Iwo Jima Kicks Off Annual Combined Federal Campaign

Story Number: NNS120927-03Release Date: 9/27/2012 8:13:00 AM
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By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Travis J. Kuykendall, USS Iwo Jima Public Affairs

USS IWO JIMA, At Sea (NNS) -- Multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) kicked off its annual Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) fund drive, Sept. 23.

CFC is the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign, with more than 200 CFC campaigns nationally and internationally, to help raise millions of dollars each year.

"CFC is the only authorized charity organization that can solicit charitable donations in a federal work place," said Chief Logistics Specialist Nelson Pastrana, Iwo Jima's CFC coordinator. "This is a way for Iwo Jima Sailors to contribute to and support the Hampton Roads community."

Any military service member, federal civilian and postal donors are eligible to contribute to a CFC campaign from Sept. 1 through Dec. 15.

"Embarked commands, units and civilian ship riders on board Iwo Jima can make donations to the campaign as well," said Pastrana. "Service members should check with their command first to see if there might already be a campaign set up for them. If they don't, and would like to contribute, we would gladly accept any and all donations."

In 2011, Iwo Jima raised a total of $38,000 in campaign donations. This year, CFC coordinators and representatives have set the bar even higher with a goal of raising $68,000 in contributions.

"A number of factors helped us to decide our goal of $68,000," said Pastrana. "Since we are deployed, there are a greater number of Sailors and Marines on board. We are on the ship 24/7 and are exposed to the advertisement of the drive. We also estimated there to be not just more contributions, but larger contributions because of the extra pay and tax free benefits we have been receiving."

There are a number of reasons why a Sailor may choose to donate money to a charity, whether for personal reasons or they just feel it is the right thing to do.

"When I give to CFC, I donate my contributions to The Fragile X Foundation because my son receives services from them," said Aviation Electrician's Mate 1st Class Jason Calvert. "I try to provide for those who provide for him."

Iwo Jima, along with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, are currently deployed supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.
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