MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Station and wing senior leaders gathered Sept. 30 at Rockers here to kick off this year’s Combined Federal Campaign.
Maj. Gen. Thomas L. Conant, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing commanding general, Col. Frank A Richie, the air station’s commanding officer, and Lisa Mackar, the associate director for the San Diego CFC, spoke to unit leaders. They emphasized maximum contact and involvement aboard the air station.
“We want to empower people and let them know they can make a difference with their contributions,” said Mackar. “Give a little to impact a lot. If someone donated $50 each pay period, it would add up to $1,200 a year.”
The CFC provides a way for service members and federal employees to donate to more than 250 local and 2,300 national and international charities. Military and government employees screen all charitable agencies each year to ensure legitimacy and that they meet regulations set by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
“It’s another way for Marines to give back to society with the charity of their choice,” said Maj. Richard J. Thompson, the air station CFC action officer. “You never know if you might need the use of these charities. You can invest in a charity you might need later.”
Last year, the regional CFC received approximately $4.9 million in donations and hopes to receive more than $5 million this year.
It adds up over time, explained Mackar. If all 130,000 employees in the region gave one hour’s pay over 12 months the CFC could have $22 million contributed.
Deployed Marines and federal employees can participate in the CFC Overseas Campaign. Marines can speak with their unit campaign coordinators for more information about the charities available for donations.
“A good way to get the message out is during squadron formations and physical training sessions, where CFC coordinators can speak with all of the squadron’s Marines,” said Lt. Col. Kevin S. Kretzschmar, the 3rd MAW CFC action officer.
Marines and sailors have until Dec. 15 to make contributions. Marines and sailors can contribute with an automatic payroll deduction, cash or check. Service members and government employees can visit San Diego CFC’s Web site at www.cfc-sandiego.org for more information about this year’s campaign and ways to donate.
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