TRANSCOM employees recognized for Combined Federal Campaign contributions

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. - Last fall was the 50^th anniversary of the Combined Federal Campaign, an effort toward which federal employees across the country have donated more than $7 billion. As part of the local “Gateway” campaign, federal employees pledged $3,045,000 to benefit more than 1,700 charities. All units at Scott Air Force Base pledge a combined total of $917,280. Earlier this month, U.S. Transportation Command was recognized with three awards for its contribution and volunteer efforts.

Ten of the 67 people nominated for individual volunteer awards were from TRANSCOM. Air Force Staff Sgt. Karen Ridge, administrative specialist and campaign coordinator for the USTRANSCOM acquisitions directorate (TCAQ), earned the award in recognition of the office’s 50 percent pledge increase over 2010.

“I love to volunteer and have the opportunity to give back to the community,” said Ridge. “Without the support of the community, we would not be able to do what we do on a daily basis. So many of our family and friends are struggling in the tough economy in which we live. The CFC provides a way for people to contribute to the charities and organizations that ease the burden of so many. I am SO proud of the members of the TCAQ family.”

Seventeen agencies were contenders for six organizational awards. Two TRANSCOM units received “Unit Leadership Excellence Awards”. The TRANSCOM command surgeon’s office and Theater Patient Movement Requirements Center - America earned the “small” category (fewer than 100 employees) award. The offices posted a 55 percent participation rate, a 219 percent increase in dollars pledged over last year, and an average gift of $455.

“I have always supported the CFC throughout my naval career and when the opportunity presented itself, I swiftly accepted,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Juden Philips C. Ramos, of his role as assistant CFC campaign coordinator. “The drive and inspiration which fueled my actions were borne out of the countless souls that benefited from CFC’s ‘50 Years of Caring.’ A new TCSG milestone was reached thereby placing our signature footprint in the annals of the 2011 Gateway CFC. In turn, this translates to our own little way of caring.”

The TCAQ directorate earned the Team Excellence Award winner in the “medium” category (101-499 employees). With a 65 percent participation rate, TCAQ raised $9,900 more than the previous year. Gail Jorgenson, director, TCAQ, is the current chair of the local federal coordinating committee, the group that oversees the local CFC budget and regulatory matters.

TCAQ CFC volunteer Sonya Barker, contract specialist, summed it up for the AQ team: “Anyone involved in CFC will tell you that they are not involved for recognition. Being involved in CFC gives a person the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people/animals/causes they will never meet face to face or never know. It gives you a sense of pride knowing that your one small gift of time can make such a huge impact on many.”

Awards were presented by the Greater St. Louis Federal Executive Board at the Excellence in Government awards program on May 10. (See related story here). For more information on the FEB, visit: http://stlouisfeb.com/

- USTRANSCOM -