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CFC-O kicks off at Osan Air Base

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alexis Siekert
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas, the largest workplace giving campaign in the world, kicked off at Osan Air Base Sept. 21 and runs through Nov. 16.

Under the slogan, "Serve to honor your country, give because you care," Osan strives to raise $275K and make 100 percent contact with base personnel, explained Col. Patrick McKenzie, 51st Fighter Wing commander.

"We have a goal of $275,000 this year, but let's shatter it and have next year's team try to figure out how to beat this year's record," he said during a kick-off ceremony at the officer's club. "If every one person gives one dollar, we raise $10,000 right there. The CFC makes it so easy for everyone to donate; all they have to do is select the amount and check the box of the charity they wish to give to."

CFC-O raised $14.3 million in 2011, including $273K from Osan, said Master Sgt. Ernest Calbillo, alternate CFC-O community area project officer from the 51st Security Forces Squadron. There are more than 70 CFC-O representatives on base representing all units.

"The CFC-O raises funds to assist people in need in our military communities, across the nation and around the world," he said. "Giving to the CFC-O lets you donate to causes that impact your life, the lives of your family and friends, and even your fellow Airmen. The CFC-O also offers contributors the opportunity to improve the quality of life in the overseas communities where they live and work by making a donation to Family Support and Youth Programs."

McKenzie spoke of the positive impact the CFC-O can make when he shared his own experiences with the organization during the kick-off ceremony.

"I was a captain at the time and my mother was battling cancer in the states," he said. "I couldn't afford the flight, so the Red Cross sent me home."

The CFC-O was created in the early 1960s to offer federal employees an efficient and effective way to give to their charities of choice. The convenience of payroll deduction and the choice of participating charities have largely contributed to the success of the CFC.

To find out more about the CFC-O, visit cfcoverseas.org. To find a list of CFC-O representatives at Osan, visit or call Capt. Gary Glojek at 784-5020 or Master Sgt. Ernest Calbillo at 784-9546.