The 2014 Fort Huachuca Combined Federal Campaign personnel held a CFC Awareness Walk Wednesday morning at Warrior/Sentinel Field to heighten awareness among members of the Fort Huachuca community about the annual fundraising campaign.
This year's CFC awareness event was a walk instead of a breakfast or luncheon.
Master Sgt. Jeffrey Craig from Network Enterprise Technology Command, installation CFC coordinator, said he wanted to do something different to encourage an increase in donations. He chose to opt out of the usual breakfast or luncheon and focus on an event that would draw more people. Events focused around meals, he said, typically draw about 100 attendees.
"The senior leaders and [CFC] unit coordinators always attend the luncheons," Craig said. "They know about the campaign. I wanted to plan something to reach the junior enlisted Soldiers and officers."
According to Craig, the event was successful, drawing more than 500 participants who walked approximately a mile to music provided by the Military Intelligence Corps Band.
Craig decided to organize a walk rather than a run because he felt a walk would not be difficult to organize and would appeal to those of varying fitness levels.
"I did not to reinvent the wheel," he said. "I did not want the logistics to be too taxing. We've had walks at that location [Warrior/Sentinel Field] before. I also wanted the event to be something everyone could participate in, to include Soldiers with profiles. I wanted to invite the entire community to include old, young, and make it easy. More people can walk than can run, so I hoped to draw a large attendance."
The guest speaker for the event was Jim Arnold, CFC executive for the state of Arizona who spoke about the importance of CFC and how everyone's donations make a difference.
"CFC is all about involvement. Each one of us needs to get involved. Success depends upon your involvement," he said.
Maj. Gen. John Morrison, Jr., NETCOM commander and event host, made his remarks, speaking about giving and generosity.
"Think about what you are doing and who you are about to give your money to. Educate yourself about the various charities out there so you make an informed decision.
"One thing I know about the Army … generosity is one of our core traits," Morrison added.
Before and after the walk, those attending could make donations through their unit representatives staffing tables containing CFC literature and pledge cards. Those attending who did not have unit affiliation such as contractors and retirees were able to donate by cash or check through Craig.
"The purpose of the walk was four-fold," Craig said. "It gave unit coordinators an opportunity to make 100-percent contact with assigned personnel, it provided an opportunity for people to donate [to CFC], the walk promoted physical fitness, and people could wear costumes, so there was a chance to have fun."
Craig hopes the event will pay off in the end.
"I'm hoping people will dig deep, give from the heart and what they can afford."
By Oct. 24, the end of the sixth week of the CFC Campaign, the Fort Huachuca community had donated $76, 541. As of press time, the amount raised during the CFC Awareness Walk was unknown. Totals will be available this afternoon.
The CFC at Fort Huachuca runs until Dec. 1. For more information about the program or about donating, call 520.538.9169.
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