GROTON, Conn. - Even in these trying economic times, when so many are losing jobs and finding it hard to make ends meet, military members and government workers across south eastern Connecticut dug deep into their pockets and donated to the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC).
Last Thursday, campaign organizers recognized 19 local activities and their representatives for their outstanding efforts and contributions during this years drive at a special luncheon held in Navy Submarine Base New London's Reunions.
"In these economic times you want to hear about people helping others," said luncheon guest speaker RADM J. Scott Burhoe, Superintendent of the United States Coast Guard Academy. "The personnel that give to the CFC represent what is right in America."
Chairman of the SUBASE CFC campaign, Cmdr. Daniel Rossler, SUBASE Executive Officer, thanked each of the commands and government activities for their generous contributions totaling more than $388,000, while Burhoe and Captain Mark S. Ginda, SUBASE Commanding Officer, presented representatives of gold, silver and bronze winners in organizational categories with commemorative plaques.
The Los Angeles class, fast attack submarine USS Texas (SSN 775), received the highest honor, the Chairman's Award for Excellence.
Senior Chief Sonar Technician Rory Wohlgemuth, Texas' Chief of the Boat and Sonar Technician First Class Daniel Burns, the submarine's CFC key-worker, accepted the award on behalf of the ship's crew.
Texas raised more than $22,000 in this year's campaign which was 317 percent more than their established goal.
"It was petty officer Burns tenacity that garnered such great participation from the crew," said Wohlgemuth.
Texas' effort was a shining example in the dark economic environment that impacted the overall campaign, noted Rossler.
"We didn't reach our established goal for Southeastern Connecticut, but we did raise more than $388,000 dollars in tough economic times, and the results are to be applauded," concluded Rossler.
The winners in each category were: SUBASE; Submarine Squadrons Twelve, Four, and Two; USS North Carolina (SSN 777), USS Albuquerque (SSN 706), USS Memphis (SSN 691), and USS Texas (SSN 775) "Chairman's Award of Excellence;" Naval Submarine Support Facility; Naval Branch Health Clinic Groton; Naval Information Operations Detachment; Submarine Technical Support Center; Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory; New London Post Office, Mystic Post Office, and Colchester Post Office; and, the Academics Division of the USCG Academy Staff, ,USCGC Eagle (WIX 327) and USCGC Chinook (WPB-87308).