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Dover Airman to receive CFC Hero Award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shen-Chia Chu
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  A Dover Airman was recently awarded the 2007 National Combined Federal Campaign Military Hero Award for his efforts with the CFC and other volunteer activities in the community. 

Capt. Thomas Abell, 436th Mission Support Squadron Military Personnel Flight commander, will receive the annual CFC Hero Award, which is presented to federal workers from the military, military civilian, civilian and postal communities by the U. S. Office of Personnel Management. 

"Out of the entire country and overseas, he was nominated, competing with a lot of people who are also just as deserving of the award," said Phyl'licia Dixon, resource development associate for the CFC of Delaware, who convinced the board of directors for CFC of Delaware (made up of federal employees in Delaware) to nominate the captain for the award and surprised him with a certificate at a CFC banquet. 

The captain is one of three military members and 11 federal personnel to be recognized in four different sectors of the federal government: military uniformed, military civilian, U.S. Postal and federal agency. 

He was completely surprised to receive the award, said Ms. Dixon.

"He thought I asked him several questions about his events and ideas so I could pass down the information for the next CFC project officer for next year," she said. "But I needed to confirm and add information for his nomination for the projects and events he held such as the (CFC) kickoff, bowling and hockey tournaments, advertising that helped the campaign to be successful."

"Captain Abell is an outstanding Airman who has dedicated much of his time to serving others and his positive attitude helped him to garner the award," said Maj. Michael Mullins, 436th Mission Support Squadron commander. "As his commander, I am extremely proud to have him as a member on our team who devotes himself completely in any task."

"Not only does he take charge as the commander for the Military Personnel Flight, but he also took charge as head of the CFC project as well," said Major Mullins.

Captain Abell was the project officer charged with planning, implementing and overseeing all aspects of the campaign on behalf of Dover Air Force Base, in addition to his regular duties. As the 2007 project officer, he led the campaign that reached 111 percent of its goal. 

The captain expressed his gratefulness for being selected, but that the award goes beyond a single person's achievement. 

"None of this would have been possible without the participation and donations from Team Dover members. This reflects the unity and teamwork of Dover Air Force Base," said Captain Abell. "Whether it was one dollar or one thousand dollars, it all added up." 

The CFC Hero Award also recognizes the captain for his past and present volunteer efforts in local activities and organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, a nationwide youth mentoring program. 

"This was a well-deserved award for Captain Abell," said Major Mullins, "Not only does he do this for the base, he really cares about the welfare of those benefitting from the funds." 

Captain Abell said that there were influential teachers, mentors and role models who were part of the reason why he volunteers.

"I admire my grandmother's kindness, her values and her overall character. She always said helping people is the right thing to do," he said. "I believe she deserves this hero award."

There were also other past personal experiences the captain mentioned.

"I have close family members and friends who were affected by diseases and illnesses that were thankful to have benefitted through the charities of the CFC in their time of need," said Captain Abell.

"If you have the time, money and the ability to help make someone else's life better, seize that opportunity," he said. 

The CFC is the world's largest annual workplace charity campaign, with more than 300 CFC campaigns that raise millions of dollars each year. Pledges made by federal civilian, postal and military donors during the campaign season support eligible non-profit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world.