CFC kicks off at Fairchild Published Sept. 17, 2014 By Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Fairchild kicked off its annual Combined Federal Campaign here Sept. 1. The CFC is the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign, with more than 150 CFC national and international campaigns raising millions of dollars each year. Defense Department employees nationwide have the opportunity to give to the DOD campaign through Dec. 15, 2014. In his memo, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel expressed his unwavering support for the campaign and strongly encouraged members of the workforce to participate in any way they can noting the more than 24,000 participating charities throughout the U.S. and overseas. “With numerous possible charities this year, there is bound to be a charity with a passion-oriented goal that will be near to your heart,” said 1st Lt. Logan Barlow, the installation CFC program officer. “Each federal employee is reminded that donating is on a volunteer basis and they are encouraged to look at the list of available charities and find one that aligns with their personal core values.” Barlow said there are two ways to donate this year, via the traditional paper slip or online via myPay. Squadron- and group-level CFC action officers will be conducting outreach programs over the next few months attempting to make 100 percent contact with every member. “We want to encourage the federal employees on base to exercise that core value of ‘Service Before Self,’” Barlow said. “This year’s CFC has already been endorsed by the CSAF and soon there will be a base-wide kickoff event; so keep your calendar free and be on the lookout for the announcement.” The CFC started in 1962 when President John Kennedy signed a law allowing federal employees to donate to various charitable organizations. The campaign is the only authorized fund raiser for federal employees at their workplaces on behalf of approved charities. It gives employees the opportunity to make charitable donations through payroll deduction, cash or check. “There are endless opportunities to donate in this year’s campaign,” Barlow said. For more information, contact either 1st Lt. Logan Barlow at (509) 247-8115 or Master Sgt. Julia Madison at (509) 247-4757.