CFC contributions make a difference Published Oct. 23, 2006 By Staff Sgt. Leandrea Rodriguez 21st Space Wing Operations Center Peterson AFB, Colo. -- Imagine being struck by a crisis - the lonely, lost feeling created by not being able to have the comfort of family, friends and neighbors that comprise your local community. As a military member, a community network can be widespread and is at times inaccessible to those who need assistance. That's where the Combined Federal Campaign comes into play. "When we moved to Mildenhall Air Base, England, we had just lost practically everything that we owned due to the destruction of Hurricane Andrew," said Senior Master Sgt. Stanley Pamphille, Air Force Space Command Lodging and Readiness manager. A CFC-funded organization gave the senior NCO and his family a $2,000 grant to purchase a crib, clothing and other necessities for their then 6-month-old baby girl. "It was very much needed until we were able to settle a claim with the Air Force," he said. "I have been donating to that organization through CFC every year since. That organization's actions greatly helped to alleviate the stress my family was undergoing at that time." Funds donated through the CFC help to bring the resources needed during an emergency to members of the military community and their distant family members, friends and neighbors no matter the location throughout the world. The funds also go to help a variety of organizations besides the crisis response organizations, including organizations that provide aid to people with illnesses, protect wildlife and the environment and numerous other causes. "In 2003, I was an airman 1st class and my husband was a new staff sergeant stationed at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska," said Crystal Curry, 21st Mission Support Squadron customer service representative. "I had undergone emergency surgery for an ectopic pregnancy and needed to go back home to be close to family in Memphis, Tenn." Short-notice plane tickets from Fairbanks, Alaska, to Memphis, Tenn., were about $1,500 per person. They did not have the money for the plane tickets so their first sergeants connected them with a CFC-funded organization and within two days they helped them get the money needed to get Mrs. Curry home. "One organization helped us out and no questions were asked," she said. "They were all very helpful and very giving during our time of need." Three years and two children later, the family said they donate to CFC every chance they get because they could be helping someone else out in their time of need by giving back.