SMDC has party to celebrate CFC kickoff

By Jason B. Cutshaw, USASMDC/ARSTRAT Public AffairsOctober 26, 2015

SMDC has party to celebrate CFC kickoff
U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command G-1 office employees cheer during the command's fifth annual Combined Federal Campaign tailgate and car show Oct. 22. The G-1 staff won the Commander's Cup for Best Tailgate Di... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Alabama -- U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command employees sponsored a Combined Federal Campaign, or CFC, fundraising tailgate and car show Oct. 22.

During the command's fifth "tailgate party," more than 150 people were fed, and more than $1,400 was raised for CFC.

"Thank you all for being here today to kick off our Combined Federal Campaign," said Julie Schumacher, Deputy to the Commander of USASMDC/ARSTRAT. "I would like to thank our volunteers and all of our participants for a fantastic job. We have plenty of food, cars, and fun planned for today.

"But the real reason we are here is to raise awareness for the opportunities that CFC provides," she added. "It is a great program that benefits our local organizations and organizations around the world."

The festivities included tent displays, a car show, food, cheering competition and awards.

CFC is the only authorized solicitation of federal employees in the workplace on behalf of approved charitable organizations. The CFC began in the early 1960s to coordinate the fundraising efforts of various charitable organizations so that the federal donor would only be solicited once in the workplace and have the opportunity to make charitable contributions through payroll deductions.

"CFC is a team effort," said Cynthia Robinson, Tennessee Valley CFC director. "There is a lot of work that is involved in the Combined Federal Campaign. For the leadership of SMDC and the SMDC team that comes together and understands that there are those who need help, it means a lot.

"This is an absolutely fun event," she added. "I look forward to coming out here every year. Looking at all of the creativity that SMDC team members have and for them to take the time out to show their support is amazing. Go SMDC!"

The Commander's Cup for Best Tailgate Display was awarded to SMDC's G-1 office staff, and the Command Sergeant Major's Cup for Best Cheering was snagged for the second year by SMDC's G-2 office staff.

The winners of the car show were:

• Commanding General's Choice: 1968 Ford Mustang, Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Sharp

• Command Sergeant Major's Choice and People's Choice: 1979 Chevrolet El Camino, Kip Kendrick

• Deputy to Commanding General's Choice: 1973 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, Lt. Col. John Duda

• Chief of Staff's Choice: 1968 MG MGB, Robert Smith

• Veteran's Choice with highest mileage at 255,350 miles: 1989 Chevrolet Silverado, Ken Strom

"The Combined Federal Campaign is excellent," said SMDC Command Sgt. Maj. Jerome Wiggins. "It is an opportunity for the fortunate people to be able to donate to an organization of their choice to help the less fortunate and those in need. Today is indicative of SMDC's support for CFC and how important it is.

"Today has been excellent," he added. "I have thoroughly enjoyed being a judge, and it is my privilege to be here and have an opportunity to support CFC."

Related Links:

USASMDC/ARSTRAT web page

USASMDC/ARSTRAT Facebook page

USASMDC/ARSTRAT Twitter page

USASMDC/ARSTRAT CFC Kick Off Flickr set