CFC culminates with goal surpassed

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. LuCelia Ball
  • 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 2008 Combined Federal Campaign concluded Nov. 14 with an appreciation breakfast for coordinators from Team Eglin, Hurlburt Field, Duke Field, Okaloosa and Walton counties at the Air Force Armament Museum.

For the seventh year in a row, the campaign passed the $1 million mark in donations, and both Eglin and Hurlburt exceeded their goals of $700,000 and $425,000, respectively.

"This breakfast is just to say 'thanks' for the outstanding job everyone did with this year's campaign," said Col. Bruce McClintock, 96th Air Base Wing commander.

During the breakfast, Colonel McClintock and Col. Brad Webb, 1st Special Operation Wing commander, presented a check for $1, 244,181 to Sandy Sims, president of the Okaloosa-Walton County United Way, the organization that directs the CFC campaign for the counties. The United Way has directed the Eglin-Hurlburt CFC campaign for 19 years, an honor that is designated by a competitive bid each year by contract organizations to manage the CFC program for the bases.

"I grew up in this area and this is a community that does - not 'can do'- does," said Mrs. Sims. "Even with a slow economy, the military and civil service workers did what they always do by making enormous contributions to support the non-profit agencies in the area."

Leadership also took the time to recognize the loaned executives from Eglin and Hurlburt, and the top six CFC key workers for each base. The top contributing organizations from each base, represented by their project officers and coordinators, were also recognized by wing leadership.

The event culminated with the presentation of the small and large group participation award for each base. Each winner got to keep a large trophy to display in their unit for one year.

For Hurlburt, the small group award was presented to the 1st Special Operations Medical Group. The large group award was given to the Air Force Special Operations Command headquarters. For Eglin, the small group award was presented to the 308th Armament Systems Wing and the large group award was given to the 96th Medical Group.

Capt. Ed Adams, one of the CFC project officers, took the time to thank the more than 550 key workers and coordinators.

"They were the real workers of this event and exceeding our goals wouldn't have been possible without all of their hard work," he said.