. 1, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Aileen Carter Nellis Air Force Base Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev.-- -- The 2008 Combined Federal Campaign season is in full-swing on Nellis AFB, following the program's official kick-off here Oct. 2. The CFC is an annual charity campaign, running from Oct. 1-31., in which servicemembers and federal employees have the opportunity to make donations from a list of more than 20,000 non-profit organizations. According to the CFC homepage, "The mission of the CFC is to promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee focused, cost-efficient, and effective in providing all Federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all." Although deciding what organizations to support may not be an easy task, one thing that members can put into consideration is understanding how a charity can make a difference. For those who like to see immediate results, donating to local charities offer many opportunities to gauge impact, which may include a story in a local newspaper or through association with members who were directly affected by the organization's help in the community, according to a CFC memorandum. However, measuring the contribution results at the national-level organizations may not be as visibly seen since more complicated issues are tackled to provide long-term solutions, such as relief aid for Hurricane Gustav. "Under normal circumstances, the CFC should be viewed as a means for long-term assistance with cash/checks and payroll deductions being used to fund organizations providing relief throughout the 2008 CFC," said Mr. Mark W. Lambert, director of CFC operations. "The [CFC] promises to have a major impact on providing support to many organizations that will benefit the lives of Americans in their time of need," said Capt. Ryan Price, Nellis AFB 2008 CFC coordinator. Last year, according to the Southern Nevada Combined Federal Campaign, Nellis and Creech AFB members contributed more than $260,000. This year, the push to promote support of the 2008 campaign was no less. To kick off the 2008 campaign, CFC representatives and the First Sergeants Association organized a burger burn Oct. 2 in front of the commissary welcoming members to make donations. Those who made donations at the event were treated to a lunch of a hamburger or hotdog, chips and a drink, said Captain Price. In addition to the burger burn, the campaign representatives have a mission to provide 100% contact with all members in their respective units and squadrons, added Captain Price. To make a donation to the 2008 CFC, members can choose to make a one-time donation or set up monthly allotments. For questions about the 2008 CFC season, see your respective unit representative or visit www.opm.gov/cfc/.
