Challenges won't stop Sharks Published Oct. 12, 2011 By Brig. Gen. Anthony Cotton Commander, 45th Space Wing PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- It has been a busy few weeks. The sports challenges of last week along with the Combined Federal Campaign and the storms over the weekend have kept many of us on our toes. Our region was also surprised at the intensity of our weekend storm. I hope there was no damage to your homes or injuries to loved ones. I would like to start by giving a big thank you to the Sharks who competed in the 14th Air Force Wing Warfit Challenge last week. The 10 participants completed a five-mile race in 30 minutes and 30 seconds. I am pleased with their efforts and I look forward to seeing how we stack up with the rest of 14th Air Force. You may be aware that the CFC kicked off last Friday at our Sports Week Awards Ceremony and picnic. The campaign will run for the next three weeks. This year is the 50th Anniversary of the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign. Since its inception in 1961, the CFC has raised more than $6 billion in charitable contributions. Last year, the Wing raised $215,000 and this year we have set the highest goal in our history at $205,000. In this economic climate, some may think we are biting off more than we can chew. Some may question whether we will find the means to reach this lofty number. I say we can and will! CFC's success is due to the compassion made yearly through pledges by you: military and federal civilian donors. We know how our folks in this Wing rally together to get the job done. While some see roadblocks ahead that could get in our way, we see opportunities to figure out a way over, under, around or through them. A lot of us talk about making a difference. The CFC really makes a difference. Whether you have a little or a lot, I urge you to reach down in your pockets and see if you can help out the CFC this year. Keep pushing Sharks!