Base exceeds CFC goal

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mike J. Andriacco
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  The 2009 Combined Federal Campaign wrapped up on Barksdale Oct. 27 with $223,894 donated to worldwide charities and non-profit organizations which was 103 percent of its goal.

Maj. Walter Gibbins, 2d Civil Engineer Squadron and base CFC coordinator, credits the success of the drive to the unit representatives.

"The individual unit reps did an outstanding job getting the word out for this year's campaign," he said. "We blew the top off this year's installation goal due to their efforts reaching out to each person."

Several local organizations will be on the receiving end of those donations, to include: the Barksdale Air Force Base Youth Center; United Way of Northwest Louisiana; LifeShare Blood Centers; Susan G. Komen for the Cure and HAP House.

Continued support through the CFC enables these community programs to continuously to provide critical support to base Airmen.

The Barksdale Youth Center provides after-school education and youth programs critical to the educational and life skills development of school-aged dependents.

"Our overall program provides a safe environment for school-aged children after school and at our day camps where they can participate in sports and tutoring programs," said Victor Santana, chief of Youth Programs.

The Youth Center hosts day camps not only during the summer, but also during holiday breaks when the military parent may not have time off from their duties. This provides an educational and fitness related alternative to standard daycare. As service-wide budget cuts force units to dedicate more funding to operational requirements, youth programs are forced to look at other ways to supplement their funding.

"Times are not getting any better financially," said Mr. Santana. "The CFC helps offset funding cuts and allows us to continue to offer quality programs for our Airmen and their families."

The support offered by Airmen does not go unnoticed by the receiving organizations.

"If we can help one child, then we have accomplished our mission," said Mr. Santana. "Thank you to everyone who has stepped up to help a child through their donations."

The CFC is a team effort from all federal employees, whether civilian, military or contractor. Barksdale has exceeded the goal and set the bar higher for next year's campaign.