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CFC rally underscores impact of donations, participation

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joe McFadden
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Two weeks into this year's "Beacon of Hope" Combined Federal Campaign, Hurlburt Field Airmen and civilians have raised $139,241 in donations and pledges.

But as generous as this six-figure tally is, the base has only reached 32 percent of its $435,000 campaign goal before its Nov. 12 finish.

Okaloosa and Walton County CFC officials announced the results to a crowd of more than 50 Airmen during the 2010 Team Hurlburt Mid-Campaign Rally in the base mini-mall Oct. 19.

Diane Thomas, vice president of the CFC for Okaloosa and Walton Counties United Way, said she decided to hold the event one week early to boost the campaign's fundraising efforts.

"We are only two weeks into the campaign, but we have a really long way to go," Ms. Thomas said. "I know you're working hard already, but this isn't about money. This is about a person being able to go to work so they can take their disabled child to a daycare center. This is about animals being fed at no-kill shelters. This is about people, programs and their causes."

Col. Michael Plehn, 1st Special Operations Wing commander, reminded the crowd how the base raised a record $484,000 during last year's campaign.

"That was done directly through your efforts and the folks you encouraged to give what they could to help their fellow men, service members and Americans," Colonel Plehn said. "As I said at the kickoff, when you look through the CFC brochure, I guarantee you will find something in there that will make you smile, cry, laugh or get angry. Your personal effort and involvement is going to make a huge difference and already has. We still have three-and-a-half weeks left, and we're looking for a great finish."

Colonel Plehn recognized Tech. Sgt. Leonardo Da Silva, 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron, and Staff Sgt. Vielkis McLeod, 1st Special Operations Medical Support Squadron, as outstanding key workers who garnered high unit participation and donations during the first two weeks.

The audience also heard from the rally's guest speaker, Trudy O'Brien of United Cerebral Palsy of Northwest Florida. She spoke about her group's mission to enhance the quality of life for infants, children, youth and adults and their families affected with development disabilities.

"Last year, our agency received $1,700 through the CFC," Ms. O'Brien said. "That may not seem like a lot, but $1,700 will provide 42 hours of nursing care, 10 weeks of training for an adult to attend one of our programs or nearly 80 hours of training for an individual who lives in a group home. It really adds up, and it's important not only to the people who use our programs but their families as well."

Master Sgt. Matthew Hamer, 1st Special Operations Maintenance Operations Squadron first sergeant and event emcee, ended the rally by emphasizing the campaign's theme.

"Keep up the hard drive and energy," Sergeant Hamer said. "Let's get out there, push this campaign and be a beacon of hope to all our folks."

Senior Master Sgt. Ian Chin, 1st Special Operations Component Maintenance Squadron production superintendent and a CFC loaned executive, said he left the rally determined to help the base meet its goals.

"I know we can get more participation," Sergeant Chin said. "These may be tough economic times, but you never know if the time comes when you may be the one who needs help. Your contribution today may be the assistance you receive four or five months on, but it's only increased with time and help. Your contribution may come back to you in tenfold."

Awards will be given for the highest participation rate for a large and small unit at the end of the campaign, Nov. 12.

The campaign will also hold a 5K Fun Run at the Hurlburt Field Air Park Oct. 22 and sponsor a golf tournament at Eglin Air Force Base's Falcon golf course Oct 29.

For more information about the CFC, call 850-243-0315 or visit their website at http://www.opm.gov/cfc/ or http://www.okaloosa-waltoncfc.org/.

TEAM HURLBURT CFC STATISTICS -WEEK TWO

-The 1st Special Operations Mission Support Group raised $27,466, eight percent of its $71,000 goal.

-The 1st Special Operations Group raised $17,338, eight percent of its $50,000 goal.

-The 1st Special Operations Maintenance Group raised $19,914, 10 percent of its $46,000 goal.

-The 1st Special Operations Medical Group raised $18,885, 43 percent of its $35,000 goal.

-The Air Force Special Operations Command components raised $46,298, seven percent of its $122,500 goal.

-The 505th Command and Control Wing raised $449, one percent of its $17,000 goal.

-The Hurlburt Field tenant units raised $8,892, four percent of its $48,000 goal.