Air Force raises $2.3 million for CFC, takes top honors

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Timothy Beyland accept the Combined Federal Campaign Summit and Honor awards from Renée S. Acosta May 2, 2012, during a Pentagon ceremony. Beyland is an the administrative assistant to the secretary of the Air Force, and Acosta is the president of the Global Reach Foundation. (U.S. Air Force photo/Scott M. Ash)

Published May 3, 2012
By Tech. Sgt. Jess Harvey
Air Force Public Affairs Agency

WASHINGTON -- On behalf of Air Force personnel around the globe, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley accepted five of the top Combined Federal Campaign awards May 2 at a ceremony in the Pentagon.

"This year, Airmen pledged over $2.3 million," said Donley. "Over half of our workforce participated, with an average gift of $460."

The Air Force's generosity earned it the CFC's Summit Award, Participation Award, Million Dollar Circle Award, Honor Award and the Department of Defense Outstanding Large Campaign Award.

This campaign marks the 50th anniversary for the CFC.

"It's an important reminder of how fortunate we are and the importance of sharing this good fortune with our neighbors," Donley said. "Our Air Force set new goals this year, raising over $90,000 more than last year, which is 129 percent of our goal."

Louis Torchia, the director of the DOD Voluntary Campaign Management Office, was there to present Donley with the DOD Outstanding Large Campaign award during the ceremony.

"Over the last eight years, DOD has garnered about a billion dollars in fundraising support," said Torchia, who pointed out that about $20 million of that came from Air Force personnel.

However, this last year was a really tough economic year, he said. Military pay and benefits have been under a lot of stress and overall DOD donations to the campaign dropped.

"Yet, the Air Force came up with their greatest year ever," said Torchia. He said that's a testimony to the character of the Air Force.

Donley had high praise for the members of the Air Force.

"Our Airmen continue to demonstrate their compassion and their generosity and their desire to make a difference by helping our neighbors," Donley said. "I am proud of the role each of you has played in making this year's campaign so successful."