Run Honoring Legend of Vietnam War Raises Money for Today’s Injured Veterans

Nov. 12, 2010 - PRLog -- Media Contact: Kirt Rebello, KMR Consulting Services, LLC         Cell: (508) 264-4201

Run Honoring Legend of Vietnam War Raises Money for Today’s Injured Veterans

The Colonel John W. Ripley Fuel for Life Race will run this Sunday, November 14, 2010 at 7:30am. All proceeds from the run will go to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.

Annapolis, MD – For the second year in a row, the “Colonel John W. Ripley Memorial - Fuel 4 Life Race” will take place to celebrate the life and career of Colonel John W. Ripley, USMC, (Ret.) (June 29, 1939–October 28, 2008), and to benefit the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. The “walk/run” event will take place at the Naval Academy’s Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland.

The 1st Annual Col. Ripley Memorial Fuel 4 Life in 2009 raised over $9,000 for the and they are excited to raise more this year!

300-500 runners are expected to attend, along with several members of the Semper Fi Fund’s “Team Semper Fi,” a team of more than 150 injured Veteran athletes.

An unsung hero of the Vietnam War, Colonel Ripley was awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism in destroying the Dong Ha bridge during the April 1972 North Vietnamese Easter Offensive.  While under intense unrelenting enemy fire, Ripley dangled for three hours under the bridge in order to attach 500 pounds of explosives to the span, ultimately destroying it.  His actions, conducted under enemy fire while going back and forth for materials, definitively thwarted an onslaught by 20,000 enemy troops, and are considered one of the greatest examples of concentration under fire in the annals of U.S. military history.

Please consider covering this event and their efforts!

The Semper Fi Fund (SFF) is a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance and quality of life solutions for Marines and Sailors, as well as members of the Army, Air Force and Coast Guard who serve in support of Marine forces, when they become injured in post 9-11 combat or training operations, or they face life threatening illness or injury. Our fund provides relief to qualified Servicemembers and their families for immediate financial needs that arise during hospitalization and recovery, as well as perpetuating needs such as home modifications, customized transportation and specialized equipment.

SFF has awarded more than 23,000 financial grants totaling more than $44,000,000.00!

The Semper Fi Fund was founded by Karen Guenther, a registered nurse and spouse of an active duty Marine who had first-hand knowledge of the challenges faced by wounded Marines and Sailors returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. She, along with a dedicated group of military spouses established IMSFF in May of 2004.

Who:      Injured veterans, event participants and event coordinators.
What:     Colonel John W. Ripley Memorial - Fuel 4 Life Race
When:    Sunday, November 14, 2010 at 7:30 am
Where:    Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, 550 Taylor Ave, Annapolis, MD 21401-2220
Links:   Semper Fi Fund –
               Col. Ripley Fuel for Life event page –

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Nonprofit organization providing financial assistance and quality of life solutions to Marines and Sailors, and qualified members of the Army, Air Force and Coast Guard, injured in post 9-11 combat/training operations, or facing life threatening illness.