CFC offers opportunities to give back to community

  • Published
  • By 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office staff
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Service members and civilian employees throughout Air Force Global Strike Command on Malmstrom can make a tax-deductible donation to an eligible non-profit organization of their choice during the Combined Federal Campaign Oct. 3 through Nov. 9 The campaign raises money to support local health welfare and service agencies.

"The CFC is a charity fundraiser that has been around for 51 years and incorporates not only the military, but all employees of the federal government. It allows federal employees to choose from more than 4,000 charities to donate to," said Master Sgt. Edgar Ulrich, 12th Missile Squadron FM NCO in charge. "This program benefits millions of people around the world."

Each group will have a key point of contact that will provide information and collect donations via cash, check or payroll deduction.

"Last year our goal was to raise $95,000 but we raised over $123,000," Ulrich said. "This year our goal is $98,000 and we hope to meet or exceed last year's contributions."

There is a large assortment of local, national and international organizations donors can pledge their gift to. These organizations are highlighted in a donation pamphlet potential donors can browse through and group POC's will provide.

The POCs for each group are:

341st Mission Support Group - Staff Sgt. Melissa Kellner (731-2481)

341st Maintenance Group - Capt. Aaron Taylor (731-2827)

341st Operations Group - Senior Airman Eleanor Fyler (731-7942)

341st Medical Group - Tech. Sgt. Kimberly Coleman (731-4729)

341st Security Forces Group - Tech Sgt. Daniel Olivares (731-7232)

819th RED HORSE Squadron - Master Sgt. George Dollenger (731-4495)

341st Missile Wing - Master Sgt. Brandy Wess (731-4147)

All others - Master Sgt. Edgar Ulrich (731-2671)

The CFC isn't the only way member of Team Malmstrom can support the community. Each year, volunteers from local agencies come together to participate in a day of giving back to the community. The "Day of Caring" assists elderly people in conducting yard work, painting, maintenance and other chores to lend an extra hand.

"Another great way to help the members of our own community is through the 'Day of Caring'. It benefits our neighbors who can use some help but also serves to strengthen the relationship we have with our community," Ulrich said.

The "Day of Caring" will take place Oct. 26 beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Great Falls Main Post Office parking lot, 215 1st Ave. North. Volunteers are encouraged to bring tools such as gardening gloves, rakes, lawn mowers, shovels, home and yard maintenance tools and garbage bags if they have them available.

Volunteers can sign up by themselves or in groups of four to five people via the 10-day share drive under CFC Day of Caring 2012.
"I would like to encourage as many people from the base to come out and help with the 'Day of Caring'," Ulrich said. "Last year we had about 150 volunteers who helped 64 elderly people. They look forward to it every year and it's a great way for us to interact with them and help them out."

For more information about the "Day of Caring," contact Ulrich at 731-2671.