In a memo addressed to commanders of each of the five U.S. combatant commands, Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates asked for continued leadership and support in an upcoming fundraiser benefitting charities and military communities around the world.

The Department of Defense Combined Federal Campaign--Overseas Support (CFC-O) is a federally sanctioned fundraising campaign allowing federal employees to donate money to a list of approved charities through payroll deductions or direct donations. The 2007 campaign generated $15.7 million of revenue which was distributed to thousands of national and international charities.

Employees can also donate to a subset of the CFC-O program, Family Support and Youth Programs, which gives back to military communities overseas to improve the quality of life for service members and civilians. This funding increased by more than $100,000 in 2007, with nearly $715,000 returned to the military communities.

"Service members and civilians serving overseas can be justifiably proud of this achievement, one that testifies to America's tradition of giving to those in need," wrote Gates in his memo. "Our theme remains 'Make a World of Difference' and it reflects the objective. Your leadership can and does "make a difference" and will enable us to have another successful year."

The 2008 campaign is scheduled to begin in the fall. For more information on CFC-O, visit http://www.opm.gov/cfc/index.asp.