FORT CARSON, Colo. – The Fort Carson community recognized the giving spirit of “Mountain Post” soldiers and civilians during the 2011 Combined Federal Campaign Award ceremony at the 4th Infantry Division headquarters, Feb. 13, 2012.
With more than $740,000 in pledges and contributions, the Fort Carson community raised more money than any previous campaign, exceeding its goal of $650,000 by 14 percent, said Maj. Gen. Joseph Anderson, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson.
“I am honored to say that the overwhelming success of this year’s campaign is deeply significant,” Anderson told the awardees. “The contributions made by all of you support thousands of nonprofit organizations, and provide health and human service benefits throughout our local community, the United States and the world.”
Every year thousands of military members and federal civilian employees donate to a variety of charity organizations through the Combined Federal Campaign, an initiative designed to give federal personnel the opportunity to give back to their communities.
“This tremendous success was a joint effort by all the military and civilian personnel who went through great lengths promoting and contributing to the campaign,” Anderson said.
During the ceremony, Anderson officially presented the pledges and donations to Barbara Barfield, director of the Combined Federal Campaign for the Pikes Peak Region, and presented plaques to Fort Carson units and civilian directorates that provided outstanding support to the campaign.
Anderson also recognized CFC Heroes, individuals who went the extra mile to motivate their peers and coworkers to give.
“I’m not sure I deserve the credit,” said CFC Hero Dorothy James, management analyst, Garrison Resource Management Office. “I just asked the folks in my office if they wanted to contribute, and reminded them about the program. We are fortunate to have a lot of very generous people in my office.”
The Garrison Resource Management Office, comprised of 20 people, raised approximately $4,000 during the 2011 campaign.
“It is important to help others,” she said. “This is a program we really believe in.”
One of the most effective ways to get soldiers involved in the program is to remind them how their contributions make a difference in the lives of those who truly need support, said CFC Hero Staff Sgt. Ray Foster, transportation specialist, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div.
“There are a lot of needy people out there,” Foster said. “There are a lot of people out of jobs and a lot of people who need help. If we can afford to give, then we should. For us a buck may not be much, but to somebody else, a dollar could really make a difference.”