Semper Fi Community Task Force

         The Semper Fi Community Task Force (SFCTF) is dedicated to serving Marines, other military service members, and their families in times of need and to recognize their patriotic services and sacrifices.

         The SFCTF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was formed by a small group of former Marines who wanted to continue with their lifelong commitment to “taking care of their fellow Marines.”  Their primary mission is to assist Marines, with a special focus on Wounded Warriors, who are recovering from their service fighting in the Global War on Terror.

         The SFCTF’s premiere event is to host a Hero’s Weekend in conjunction with the Veteran’s Day holiday and the Marine Corps’ Birthday.  Wounded Warriors from both coasts are invited to this annual event that includes a 5 km Hero’s Run, attending a major sporting event, and special recognition at the Marine Corps’ Birthday Ball.  Other events are in the planning stages.

         Locally, the SFCTF has provided funds to the J.O. Johnson High School’s Marine Corps Junior ROTC Program.  The MCJROTC provides aspiring high school students with an opportunity to learn discipline and a chance to develop their leadership skills.  These young cadets are taught how to drill, learn marksmanship, and are repeatedly asked to provide honor guards for opening ceremonial events.

         The SFCTF works closely with the local Marine Corps Reserve unit and provides funding and volunteer support for the annual Toys for Tots program.

         The SFCTF website www.sfctf.org provides additional information on upcoming programs and activities.  The SFCTF website can also be used to make donations.

Chairman’s Comments by Bob Marshall

         Welcome to the Semper Fi Community Task Force Newsletter, the "Semper Fi"! As the Task Force grows in membership and in its service activities, it is our desire to keep you abreast of developments and accomplishments via this letter, on at least a semi-annual basis. A lot of notable things have occurred in the past 3 years, and the Task Force has established its beach head in North Alabama. Many of you have risen to the challenge of supporting our initiatives with the Marine Wounded Warriors, youth mentorship, and veteran career transition and placement. Along with our long-time partners the Marine Corp League, Kilo Battery, Marine Moms, Still Serving Veterans, and the Veteran's Coalition of Madison County, we intend to make a difference on both the local and national level. In addition to the newsletter, stay tuned to our website, www.sfctf.org, to keep informed.

God bless you all, and I look forward to seeing you at our annual Open House event on May 1st.  

Semper Fi!

Bob

Marine Corps Ball

         Marine Corps Birthday Ball will be held Nov 7th at the Marriott Hotel by Space and Rocket Center. Tickets should be purchased from MSgt Williams prior to 1 October through night of the Ball. Whether you are former, retired, Active, Reserve, or guest attending the Ball.. First 400 purchased will have seats. Hotel will honor military price of $84.00 for all up m by at your convenience.

Toys for Tots Golf Tournament

Kilo Battery Toys for Tots Golf Tourney will be held on August 24th  @ the Ledges Golf Course

Computers for Eligible Veterans

         If you are a Veteran or Wounded Warrior in need of a personal computer to pursue your educational goals or for your personal use, the SFCTF may be able to help you. In partnership with the National Catrina Foundation, Semper Fi can obtain certified PCs and related equipment donated by participating businesses or individuals and can supply them to eligible veterans.

         SFCTF was certified as an eligible participating partner for this PC Program in September of 2008. Under this Program, the SFCTF has already provided several PCs and related equipment to veterans enrolled in the Veterans Upward Bound Program. The Veterans Upward Bound Program is administered in our area by The North Alabama Center for Educational Excellence. This PC Program also fits nicely with the separate CompTIA Program, which provides IT certification training online to eligible veterans transitioning to civilian life.

         Semper Fi would also like to invite volunteers with a technical bent to assist in checking out and certifying donated PCs under the PC Program and in loading software.

         If you would like to learn more about the PC Program or to volunteer to certify PCs under this Program, please contact SFCTF Board Member Joe Shelley at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or at 256.683.4479.

 Social Security Benefits for WW’s

         Wounded Warriors may now be eligible for Social Security Benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) established an expedited claims process for Servicemembers who were disabled on or after October 1, 2001, regardless of where the disability occurred. To read this article visit http://www.military.com/military-report/social-security-for-wounded-warriors  and to find out more about Social Security and Servicemembers visit the Social Security Administration’s Disability Benefits for Wounded Warriors at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors/

Wounded Warrior Weekend May, 2009

         The SFCTF has teamed with Fox Army Medical Clinic at Redstone Arsenal to host these Heroes from May 15 – 17, 2009. This will be a wonderful weekend for our troops who so proudly served our country. As guest of the great people of the Tennessee Valley, they will enjoy a variety of activities during their stay. A reception at the Heritage Club, concerts by Randy Travis and Sugarland, a guided tour of the Space and Rocket Center and the Army Strong Fishing Tournament, followed by a farewell dinner at Rocket Harley Davidson.

Our success in bringing joy to these Wounded Heroes depends on your generous contributions.

Kilo Battery Family Day

         Kilo Battery Family Day is being planned for Sept 20th at the Monte Sanno Lodge. Board Members from Semper FI Community Task Force interested in attending please RSVP with 1stSgt Rudd.

Book Donation

         Anyone who has books and willing to donate books from Commandant's professional reading list to Kilo Battery library please contact 1stSgt Rudd at 256-213-9683 ext 109 or drop them by at your convenience.