Thanks to all who supported us through the 4th Annual John Ripley Memorial Race

Annapolis, MD – The 4th Annual John Ripley Memorial Race happened on Sunday, November 4th. Special thanks to all who came out to support the Semper Fi Fund! Some of our injured service members participated in the race along with Semper Fi Fund President, CEO, and Founder, Karen Guenther. The Semper Fi Fund is extremely grateful to all of our supporters, and we are reminded of how crucial our mission is when we hear from our service members and their families, in their own words:

Kyle (Semper Fi Fund service member) called as soon as we got out of church yesterday, telling us about the Ripley Race 5k and seeing Ms. Guenther. I am so glad he got to participate. He loves and respects Semper Fi Fund so much and it will be a part of his life forever. He is so appreciative of what Semper Fi Fund has done for him and for our family.

With Sincere Thanks,
Robin (service member's mother)

“After 11 years of continuous, worldwide combat operations, nearly 45,000 soldiers have been wounded – and many returning veterans come home to new challenges. We believe that as citizens, we share an obligation to take care of these men and women, to honor the sacrifices they have made. Our mission is to step in where the government leaves off. Established in 2009, the Ripley Race raises awareness, money and support for America’s veterans.”

The Ripley Race celebrates the legacy of valor and leadership of Colonel John W. Ripley Unites States Marine Corps (USMC). In a career that spanned more than 35 years, Colonel Ripley earned six valorous and 14 personal decorations in two tours of combat, including the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart. During the 1972 North Vietnamese Easter Offensive, the then-Captain Ripley was responsible for destroying the Dong Ha Bridge. In a desperate and heroic action that would make him a legend in the Corps, Captain Ripley placed and detonated more than 600 pounds of explosives, stopping an enemy assault of more than 20,000 men.

For his courage and heroism at the Dong Ha Bridge, Captain Ripley was awarded the Navy Cross, the nation’s second highest award for valor. The destruction of the Dong Ha Bridge has been memorialized in a diorama at the U.S. Naval Academy entitled, “Ripley at the Bridge.”

Colonel Ripley’s leadership continued off the battlefield, serving in leadership roles at universities, as a historian, a speaker and as an expert testifying before Congress on military matters.

The Ripley Race commemorates a lifetime achievement in the service of his country and dedication to the nation he loved.

– Read more on the Ripley Race website.

– Donate Now to support the Ripley Runners as they help our injured service members.