It's nuclear: CFC Chili Cook-off Published Sept. 22, 2015 By Airman 1st Class Erin R. Babis 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- This year's Combined Federal Campaign kicked off with a Chili Cook-off, Sept. 21, to increase awareness of the campaign and raise funds for charitable organizations the campaign supports. "The idea is to promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee-focused, cost-efficient and effective in providing all federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all," said Senior Master Sgt. Ronald Menges, 48th Fighter Wing community area project officer. Walt Graves, 48th Civil Engineer Squadron deputy civil engineer, and William Kinney, 48th Force Support Squadron non-appropriated funds information technology, took pride in the heat of their chili recipes, coining themselves the 'Hot Heads' of the group. "Volunteerism is the backbone of the military," Kinney said. "It's all about volunteering, and sharing food is one of the greatest ways to bring everyone together, even if you make it hot enough to melt everyone together!" One of the judges, Senior Master Sgt. Daniel Keene, 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle maintenance flight chief, carefully appraised every batch of chili using his thorough checklist. "I'm a checklist junkie," Keene admitted. "It's an awesome opportunity to get out and for people to support CFC. There were some that were quite delicious." The CFC runs Sept. 21 through Nov. 20. "CFC donations can benefit the Air Force in many ways," Menges explained. "Most importantly, Airmen can give to charities that help military families in need or donate to the Family Support and Youth Programs that go directly to their own installation, to invest in quality-of-life programs."