Combined Federal Campaign Kickoff Published Sept. 27, 2012 By Col. Robert Pavelko Vice Commander, 45th SW Patrick AFB, Fla. -- The Combined Federal Campaign kicks off next week at our annual Sports Week opening ceremony and will run until Oct. 31. Since its inception in 1961, the CFC has raised more than $6 billion in charitable contributions. If you are not familiar with the CFC, its mission is "to promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee focused, cost-efficient, and effective in providing all federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all." Last year's CFC was a banner year for the Air Force. Not only did the Air Force donate $2.3 million to the CFC, of which $194,000 came directly from the 45th Space Wing and our mission partners, the Air Force also earned the CFC Summit Award, Participation Award, Million-Dollar Circle Award, Honor Award, and the Department of Defense Outstanding LargeCampaign Award. This year we are striving for even more participation to reach our local goal of $200,000. This is a hefty objective, but I know the 45th Space Wing and our mission partners are ready to meet this challenge! Everyone should take pride in knowing all the hard work we put into achieving our goal goes to helping others in need. The CFC is a great program that makes an immeasurable difference and puts the well-being of people first and foremost. To quote the Secretary of the Air Force, the Honorable Michael B. Donley, and the former Air Force Chief of Staff, General Norton Schwartz, from their 2012 CFC message, "Our annual involvement in CFC reminds us that we have the ability, through generous donations, to make a difference for others." I would encourage all of you to take these words into consideration during the CFC this year. Thanks again for all you do. Let's go out there and make this the best CFC we have ever done at Team Patrick!