England: CFC Contributions Aid Less-Fortunate Citizens

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

Sept. 23, 2008 - Americans socked by natural disasters can get assistance through aid provided by donations to the Combined Federal Campaign, Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon R. England said at the Pentagon's CFC kickoff ceremony today. Hurricanes Gustav and Ike devastated the homes and lives of millions of Gulf Coast residents, England said.

Giving to the CFC, England said, provides a way to "help out our fellow Americans get back onto their feet." More than 3,600 charitable organizations are listed in the CFC beneficiary catalog.

The Defense Department's goal for this year's CFC campaign is $13.3 million, which is $100,000 more than last year. The CFC National Capital Area's goal is $61 million.

Service-branch goals for this year's CFC National Capital Area campaign are$3.6 million for the Navy and Marine Corps, $2.95 million for the Army and $1.75 million for the Air Force.

Due to the type and nature of their employment, military members and Defense Department civilians enjoy good, secure jobs with great benefits and are in a good position to assist citizens undergoing hard times, England said.

"We are blessed," England told military members and defense civilians attending the kickoff ceremony. Servicemembers and defense civilians, he said. "And so, we are in a position that we can help people who are less fortunate."

Taking his third turn as honorary campaign chairman, Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Thad W. Allen noted the ease of donating in the workplace or by payroll allotment. The National Capital Area always has contributed generously to the campaign, Allen said.

The 2008 CFC campaign, which started Sept. 1 and runs through Dec. 15, repeats last year's theme: "Be a Star in Someone's Life."