50 years and still running strong Published Oct. 4, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Erin Mills 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- The 50th Combined Federal Campaign kicked-off with a burrito sale in Hangar 7, Oct. 3, 2011. The fundraiser sold 550 burritos, raising more than $7,000. Ten percent of the proceeds will go to the Family Support and Youth Program. The program is a special charity where 100 percent of the contributions are returned to the overseas installation where the money was raised. "I've been donating to the CFC since I first enlisted in 1991 and I've continued to donate every year that I've been on active duty," said Capt. Ian McCrey, 48th Fighter Wing Judge Advocate chief of military justice. "Every dollar that I give will come back to the base and will be used for the families and youth programs. To me making sure that we take care of our own is important." The CFC was established in 1961 to support and promote charities through volunteers. The campaign provides all federal employees an opportunity to help improve the quality of life for others. "I know these are tough times financially for everyone and not everyone is going to be able to give," said Col. William Lewis, 48th FW vice commander. "If we can make sure everyone has the opportunity to donate, then we are one step closer to achieving our goal and helping out our community." There are a variety of ways to donate and thousands of charities to pick from. Federal employees can contribute by monthly allotments, one-time cash or check donations, or online via credit card. "I am donating to the Cancer Aid and Research Fund," said Senior Airman Tyler Kuthe, 48th Medical Support Squadron pharmacy technician. "My stepfather recently died in April of bone cancer, so it just hits home." In 2010, the wing raised more than $184,000 and is attempting to raise $200,000 this year. "We're very excited about this year's campaign as this is the 50th anniversary," said Capt. Megan Mallone, 48th FW Judge Advocate assistant staff. "One of the programs that we want everyone to know about is the Family Support and Youth Program. Every dollar contributed will literally come back to our community. We get a payment every year and we see some really great things happening on base because of it." The 2011 campaign will run from Oct. 3 to Dec. 3. Unit representatives can provide information to personnel about the campaign and guidance on how to contribute. "As a unit representative, my goal is to get out there and make sure that everyone knows about the CFC and that their designations are honored and distributed to the charitable organizations of their choice," said Airman 1st Class David Mills, 48th Component Maintenance Squadron aerospace maintenance apprentice. For more information about how to donate, contact your unit representative or visit www.cfcoverseas.org. - 48th FW Staff Agencies - Capt. Thomas Schmidt - 48th Operations Group - Capt. Maxwell Harrell - 48th Maintenance Group - Senior Master Sergeant Fitzgerald Cole - 48th Mission Support Group - Senior Master Sergeant LeRoy Robbins - 48th Medical Group - Senior Master Sergeant Alvin Holland