Team Hurlburt shatters previous CFC goals

Published Dec. 6, 2010
By Airman 1st Class Joe McFadden
1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Despite a weak economy putting a strain on spending and multiple deployments that potentially hindered participation goals, Air Commandos set a new fundraising record for the Combined Federal Campaign.

Hurlburt Field Airmen donated $490,804.52, the most in the base's history and more than 110 percent of its original goal, during this year's "Beacon of Hope" campaign that ran from Oct. 4 to Nov. 12.

In addition to Eglin Air Force Base's $763,357.56 and $22,959.34 from local federal offices, the combined totals grossed more than $1.2 million for charities and causes throughout Northwest Florida and around the world. This year's campaign also marked the 10th consecutive year Okaloosa and Walton Counties surpassed the $1 million threshold.

Hurlburt and Eglin base project officers announced the results during a victory ceremony Dec. 3 at the Eglin Armament Museum near Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

"Cold weather shelters were open last night, animals without permanent homes were given breakfast this morning, and clean water is being provided to those who need it in Africa all because you cared enough to be a beacon of hope," said Diane Thomas, vice president of the CFC for Okaloosa and Walton Counties United Way. "Our CFC's goal this year was to be that beacon of hope. We accepted that challenge and blew away our goals."

After a campaign that began with training key workers at Okaloosa Island's Gulfarium and ended with the presentation of the final check at the armament museum, Ms. Thomas thanked all the base project officers, loaned executives and key workers who made this year so successful.

"I'm so proud to be a part of this year's CFC team, and I personally thank you, the commanders, for loaning me your very people to work your campaign," Ms. Thomas said. "I'm in awe of their talents, dedication and willingness to change the world."

Col. Bill Porter, 96th Air Base Wing vice commander and chairman of the Local Federal Coordinating Committee of Okaloosa and Walton Counties, cited key workers' attitudes as a key component of this year's success. He also highlighted several non-traditional fundraising ideas like golf and bowling tournaments, gift basket auctions, civilian clothing days for military personnel and an initiative to collect money at commissaries and base exchanges.

"The word that comes to mind for me is 'Wow,'" Colonel Porter said. "I'm absolutely astounded by what was accomplished this year by this team. That's because of all of you and your hard work for this outstanding campaign."

Col. Michael Plehn, 1st Special Operations Wing commander, reiterated the importance of finding a cause and sharing it with others as a powerful means to spark interest in the campaign.

"I asked you to do one simple thing at the kick-off rally, and that was to go through the CFC booklet to find something in there that would fill you with passion, make you cry, or make you angry and use that as your cause and source of energy through this campaign," Colonel Plehn said. "And then I asked you to pass that on to the people you work with. And you did that this year with an absolutely fantastic showing."

Both commanders presented awards to the respective winners of the large and small unit participation awards and top key workers from each week of the campaign for each base.

Alan Giesman, Chairman of the United Way Okaloosa and Walton Counties Board, congratulated everyone not only on behalf of his organization but the more than 2,000 agencies in this year's campaign.

"For more than 50 years, the military and civilian communities have worked together in a non-profit venue, and it works," Mr. Giesman said. "The CFC is a vehicle where we can efficiently and effectively give contributions for those who need it the most. Over the years that I've worked with the military and in roles like this, I've been constantly amazed and come to the unmistakable conclusion that you guys are awesome, and I'm very proud of you. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for what you do for us."

For more information about the CFC, visit their Web site at http://www.opm.gov/cfc or http://www.okaloosa-waltoncfc.org.

TEAM HURLBURT WEEKLY TOP KEYWORKERS:
Week 1-Tech. Sgt. Leonardo Da Silva, 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron

Week 2-Staff Sgt. Vielkis McLeod, 1st Special Operations Medical Group

Week 3-Senior Airman Ashkay Botre, 1st Special Operations Comptroller Squadron

Week 4-Tech. Sgt. Bradley Atkins, 1st Special Operations Maintenance Group

Week 5-Staff Sgt. Robyn Binney, 1st Special Operations Component Maintenance Squadron

Week 6-1st Lt. Tera Hazelton, 319th Special Operations Squadron

TEAM HURLBURT CFC UNIT DONATIONS:
1st Special Operations Group - $73,271.68

1st Special Operations Medical Group - $30,870.74

1st Special Operations Mission Support Group - $73,933.50

1st Special Operations Maintenance Group - $53,492.16

505th Command and Control Wing - $14,905.68

Air Force Special Operations Command - $196,041.64

Tenant Units and Wing Staff Agencies - $48,289.12