CAMP AS SAYLIYAH, Qatar – "The community came together for people in need during a time when helping hands are really appreciated," said U.S. Army Col. David G. Cotter, Area Support Group Qatar and installation commander, at a Combined Federal Campaign Overseas unit award ceremony, honoring last year's CFC-O fundraising efforts, at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, Feb. 25.
According to Bruce Dreger, CFC-O Central Command coordinator, 90 percent of potential contributors at Camp As Sayliyah pledged during the 2008 CFC-O campaign – a 41-percent increase from 2007 participation statistics. Per capita amounts also improved and resulted in almost $40,000 in donations; an increase of nearly $7,000, despite fewer installation residents.
"Military members overseas experience hardships first hand," said Dreger. "We weren't expecting it, but results did not decrease among fears of the current economic situation." CFC-O organizes on-the-job fundraising in federal workplaces overseas by appointing local representatives, each striving to make 100-percent contact within respective areas. Despite an economic crisis back home, deployed servicemembers and government civilians raised over $16 million for CFC-O charitable organizations in 2008.
"Platinum, gold, silver and bronze awards are given to units that strive for the best teamwork," said Dreger, prior to the award ceremony at Camp As Sayliyah. Three units earned a CFC-O platinum award: Area Support Group Qatar; 427th Medical Logistics Company; and 2nd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery. Three units obtained gold awards: 1st Battalion, 401st Army Field Support Brigade; Joint Tactical Ground Station; and Joint Psychological Operations Task Force. Army Contracting Command earned a bronze award.