September 25, 2015
Kaiserslautern American
HAVE YOU READ YOUR KA TODAY?
September 25, 2015
Page 1
Volume 39, number 38
KMC kicks off CFC-O 2015
by Senior Airman Jonathan Stefanko 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
The Combined Federal CampaignOverseas campaign kicked off its annual campaign Sept. 21 and it will continue through Nov. 20 in all five overseas commands. During the campaign season, Department of Defense personnel can contribute to help people in military communities across the nation and around the world. The theme of the CFC-O 2015 is “give because you care.” This theme underscores the importance of passion in charitable giving. “The theme ‘give because you care’ emphasizes the spirit of the campaign and invites contributors to support causes that have personal significance,” said Constance Baker, European Command and Africa Command campaign manager. “With more than 2,600 national and international charities in the CFC-O listing, contributors are sure to find a cause that is close to their hearts.” On Vogelweh, an Army versus Air
Photos by Senior Airman Nicole Sikorski
Airmen and Soldiers play bubble soccer at the Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas kickoff Sept. 15 on Vogelweh. For the second year, the Air Force team won against the Army.
Force bubble soccer match was held to initiate the kickoff, raise spirits and spread awareness of the campaign.
“The Kaiserslautern Military Community came together as a team to kick off the CFC-O. After all, the
CFC (and CFC-O) campaign(s) (are) a See CFC-O, Page 2
designed to offset the prices on non-housing goods and services. It is intended to equalize purchasing power so that members can purchase the same level of goods and services overseas as they could if they were stationed in the Continental United States. COLA is calculated by comparing the prices of goods and services overseas with average prices for equivalent goods and services in the CONUS. If the costs are higher in an overseas location, then members will receive a COLA.
Tip of the Week Fall is here. Motorists should watch out for fog and wet leaves.
Team Ramstein celebrates Air Force's 68th birthday, Page 6
Members can calculate their COLA payment at www.defensetravel.dod. mil/site/colaCalc.cfm. Service members and commands play a critical role by participating in the survey. Members are asked to report on which local stores they shop in and what percentage of purchases are made at local market outlets, commissaries, exchanges, mail order or internet purchases and purchased in the U.S. for use overseas. See SURVEY, Page 3
NEWS
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n the next few weeks, service members will get a chance to help shape their overseas cost of living allowance payments. In October 2015, the Department of Defense will ask members stationed in Germany to participate in a living pattern survey, which captures where and how non-housing goods and services are purchased, a factor that directly affects COLA received by members.
“Every member receiving COLA should set aside a few moments to participate in this survey. Your feedback is crucial to accurately represent the cost of living in Germany. You have a vested interest in this survey's success,” said Capt. Eric Hulshizer, the Locality Allowance coordinator for Ramstein. The survey will be opened only during October and will be managed through the Defense Travel Management Office. Overseas COLA is a non-taxable, supplemental pay allowance
LIFESTYLES
Courtesy of the Defense Travel Management Office
NEWS
Survey grants chance to impact COLA payments
Culinary hike leads through vineyards, Page 16
'Best Warriors' named after competition, Pages 20 and 21