Annual Combined Federal Campaign kicks off Published Aug. 12, 2009 By Staff Sgt. Dayvon McCarrell 365th Training Squadron SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 2009 Combined Federal Campaign is right around the corner, and this year's theme highlights a core tenet of service - improving our world at home and abroad. The theme is, "I can, now, more than ever. To the world you may be just one person but to one person, you may be the world." This year's campaign will be held from Sept. 2 to Oct. 9. The annual campaign offers federal employees an opportunity to donate to one or more charities participating in the CFC. Contributions may reach across the world or as close as our child development center, local churches and sports programs, or other programs that directly affect Sheppard or Wichita Falls surrounding community. Last year, Sheppard donated over $300,000 with 2,058 total contributors during last year's campaign. Sheppard begins this year's campaign with a kick-off breakfast Sept. 2 at the Sheppard Club main ballroom. After the kick-off breakfast, CFC key workers from each unit will strive to meet the campaign's goal of 100 percent personal contact with all members of their organization. This year's monetary goal of $272,000 is slightly higher than last year's goal of $265,000. Some have asked why we're raising the goal considering that the National Bureau of Economic Research said the United States has been in a recession since December 2007. Most federal employees are on the fortunate side of the economy with stable jobs and income. The need for aid and private funding of charities, research efforts and community organizations has increased. However, the recession and unemployment have decreased the amount of donations. Our pooled resources create a sizeable contribution toward our local, national and world charities. I am confident that Team Sheppard will step forward, as it has always done, to lead with compassion and make a difference in others' lives. More information will be available as the campaign progresses. If you have any questions about this year's campaign, contact your group or squadron representative, any member of the wing team listed below or visit the CFC Website where a list of this year's charities can be found. www.opm.gov/cfc. · Lt. Col. Michael Braucher, 365th Training Squadron, 676-3531 - Local Federal Campaign Chair · Jeff Pittman, 361st TRS, 642-8876 - Campaign Executive Officer · Master Sg.t Michael Nelson, 82nd Medical Support Squadron, 676-6061 - Campaign Operations Officer · Tech. Sgt. Van Pelt, 361st TRS, 676-7568 - CFC Breakfast Coordinator · Staff Sgt. Dayvon McCarrell, 676-0603, Campaign PA representative