USSTRATCOM inching closer to CFC goal as campaign nears end

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. - Every year the Combined Federal Campaign provides government workers the opportunity to donate to a worthy cause of their choice, but for some it’s a little more personal.

Mark Drabik, current operations division deputy chief, Joint Functional Component Command for Global Strike, knows through personal experience how CFC donations benefit those in need.

“My son is moderately to severely autistic and has directly benefitted from donations to the Autism Society of America by being provided speech and language services,” he said. “These services have helped my predominantly non-verbal son learn to employ very basic elements of speech. ”

Today, Drabik serves as the CFC chair lead for U.S. Strategic Command. His CFC involvement spans the last two decades where he has collected 23 mugs from each consecutive year he’s made a donation. Throughout the years, his pledges have included the Boy Scouts of America, the United Seaman’s Service, as well as the Autism Society of America. These are just a few examples of the 2,500 different non-profit organizations that the campaign positively impacts.

Currently, USSTRATCOM stands at $240,000 in donations, not far off from the $275,000 command goal.

“We give because we can and because it is a part of our culture. Taking this a step further, a part of our culture within the Department of Defense is to sacrifice for the greater good of our nation at large,” he said. “Additionally, donations made to the charities that are part of the CFC campaign directly support many of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and civilians assigned to this command. ”

In addition to the standard pledge forms, donations can be made online through the CFC Nexus program. Drabik said online pledges are more efficient, reduce administrative costs, and allow user information to be stored for easy access for future campaigns.

“By directing a donation to a specific charity, donors can be assured that the funds they donate are provided to that specific charity only,” he said.

To make a donation to the CFC, contact your directorate CFC keyworker or go to www.heartofthemidlandscfc.org to make an online pledge. Keyworkers will no longer be able to solicit donations after Nov. 14 but donations will still be accepted until the end of the year.