KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The 403rd Wing began participating in the 2017 Combined Federal Campaign, which runs from Oct. 2, 2017, through Jan. 12, 2018.
According to Maj. David Gentile, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron pilot and 403rd Wing campaign manager for the CFC, the mission of the CFC is to promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee-focused, cost-efficient and effective in providing all federal employees, as well as Air Force reservists and federal retirees, the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all.
“This program is designed to give federal employees a small window each year where they can volunteer to select a charity for giving of their money or time,” said Gentile.
In a letter released Aug. 7 in conjunction with the campaign, Deputy Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan noted that some important changes have been made to the CFC this year. One change was a new website (https://cfcgiving.opm.gov/) that allows personnel to make online pledges for the charities of their choice, while another change is the opportunity to pledge volunteer time in support of their favorite charities.
Gentile said that CFC volunteers within the wing, or Keyworkers as they are called, can assist wing members with setting up an online account for donating their funds or time, if they choose to do so.
In addition, Gentile noted that if wing members would like to contribute to the campaign, monetary donations would need to be made through a credit card, bank account or paycheck debit since cash donations cannot be accepted. Donations also can be one-time or recurring.
“This system allows people to donate to thousands of different charities through a single giving system,” said Gentile. “Donations are tax deductible and will go the charity of your choice. They can be set up to come out of your paycheck each pay period or paid in one lump sum.”
Wing members interested in finding out more about donating or volunteering through the CFC can contact Gentile at 228-377-5301 or david.gentile.3@us.af.mil.