CFC 10010
Photo courtesy of www.customs.gov
Photographer – James R. Tourtellotte
Ms. Donnelly,
My most heartfelt thanks to you and your organization for the assistance rendered to (one of our) Supervisory Air Interdiction Agent(s) this week.
This past Tuesday I received the letter and I called both (the employee) and his wife and requested they come in to the office so as to deliver check and letter to them.
They were extremely moved and grateful. (See below my email to HQ staff and personnel around the country which also includes a plug for your organization.)
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In light of (the employee’s) situation, I had requested that we petition any and all agencies that might offer some sort of assistance to law enforcement officers that have suffered catastrophic injury or illness such as (our employee) did this past June after suffering a serious stroke. I am glad to report that on Tuesday, I received a letter from the Roger L. Von Amelunxen Foundation with a check enclosed for the amount of $5,000! That same morning I asked the family to come by so that I may deliver it to them. They were very moved and grateful and I’m sure the funds came just in time as his out of pocket medical expenses are quite high and we all know that when it rains, it pours. …
This piece of good news along with the great successes of our Branch AIAs and MIAs reaffirm my resolve to stay the course and fight the fight.
Please note that the Amelunxen Foundation CFC #10010 states that their administrative costs are very low. Since they have so generously helped on of our own, I for one will add them to my charity distribution list and thought it important to convey the information to you for your own edification and consideration.
For God and Country,
GUS J. GONZALEZ
Director, Air Operations McAMB
Greetings All,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you so much for this organization. For years, many Border Patrol Agents have discussed the need for a nonprofit organization such as the Roger L. Von Amelunxen Foundation.
Unfortunately, no one every wants to make a request for financial assistance to the foundation, but the reality is that tragedies happen way too often. The process of requesting/receiving financial assistance was so seamless and I know that the families will be forever grateful. I know that I am.
While these tragedies are heart-wrenching and life changing, it is nice to know that the Roger L. Von Amelunxen Foundation is there as a safety net.
Thanks again,
MICHELLE KITE
Operations Officer, Border Patrol Headquarters
Ms. Donnelly,
I wanted to express my sincere appreciation for your kindness in aiding us with funding to offset funeral costs for (a family who tragically lost their son, a CBP officer).
As a Supervisory CBP Officer and former Customs Inspector, I had heard about the Roger L. Von Amelunxen Foundation through other Customs Inspectors and through the Combined Federal Campaign from the start of my career in 1998, but never believed I would need the assistance of a benevolent or memorial fund. I couldn’t have been more wrong and your generosity towards this family that you know little about is heartwarming. There isn’t much of a death benefit or insurance. What little there was will no doubt be tied up in probate since his beneficiaries are minor children and he did not have a will.
When I spoke with (the employee’s) mother to ascertain what the family needed, they indicated that his stepfather was attempting to borrow small sums of monies from different co-workers in order to fund the services. Your gift covered the costs of the funeral services and the cremation. I never expected such a significant response from a single source. It had a tremendous impact on the family.
When I advised the family of your gift, I took the time to explain to them a little about the Foundation which I took from your website. Now, in retrospect, the quote on your website rings louder in my ears:
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world:
indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead
Words cannot express my gratitude or appreciation. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Sincerely,
JOHN LANDERS
Supervisory CBP Officer
Dear Ms. Donnelly,
Your organization is special and as a member of NTEU, Chapter 137, I know first hand how important the Roger fund is. … Keep up the good work!
Sincerely,
DIANA BEESON
Corresponding Secretary NTEU, Chapter 137
Dear Karen,
I recently heard that the Foundation was not listed in the CFC Campaign. The party did not know the reason. I just viewed the website and read your letter. I cannot believe they could not rectify the situation, especially for what the Foundation has done for the Federal family. I took the liberty to email all my retired co-workers with your letter placed on your website.
Thank you for all you have done over the years. We will never forget what the Foundation has stood for and represented.
Sincerely,
STEPHEN J. DEL CASINO
Retired Special Agent, USCS
CFC – 10010