Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work today took pledge goals from defense leaders as he kicked off the Combined Federal Campaign.
“Last year, the Department of Defense within the National Capital Region raised more than $10 million. This year, our total campaign goal is $10 million dollars, but let’s aim to reach and exceed that goal,” Work said during the kickoff ceremony at the Pentagon.
The Defense Department is the largest single contributor to a charity campaign within the National Capitol region, the deputy secretary noted.
“We’ve got the most important mission our nation has -- to organize, train and equip a joint force that is ready for war and to operate forward to keep the peace,” he said. “That is a day-to-day job that demands enormous attention. It demands enormous dedication. It demands enormous sacrifice, but we still find time year after year to inspire folks to provide for those who are less fortunate than us.”
DoD personnel will again be able to donate via the myPay module this year, said Michael L. Rhodes, DoD’s director of administration and management.
“Last year, 70 percent of all the donations came in through paperless means, and that provided about $1.5 million worth of management handling savings that went straight to the charities,” he said.
Rhodes noted that during the past 54 years, federal employees have given more than $7 billion to the campaign.
Defense Secretary Ash Carter encourages people to donate as well.
“The CFC includes thousands of charities that depend upon support from contributors like you to help those in need at home and around the world,” he said in a statement released earlier this year. “No matter what you are passionate about, there is a charity for you. Our collective contributions will help develop cures for diseases, rehabilitate wounded warriors, feed the hungry, house those displaced by natural disasters and much more.”
More than 24,000 organizations are currently listed in the CFC booklet. Defense leaders have already made pledges ranging from $7,000 to $2.5 million per organization, including the Air Force, which pledged $1.2 million, the Army, which pledged $1.3 million, and the Marines and Navy together pledged $2.5 million.