Maj. Gen. Timothy Lowenberg remembers well a bit of advice he received a number of years ago.

"A man I respect deeply once told me that you can only keep in life what you can freely give away," the Adjutant General of the State of Washington said.

Lowenberg's comments came during remarks at the start of the Washington National Guard's 27th Combined Fund Drive (CFD) at the Capt. George Fortson Armory on Camp Murray.  

The Guard's efforts coincide with the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC).

"This is a great campaign; the needs are great, especially now," Lowenberg said.

Last year, the state's CFD raised $5.6 million.  This year, the goal is to go beyond that number.

"Whatever we have, there are those with less," Lowenberg concluded.  "We are about neighbors helping neighbors."

Three of those neighbors determined to help in the local area include Master Sgt. Joel Matel, 110th Chemical Battalion, Master Sgt. Gerardo Puentes, Troop Command; Madigan Healthcare System; and Master Sgt. Brent Riffel, 62nd Maintenance Squadron.

The CFC representative for Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), Matel is clear in his desire to help others.

"Last year, only 26 percent of Servicemembers at JBLM contributed," he said.  "This year, we are shooting for 30 percent.  I am determined to see that others in need are helped."

Puentes understands this sentiment perfectly and made clear to his chain of command at the Madigan Army Medical Center that he wanted to contribute. "I want to give to those less fortunate," he said. Puentes also pointed out that a number of years ago, he was helped by an agency supported by funds raised through the CFC. "I know what it feels like to be in need, and now I want to help give back to those in need."

This is a sentiment that Riffel understands intuitively.

"I volunteered to do this," said McChord Field's connection to the CFC.  "When I saw the email to participate in this, I was all over it."

Assigned to McChord on a humanitarian reassignment to be near his father-in-law, Riffel clearly understands the difference between what an individual "wants" as opposed to what a person "needs."

"When you see people who have more ‘needs' than ‘wants,' it opens your eyes," Riffel said.  "Some folks have no options, and working with the CFC makes you think about what you are volunteering for.  You want to make your efforts count."

American Lake Credit Union helped to sponsor the event, and for branch manager and community relations officer Cathy Fitzer, the CFC and CFD represent the best of the Guard and active duty.

"This is about giving more than you take; there is always someone less fortunate than you," she said.

The CFC and CFD campaigns conclude on Dec. 15.  For more information or to make an online donation, visit www.cfcgive.org.

Photo caption: Master Sgt. Gerardo Puentes, Madigan Army Medical Center; Master Sgt. Brent Riffel, 62nd Maintenance Squadron; and Master Sgt. Joel Matel, 110 Chemical Battalion, work a table during the start of the 27th Combined Fund Drive at Camp Murray in conjunction with the Combined Federal Campaign.