KMC kicks off CFC-O 2015

by Senior Airman Jonathan Stefanko 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Photos by Senior Airman Nicole Sikorski Airmen and Soldiers play bubble soccer at the Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas kickoff Sept. 15 on Vogelweh. For the second year, the Air Force team won against the Army.
Photos by Senior Airman Nicole Sikorski
Airmen and Soldiers play bubble soccer at the Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas kickoff Sept. 15 on Vogelweh. For the second year, the Air Force team won against the Army.

The Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas campaign kicked off its annual campaign Sept. 21 and it will continue through Nov. 20 in all five overseas commands.

During the campaign season, Department of Defense personnel can contribute to help people in military communities across the nation and around the world.

The theme of the CFC-O 2015 is “give because you care.” This theme underscores the importance of passion in charitable giving.

“The theme ‘give because you care’ emphasizes the spirit of the campaign and invites contributors to support causes that have personal significance,” said Constance Baker, European Command and Africa Command campaign manager. “With more than 2,600 national and international charities in the CFC-O listing, contributors are sure to find a cause that is close to their hearts.”

On Vogelweh, an Army versus Air Force bubble soccer match was held to initiate the kickoff, raise spirits and spread awareness of the campaign.

“The Kaiserslautern Military Community came together as a team to kick off the CFC-O. After all, the CFC (and CFC-O) campaign(s) (are) a team effort,” Baker said. “All services are pulling together to raise funds for people in need, and a little friendly competition is a great way to start.”

The CFC-O offers contributors the opportunity to give using the traditional paper pledge card or through e-Giving at www.cfcoverseas.org.

Contributors who are interested in supporting their local overseas military communities can make a contribution to Family Support and Youth Programs. Donations to FSYP are returned to the installation to support quality-of-life programs for overseas service members and their families.

“Contributors from the KMC are not only making a difference around the world, but also directly in their military communities,” Baker said. “Undesignated contributions are returned to the overseas military installation of origin to be invested in quality-of-life programs.”

The Combined Federal Campaign and CFC-O, on behalf of approved charitable organizations, are the only authorized ways to solicit federal employees in their workplaces. The mission of the CFC is to support and promote philanthropy through a voluntary program that is employee-focused, cost-efficient and effective in providing all federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all.

For more information, speak with your local CFC-O representative or visit www.cfcoverseas.org.

The U.S. Army Europe Band and Chorus performs during the opening ceremony of the Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas kickoff Sept. 15 on Vogelweh. The kickoff included a performance by the band, cake cutting, a bubble soccer game and an awards presentation for the winning soccer team.
The U.S. Army Europe Band and Chorus performs during the opening ceremony of the Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas kickoff Sept. 15 on Vogelweh. The kickoff included a performance by the band, cake cutting, a bubble soccer game and an awards presentation for the winning soccer team.
Brig. Gen. Jon T. Thomas, 86th Airlift Wing commander, speaks at the opening ceremony of the Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas kickoff Sept. 15 on Vogelweh. The CFC-O holds an annual fundraiser that helps commanders improve quality-of-life programs for service members.
Brig. Gen. Jon T. Thomas, 86th Airlift Wing commander, speaks at the opening ceremony of the Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas kickoff Sept. 15 on Vogelweh. The CFC-O holds an annual fundraiser that helps commanders improve quality-of-life programs for service members.