WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Feb. 18, 2010) -- For the sixth year in a row, the Army in the nation's capital has contributed more than $3 million to the Combined Federal Campaign, the world's largest annual workplace charity program.
During the Army National Capital Area CFC victory celebration at the Pentagon Feb. 18, Army directorates were awarded for their employees' participation.
"For more than four decades, CFC has raised millions of dollars for deserving charities that work to improve the quality of life for those in need at the local, national, and international levels," said Joyce Morrow, administrative assistant to the Secretary of the Army.
"They feed the hungry, help abused and neglected children, find cures for diseases, and preserve our natural resources," Morrow continued. "They give hope to those in need and build a future full of promise."
Morrow said the Army's goal was to raise $3.125 million for CFC, but that goal was exceeded with help from nearly 10,000 donors.
The CFC makes it possible for federal employees to make contributions to more than 4,000 charities like the Pentagon Memorial Fund.
James Laychak, the president and chairman of the Pentagon Memorial Fund, lost his brother when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001. He now makes sure that the 184 people who died in that crash are not forgotten.
"The Pentagon Memorial project is a great example of what great things can happen when we all work together to do something good," Laychak said.
He explained that while growing up, his mother used to tell him, "To whom much is given, much is expected."
Laychak said that he never really understood the adage until working on the Pentagon Memorial Fund and that all of his life experiences have culminated in helping him honor those that were lost.
"How many times in your life do you get a chance to take everything that you've learned, and apply that to do something good'" Laychak asked the awards ceremony audience. "That was the Pentagon Memorial Experience for me," he said.
While Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh was not able to attend, he had a message for those who worked to raise CFC funds.
"Every year members of the Army Family have stepped up to the plate and given generously to the Combined Federal Campaign. Your selfless giving has literally transformed lives," Morrow said on McHugh's behalf.
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