Combined Federal Campaign begins Published Oct. 1, 2009 By Jonathan Hicks 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- It's time to give and make a difference as this year's Combined Federal Campaign kicks off today and runs through Oct 31. The kickoff breakfast is 8 a.m. Monday at the Dragon's Lair sponsored by the 81st Training Wing commander, Brig. Gen. Ian Dickinson. The cost for breakfast is $6, with seats available on a first-come, first-served basis. Informational tables may be set up starting at 7:15 a.m. The CFC is an inclusive workplace giving campaign that participates with over 20,000 non-profit charitable organizations worldwide. The charities supported through CFC range from fledgling community groups to large, well-known charities. Capt. Kelly Levens, the 81st Medical Group commander's executive officer, is the CFC installation project officer for Keesler. In addition, key workers for the campaign have been trained as volunteers and tasked to help make 100 percent contact with all personnel within each organization. Their roles will also include tracking and reporting the progress of each organization, distributing campaign information, delivering contributions to the designed reception points and distributing incentive gifts. The 2009 contribution goal for Keesler is $134,000, a 10 percent increase over the 2008 goal. However, Team Keesler managed to last year's target by nearly 48 percent by collecting $180,173. During the CFC, no donations for organizations can be collected or campaigned for on-base. For questions about this year's campaign, contact your unit representative or Captain Levens, 377-7209 or kelly.levens.1@us.af.mil.