I am super excited about the 2022 Beach Bike Poker Run. We are off to a great start with securing fantastic bar stops and terrific sponsors! Please visit Emerald Isle Parrot Head Club Facebook page to view their support and generosity. Registration for this event is available online beginning April 1 at www.emeraldisleparrotheads.com .

I would like to take this opportunity to share, from the Semper Fi & America’s Fund 2021 Annual Report, how much our contribution means to the Outdoor Odyssey Kids Camp. It may be lengthy but worth the read:

“Your generous donation of $8,601 in September 2021 helped to offset the cost of transportation for 40-50 children from Onslow and Carteret Counties in NC, to attend camp at the Outdoor Odyssey in Boswell, Pennsylvania. Offering support and resources geared to the needs of children of service members suffering from catastrophic injuries and life-threatening illnesses is a priority. We are thankful for your support as we continue to adapt our assistance and programs to meet the unique needs of these “hidden heroes.” 

At the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, we were well prepared, as a virtual organization to pivot our service to meet the needs of military families by incorporating virtual programming to ensure the health and safety of the entire Semper Fi & American’s Fund family. As pandemic restrictions began to ease, we were thrilled to reconnect children and families to in-person events, including camp at Outdoor Odyssey.

 During the camp, children learned to leverage their unique experiences to address the stressors related to having a military parent with a catastrophic injury or illness. Children gained confidence through activities, such as conquering a climbing wall, and developed tools to be successful in school and life. Leadership skills and coping principles and philosophies were wrapped around every activity, giving campers a real-life takeaway as they returned home. Activities included opportunities to build lifelong relationships and a support system of people with shared experiences to continue beyond their time at camp and remind them that they do not have to face these challenges on their own.”

Thanks to all of you who participate every year in our BBPR and contribute to this worthy cause as we “Party with a Purpose!” Jan H, President