Combined Federal Campaign still seeking contributions
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – In mid-September, U.S. Special Operations Command kicked off its 2015 Combined Federal Campaign season. Now, more than six weeks into the campaign, CFC representatives say USSOCOM is on track for reaching its goals.

By: By Gunnery Sgt. Reina Barnett – USSOCOM Public Affairs - 11/6/2015

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – In mid-September, U.S. Special Operations Command kicked off its 2015 Combined Federal Campaign season. Now, more than six weeks into the campaign, CFC representatives say USSOCOM is on track for reaching its goals.

 

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ryan Pease, who works in the Deployment Cell of USSOCOM, said he volunteered as a command representative because he believes in donating to worthwhile causes and thought he could meet more members of the command in this capacity.

 

“I’ve donated through the CFC in the past and so I share with others what I’ve done and explain the process,” Pease said.

 

Pease, along with other volunteers, is trying to coordinate a golf tournament and basket raffles to continue the fundraising efforts and encourage others to donate before the campaign officially ends Dec. 15.

 

Currently, USSOCOM has donated $43,000. This year’s goal is $100,000.

 

“I think we’re on par to achieve our goal,” said Pease, who sees decent participation, but says it could be higher.

 

“The non-monetary goal is to bring, or raise, awareness of the needs of so many charities,” he explained.

 

“We have to make 100-percent contact and I’ve gotten really good feedback from General Votel and Mr. Geurts,” said Pease. “Our leadership is really looking for a high level of participation from the command.”

 

Melissa Hall, the Suncoast Region’s CFC manager, also volunteers many hours of her time each week to the base, as MacDill falls in her region. She believes causes like the CFC bring people together.

 

“I think people donate because it's so important to create a sense of community, to put action behind the desire to help the charities looking to improve conditions for people here, nationally or overseas,” Hall said.

 

There are also those instances when the motivating factor is more personal.

 

“I think people sometimes donate because they have been touched by a personal situation and want to aid in research or funding to help cure a specific disease,” continued Hall.

 

Both Hall and Pease mentioned veterans’ programs supporting service members during trying and challenging times.

 

“I think those charities are close to people’s hearts. I know they are for me,” said Pease.

 

To donate to the charities of your choice, people may visit http://www.suncoastcfc.org and click on the "pledge online button.”

 

“If you’re active duty, you can use MyPay or if you’re a civilian, you can donate using Nexus,” said Pease. Nexus is a secure website hosted by the CFC of the National Capital Area, and can be found at: https://www.cfcnexus.org/cfcnca/.

 

“We can definitely achieve this,” said Hall, of USSOCOM’s goal. “We really want to make sure every single person is aware of the campaign and knows all the ways to donate.”
      



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