CFC; a culture of giving

Published Oct. 12, 2010
By Monica Mendoza
21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Col. Stephen N. Whiting, 21st Space Wing commander, wants to re-establish a culture of giving during the 2010 Combined Federal Campaign, which is underway now.

In recent years, there is a sense that younger Airmen have not had the same exposure to the national federal workplace giving program, the CFC, as Airmen have had in years past. During this year's CFC, Colonel Whiting is placing great emphasis on exposing younger Airmen to the campaign in hopes that they will make giving part of their Air Force career.

The CFC is the world's largest workplace giving program that allows active duty military and Department of Defense civilian employees to make one-time donations or payroll deductions to charity. Employees can designate money to specific charities or allow the donations to go into a general fund which is distributed evenly among the organizations.

Last year, the 21st Space Wing employees donated $248,000. However, there was only a 21 percent participation rate -- the lowest in Peterson's history. This year's goal is set at a 25 percent participation rate for the campaign.

"We can give as little as one hour's worth of pay each pay period and feel little impact on our own financial picture," said Colonel Whiting.

In a video-taped message to Airmen, Colonel Whiting discussed the current economic situation saying that this year, especially, non-profit agencies need help. The CFC provides money to about 3,000 local, national and international charitable organizations. People can choose to give to organizations that help children, animals, the hungry or faith-based groups.

"Now, more than ever, the Combined Federal Campaign is a critical resource for addressing our global and local concerns and helping the non-profit community," Colonel Whiting said.

On Peterson AFB, the CFC kicked off with an information fair at The Club Oct. 5. Dozens of representatives from local and national charities were on hand to talk about their organization, including the Springs Mission Rescue Group, the Salvation Army, the Indigo Mountain Nature Center and the Human Society Pikes Peak Region. At Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, Airmen and civilian employees held an inaugural triathlon and luncheon Oct. 7 to kick off the campaign.

Marsha Wayman, from Human Society Pikes Peak Region, said donations to the Humane Society helped build and staff a seven-day-a-week surgery center for animals. She spoke to Airmen during the CFC fair and told success stories of the animals that have been helped and placed in homes.

"Whether you are a pet person or your passions are represented by many of the organizations here, do what you can," Ms. Wayman said.

Lt. Col. Allen Reeves, 21st SW chief of safety who is heading up the Peterson CFC campaign, said it's not the wing's intent to shakedown anyone for money. Instead, the campaign and the wing's participation goal is about learning and understanding how giving to the community, through donations that help non-profit agencies, is part of the Air Force way.

"We want to encourage everyone to develop that life-long habit of giving charity toward others," he said. "Any donation is appreciated."