18th Wing extends deadline for Combined Federal Campaign

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Angelique Perez
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  The Combined Federal Campaign will close a week later than originally planned, which gives Team Kadena one more week to donate to one of CFC's many charities. 

In order to accommodate the base's upcoming Local Operational Readiness Exercise, Kadena officials have extended the CFC deadline to Dec. 10. 

"We are at the end of week seven and we have about $379,000," said Senior Master Sgt. David Duncan, community area project officer. "We still need $121,000 to reach our goal of $500,000." 

The extension will allow Kadena to end the campaign the week after the exercise and give units a chance to make a final push toward reaching the Wing goal. 

"It's important to give to these types of programs because, as military members in an all volunteer force, we have already demonstrated our sense of service to others," said Sergeant Duncan. "This program is simply another way for members to continue to reach out and help those in need."

The CFC supports more than 2,000 charities worldwide. Many of them provide funding to organizations such as medical research foundations, assistance to homeless families, and financing for educational programs.

"The point is, there are many people in need around the world," said the sergeant, "and this is an opportunity for those who can to step up and help out."

For those who would like to focus their giving on the military community, the Family Support and Youth Programs charity is available. Every dollar donated to the FSYP program stays at Kadena to benefit military families. The FSYP has zero overhead so all of the money is poured back into programs designed to enhance quality of life for military members.

As a whole, the CFC charities impact more people on Okinawa than one might imagine. The American Red Cross Federation and a variety of military support organizations have been able to give back to the military community through the CFC.

"I just wanted to thank all of those who have donated to the CFC, along with all of the unit representatives and other volunteer who have worked hard to reach our goal this year," said Sergeant Duncan.