CFC offers opportunities to give back to community

  • Published
  • By Airman Cortney Paxton
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORC BASE, Mont. --  Servicemembers 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. 13.

The campaign raises money to support local health welfare and service agencies.

"The CFC is one of the largest charity fund raisers and allows federal workers the opportunity to donate to a charity of their choice either by allotment or one time donation," said Master Sgt. Jason Halvari, 341st Maintenance Operations Squadron Mechanical and Pneudraulics Section NCO in charge. "This program is very important to charities at home and abroad."

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

"The wing's goal this year is to raise $95,000," Halvari said. "Last year we raised over $120,000 and hope, this year, to meet or exceed that amount."

There is a large assortment of local, national and international organizations donors can pledge their gift to.

The POCs for each group are:
  • 341st Mission Support Group - Senior Master Sgt. James Hazelip (731-4101)
  • 341st Maintenance Group - Master Sgt. Ken Williams (731-4300)
  • 341st Operations Group - Staff Sgt. Herman Brown (731-2676)
  • 341st Medical Group - Tech Sgt. Anthony Duranti (731-4455)
  • 341st Security Forces Group Master Sgt. Steven Doll (731-7238)
  • 16th Munitions Squadron - Staff Sgt. Ashley Nissen (731-6114)
  • 819th RED HORSE Squadron - Master Sgt. George Dollenger (731-4495)
  • 341st Missile Wing - Maj. David Trout (731-7986)
  • All others - Master Sgt. Jason Halvari (731-3397)
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.

"The 'Day of Caring' is an awesome volunteer opportunity to directly impact our relationship with the community," Halvari said. "It's also an alternate way to lend a helping hand if you are not able to donate financially through the CFC."

The "Day of Caring" will take place Oct. 14 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 2011.

"I would like to encourage all those who are able to help with the 'Day of Caring' come out and enjoy the event," Halvari said. "It's a rewarding experience that is appreciated by all. We hope to have at least 150 volunteers for this year's Day of Caring. Last year, we had that amount and were able to help 64 elderly in the community. Downtown residents look forward to this event every year."

For more information about the "Day of Caring," contact Master Sgt. Jason Halvari at 731-3397.