Combined Federal Campaign underway at Maxwell-Gunter

  • Published
  • By Carl Bergquist
  • Air University Public Affairs
The Heart of Alabama Combined Federal Campaign officially began Monday. During a ceremony at Maxwell's Officers Club Monday, Col. Diana Atwell, 42nd Medical Group commander, speaking on behalf of the 42nd Air Base Wing Commander Col. Kris Beasley, said this year's Combined Federal Campaign goal is set for $840,000, with an extended goal of $1 million.

She said the goal is a testimony to the competence of base CFC representatives and the generosity of Maxwell-Gunter members.

"However, we must not assume if we don't do it someone else will," Colonel Atwell said. "We need to focus on the needs of others, and I know our donors will respond in the generous way they always have. Let's do our part."

The event keynote speaker and executive director of the River Region United Way said America is based on ideas, and two of those ideas are that all men and women are created equal, and we are all human beings. Charles Colvin said those principles result from American citizens defending the country on many occasions, and the country "coming out in tact."

"That has led to the freedom we enjoy. Freedom: What a great word," he said. "We both use and abuse that word, and while we are free from want and fear, we are not free from our responsibility to work for the common good of our communities. CFC gives us an opportunity to participate in that responsibility. The network of organizations CFC offers is not supported by the government, but by the community, and will serve the good of the community."

Mr. Colvin said CFC organizations provide services to individuals who "need a hand up," and a CFC pledge is an opportunity to make the right choice and exercise the freedom to help. He said the agencies of CFC will "guarantee that help."

Also attending the event was Brig. Gen. Jimmy Jackson, Air Command and Staff College commandant, who agreed with Colonel Atwell and Mr. Colvin.

"The Combined Federal Campaign is an opportunity for us to help ourselves," the general said. "And, it also a great opportunity to give back to the community."

Xavier Lewis, CFC director for the River Region, thanked Maxwell-Gunter for all the support base members have given CFC in past years, and he encouraged those members to help again this year.

"We have been touched by the economy and need your support more this year than ever before," he said. "I know that we will come through this campaign together."

Following Mr. Lewis presenting more than 20 door and grand prizes, Colonel Atwell closed the event by saying she knew Maxwell-Gunter could "show how much we care" by meeting this year's goal.

"There should be no doubt in anyone's mind that because of recent events there is need out there," she said. "Concerning those recent events, because of your past contributions, there was aid for those in need."

The Combined Federal Campaign, the world's largest annual workplace charity campaign, runs at Maxwell-Gunter from Monday to Nov. 7.

For more information, contact unit CFC representatives. Information is also available on the CFC Web site at www.heartofalabamacfc.gov.