21st SW earns Silver in CFC campaign

Published Dec. 15, 2006

PETERSON AFB -- The 21st Space Wing hosted Colorado Springs' annual Combined Federal Campaign Banquet Dec. 8 at the Officers Club.

The event included CFC supporters from local bases and federal agencies including Peterson AFB, Fort Carson, the U.S. Air Force Academy, Schriever and the U.S. Postal Service.

"The 21st SW and tenant units raised $230,000 which is 107 percent of our monetary goal," said Capt. Jason May, executive officer for 21st Maintenance Group and the installation co-project officer for the campaign. "This qualified us for the Silver award, which means we achieved and surpassed 100 percent of our monetary goal of $115K."

"We also had a total participation rate of 27 percent," added Capt. Ida Flores, 21st Logistics Readiness Squadron deputy installation deployment officer and installation co-project officer for CFC.

Col. Liz Anderson, individual mobilization augmentee to the 21st Space Wing commander, co-chaired the banquet on behalf of Col. Jay Santee, and was most impressed by the individual contributions of the units.

"Not only did some of our organizations achieve Gold awards, which is 125 percent of their share of the base goal, 10 organizations provided over 150 percent of their share of the base goal, some over 200 percent," Colonel Anderson said.

Among notable mentions, the Vosler NCO Academy, the 21st Mission Support Group, and the Civil Air Patrol Det. 7 each provided more than 300 percent of their share of the base goal.

Contributions support and promote philanthropy through a voluntary, employee-focused, and cost effective program that provides federal employees the opportunity to improve quality of life throughout a broad range of communities of their choosing.

Staff Sgt. Leandrea Rodriguez, a 21st Space Wing IMA assigned to the Wing Operations Center and Tech. Sgt. Melaine Wilson, 21st Contracting Squadron, were honored with the CFC Hero Award. CFC policy defines a Hero is someone who undertakes a selfless act for the benefit of another. The award acknowledges those giving something extra, truly striving to make this a better world.

Sergeant Rodriguez became involved at every level of the campaign.

"I originally volunteered to be the public affairs representative for the 21st Space Wing, but eventually found myself volunteering where help was needed," she said. Her multiple hats included assistant to the 21st SW Director of Staff project officer, keyworker for seven DS agencies, and administrative assistant to the installation project officers.

Sergeant Rodriguez also baked several batches of her now famous caramel delight cookies and forwarded heartfelt messages, videos, and information on illnesses and disease in an effort to increase awareness and solicit participation among wing members.

"I believe strongly in giving back to the community - the CFC allots me the platform and resources to do so," she said.

Sergeant Wilson's passion for charity runs deep in her veins.

"I know that I'm only one person, but I know for a fact that I make a difference," she said.

A single mom of two who was orphaned at the tender age of 3, she was raised by foster families on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and knows first-hand what it is to go without heat in the winter because it can't be afforded. Depending on the time of year; unemployment rates on the reservation range anywhere from 75 percent to 95 percent, winter being the roughest of times.

Sergeant Wilson spends her off duty time collecting items, such as large appliances, beds, dressers and clothes for people on the reservation. She noted that many of the children sleep on the floor, the lucky ones own blankets to curl up with.

She shared her story with people because she realizes the benefit of strength in numbers.

"If I can make a difference even with a small income," she said, "I can only imagine what two or more people could do."

CFC Award