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The 2012 Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas ended Nov. 16 with the Airmen of Team Ramstein raising $750,296 — $84,796 more than the original goal. The CFC-O is an annual event where service members and civilian personnel can contribute to thousands of charities that help those in need around the world. “This year’s campaign was completely successful,” said Capt. David Milodragovich, one of two CFC-O representatives for Team Ramstein. “We provided a surplus of donations, which is a good testament to how good of a campaign we had this year. Last year, for example, an extension was needed to meet the goal set.” However, a successful campaign is not without a few challenges.
“There were some roadblocks in the beginning of this year’s campaign,” Milodragovich said. “The start of the campaign was affected by real-world operations and an (operational readiness exercise). These events slowed, but didn’t completely hinder our campaign.” Success of the CFC-O is driven by unit representatives, who strive to ensure they contact 100 percent of the personnel they’re responsible for during the campaign. The representatives are selected from volunteers throughout units, some wanted to help a larger cause; others were aided by the assorted charities found in the CFC-O and wanted to give back.
“My two sons have a genetic kidney disease that does not allow their bodies to recycle water; they will never be able to consume (caffeine, alcohol, etc.) or any other form of additives,” said Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Jones, 86th Munitions Squadron senior munitions inspector. “However, I don’t share my story to make people feel bad, it’s just my motivation for helping with the CFC-O and the charities. With that said we donate regularly to the research of this disease.” In general, being a representative gives the volunteers the opportunity to help others. “It’s a great opportunity for you to express your ‘human’ side,” Jones said. “It provides someone the angle to mentor young folks and stress the importance of helping (those) in need or supporting a program that you feel strongly about supporting. You can never pass up an opportunity to mentor; showing that you have a huge heart is a huge tool in reaching young and veteran folks alike.” Milodragovich said this was his first time as a CFC-O representative and although there were things that took getting used to, it was a good experience for him. “This was my first time helping lead the campaign, things would get interesting trying to get information from some representatives or get information out to the representatives, but in the end things turned out well,” Milodragovich said. “There are 58 different units just from the 86th Airlift Wing, on top of that there are approximately 80 combined throughout Ramstein that we were responsible for.” For Jones, this was his second time being a representative and although he admits the first time wasn’t a great success, he had a better time being a representative this year.
“This was my second time being a CFC-O representative. The first time was in 2003 when I was stationed here for the first time,” Jones said. “I did not do as well then, but it definitely gave me some experience on raising funds. “This time around I had great support and had 100 percent of my squadron donate. I would be a representative again,” he added. “I would like someone else to follow up on what I have done and hopefully they can do a better job, but if not I will answer the call!”
