MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Station residents gathered at the baseball field across from Building One Sept. 21, 2012, for the Combined Federal Campaign kickoff.
The kickoff consisted of a chili cook-off, as well as a home-run derby contest.
According to the CFC website, the mission of the CFC is to promote and support philanthropy through a program which is employee-focused, cost-efficient and effective in providing all federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all.
“The CFC has given over six billion dollars since the 1960s,” said 1st Lt. German Alicea, station finance officer and CFC community area project officer.
“It gives us an opportunity to have our servicemembers on board the station to go ahead and give to specific organizations that they believe in, whether that organization is for disease research, preventing hunger or simply preserving a right that we believe in.”
The CFC provided servicemembers with various charities to choose from and a free lunch.
“Basically, you pick a charity, it could be the USO, health centers or the Red Cross. They are nonprofit organizations so they give a lot of what they receive,” said Staff Sgt. Jay Santiago, station outbound staff noncomissioned officer-in-charge.
The servicemembers who hosted the event were all volunteers, some were even on leave.
“I'm out here for two reasons, one is I love grilling, grilling is always a good time. And two, I think it is important for people to get educated on what types of charities are out here and donate to something that they can relate to while feeling good about themselves,” said 2nd Lt. Andrew Smith, volunteer grill worker and station financial management specialist.
Donors may give as much as they wish to an organization of their choosing. Charities within the CFC have no limit on the amount of money they can receive.
Servicemembers were not limited to just donating at the kickoff. The CFC will hold events aboard station for the next two months and even offers a website for those interested in learning more.
“People who want to give but weren’t able to come out can do it at their own discretion at home from their computer,” said Alicea.