CFC kicks off at RAF Mildenhall

U.S. Air Force Col. Thomas D. Torkelson, right, 100th Air Refueling Wing commander, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Chad W. Bickley, center, 100th Mission Support Group superintendent, prepare to sign Combined Federal Campaign donation forms in Torkelson’s office with U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Christopher Carrier, 100th Security Forces Squadron NCO in charge of operations support, Sept. 21, 2015, on RAF Mildenhall, England. The CFC is a voluntary program which provides federal employees the opportunity to donate to charities through payroll deductions or a one-time payment. The campaign will run through Nov. 20, 2015. (U.S. Air Force photo by Gina Randall/Released)

CFC kicks off at RAF Mildenhall

U.S. Air Force Col. Thomas D. Torkelson, right, 100th Air Refueling Wing commander, signs a Combined Federal Campaign donation form in his office with U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Christopher Carrier, 100th Security Forces Squadron NCO in charge of operations support, Sept. 21, 2015, on RAF Mildenhall, England. The campaign is an annual fundraiser which gives federal employees the opportunity to donate to any of the nonprofit charity organizations registered to the CFC. (U.S. Air Force photo by Gina Randall/Released)

CFC kicks off at RAF Mildenhall

Published Sept. 21, 2015
By Senior Airman Victoria H. Taylor
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

RAF MILDENHALL, England-- -- The Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas began today, and will run until Nov. 20, with "Give because you care" as its theme.

Created in 1961 to coordinate fundraising efforts of various charitable organizations, the CFC-O is the only authorized solicitation of Department of Defense employees stationed overseas on behalf of the more than 2,600 approved charitable organizations.

"In 2014, Team Mildenhall was able to contribute more than $143,000," said Master Sgt. Christopher Carrier, 100th Security Forces Squadron Operations Support NCO in charge. "This year we're hoping to make our monetary goal of $160,000, but I believe if we work together we can go well above and help give back to this great cause."

Not only does the CFC-O support different charities ranging from budding community groups to large, well-known charities, the program provides the option for individuals to donate to the base's family support and youth programs. These funds are returned to overseas military installations and invested in quality of life programs for uniformed service members, federal civilians and their families.

As one of the most successful charitable workplace giving campaigns in the world, volunteers strive to ensure the donation process is simple and flexible.

"Each unit has a designated CFC unit coordinator who is trained in the donation process and can explain the different methods to give," said Carrier.

Three different ways to donate make giving to the charity much easier. Participants are able to make recurring monthly payroll donations through myPay, a one-time or monthly recurring donation through the campaign's eGiving program, or use a triplicate pledge card, which will be distributed during the campaign and submitted to the unit's CFC-O representative.

"One of the key aspects of this year's CFC is stressing the ability to give online," said Carrier. "It's not only easier to do, but it helps the charity save money on things like advertising costs."

Key personnel intend to make face-to-face connections during the two-month initiative, but contributions will continue to be accepted throughout the year.

For more information, contact a unit CFC-O representative or visit www.cfcoverseas.org.