Combined Federal Campaign Kicks Off

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Daniel Anaya
  • 366th Fighter Wing
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  We all know the frequency with which the hat is passed in our organizations. We give and give, which begs the question, when does it stop? It usually does not stop. However, the Combined Federal Campaign is different. The campaign happens only once a year and you are always assured to find some charity you are passionate about. From sports to global impact charities there are always causes to fulfill your desire to give.

On Oct. 25, we kicked off the MHAFB Combined Federal Campaign and invited four charities to speak to us: Red Cross of Greater Idaho, the Peregrine Fund, Veteran Advocates of Ore Ida and Operation Warmheart. Each charity spoke about their history and what your CFC donations can do for their organization. We had a special speaker from Veteran Advocates of Ore Ida, Mr. Phil Jacques, discuss how this organization put him in touch with a wounded American soldier who served in Iraq.

"My relationship with this wounded warrior helped me come to terms with my own experiences in Vietnam," Mr. Jacques said. "We grew together and healed each other."

It is organizations like Veteran Advocates of Ore Ida that make CFC such a noble chance to give for any Airman.

The Combined Federal Campaign comes at a difficult time for many people. The holidays are turkeys to be cooked and toys to be had. These things take money, but we all possess a dollar to give. For some charities, you put money into a fund for your own benefit; donating to Operation Warmheart can mean you taste a little bit of that satisfaction of giving in the cookie you consume from the cookie van during an exercise; or maybe you can feel that satisfaction when one of our Gunfighters experiences a life-changing event and needs a helping hand to financially support their friends and family. Regardless of how much you give, it's about the act of giving.

The campaign will run through Dec. 3. I invite all of you to look at the pamphlet provided by your squadron and group representatives and find one organization you can give at least one dollar to. There is a tragedy or triumph that has touched each of our lives. Find a charity that mirrors that experience and donate. Whatever you can give is always appreciated.

If you have any questions, please contact your squadron or group CFC representative or simply contact the Gunfighter point of contacts: 1st Lt. Daniel Anaya or Master Sgt. Dandy Aaron.