CFC provides opportunity to give back Published Sept. 5, 2007 By Lt. Col. Joe Turk CFC installation project manager SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 2007 Sheppard Air Force Base Combined Federal Campaign began Sept. 4 and runs until Oct. 16. The theme for this year's campaign - "Helping Our World Forward" - was revealed at the annual kick-off breakfast Aug. 27. Through the CFC, federal employees are able to contribute to over 1,700 local, national and international charities addressing the issues affecting the world today. The devastating floods that hit the Texoma region this June serve as a reminder of the need to support charitable organizations. Desi Hale, the keynote speaker at the breakfast and a volunteer for flood relief efforts, spoke of the magnitude of the needs of our community. "Almost 400 families have applied for federal aid through (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) and over 100 homes have been declared a total loss," he said. "Many people lost everything they own. They need our help to get their feet back on the ground." Brig. Gen. Richard Devereaux, 82nd Training Wing commander, tied the campaign to the Air Force's Core Values. "CFC provides our uniformed and civilian Airmen an opportunity to give back to the community that supports us everyday," he said. "It's another expression of service before self for our personnel." Since 2002, Sheppard personnel have donated more than $2 million to CFC. Team Sheppard's goal for this year's campaign is $274,000. To ensure all personnel have the opportunity to contribute, each unit has several key workers who will contact each member of the unit and also provide information about the campaign and provide assistance on how to complete donation forms. To raise awareness of the campaign, the Sheppard CFC committee has planned a Bowl-a-Thon for Sept. 13-14 and will conduct other fundraising events throughout the campaign. To contribute to the campaign or sign up for the Bowl-a-Thon, please see your unit key worker.