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Who We Are

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Mission Statement

Semper Fi Mission addresses our neighbors’ physical, mental, and spiritual needs through impactful ministries, outreach, and provisions. 

 

Our mission is to embody God’s grace and mercy, fostering meaningful connections that transmit love in profound ways. 

 

Semper Fi Mission stands as a beacon of compassion, creating a powerful force for positive change to uplift lives. 

Chuck Ondo

Co-Founder and President

Chuck Ondo is a distinguished veteran whose service spans both the United States Marine Corps and law enforcement. He served as an Ammunition Technician from 1984 to 1989, demonstrating exceptional skill and dedication. After his military service, Chuck joined the Pennsylvania State Police, where he worked from 1989 to 1999 as an undercover detective and a member of the Special Emergency Response Team (S.E.R.T.) as a sniper.

 

In addition to his law enforcement career, Chuck has dedicated himself to helping others through education and training. From 2021 to 2024, he served as a Senior Trainer at St. Joe's University Center for Addiction and Recovery Education (C.A.R.E.), where he made a significant impact in the field of addiction recovery.

 

Chuck is also an active leader in the veteran community. He currently serves as Sergeant at Arms for the Joint Task Force K9's (JTFK9S) and is the Chairman and Co-Founder of Semper Fi Mission, an organization committed to supporting veterans. Furthermore, he is the owner of Valor Men's Grooming, a venture he launched in 2022 that reflects his commitment to empowering others.

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Kenneth Aquiline

Co-Founder and Executive Director

Kenneth Aquiline, Co-Founder of Semper Fi Mission, is a United States Marine and is in recovery by the Grace of God. Kenneth overdosed over 10 times and knew when he got sober that he is now working for the God who saved and recreated his life. He has a background in politics, serving in the roles of Chief of Staff, Secretary for the Chief of Staff Office of the Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, and Veterans Representative for a Congressional Office. Kenneth also has the role of Narcan Trainer and Grant Administer for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency  related to overdose education and Narcan Distribution. Kenneth takes recovery groups into the Department of Veterans psychiatric and detox unit and is also a volunteer firefighter for the Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services Organization. Kenneth has a passion for meeting people where they are at and helping those who are homeless and struggling with mental health and addiction find the solution and become housed, employable, servants of God who then go and do the same with others.

Our Board of Directors

Dedicated individuals leading Semper Fi Mission with passion and commitment, meet the board members driving our organization's mission forward.

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John Kawecki

Board Member

John Kawecki is an experienced entrepreneur and current owner of multiple Nothing Bundt Cakes stores. With a background in IT at companies like BNY Mellon and Amazon, John transitioned into business ownership and real estate investing in the Pittsburgh market. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University with a degree in Information Systems, John brings a wealth of expertise in business operations, real estate and community engagement. John is passionate about serving the homeless in the name of Jesus Christ and is actively involved in his parish, St. Michael the Archangel. He believes in taking a hands-on approach to helping others, inspired by the words of Mother Teresa: “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”

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Glenn Baroni

Board Member

Coming soon!

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Rob Ramey

Board Advisor

Rob moved to Western PA in 2021 after 30 years of distinguished worldwide service to the U.S. both in uniform and in government. For 24 years as an air force judge advocate (JAG), Rob led organizations on 3 continents, including the busiest Law Center in the U.S. Air Force. In his JAG roles, Rob prosecuted and defended over 100 criminal cases, taught trial advocacy at the Air Force JAG School, mentored 1000s of officers and enlisted personnel, and advised senior commanders and policy makers all the way up to cabinet secretary. After retiring from the Pentagon in 2015, Rob served as legal expert for the International Committee of the Red Cross—a Swiss nonprofit focused on international law regulating means and methods of warfare. As the organization’s expert on new and emerging weapons applicable to modern warfare, Rob met with senior officials for confidential consultations, across the diplomatic, intelligence, and military communities. During this service, Rob became a sought-after panelist and presenter on all aspect of the Law of War. For 4 years Rob served at HQ U.S. Immigration and Customs enforcement, advising the Director and other senior officials on all aspect of immigration law. While there, he frequently interacted with officials at the Department of Justice in the defense of ICE authorities in federal court. During his last year in government, Rob served as Deputy Director of the State Department’s Office of Global Criminal Justice. In this role he co-led a team of Ph.D.-level experts in the office responsible for setting and communicating U.S. policy on international atrocity crimes—war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity. Now, Rob is pursuing the Doctor of Ministry degree, having already earned degrees in Philosophy, Law, Divinity, and National Security. He frequently preaches at churches in his area, leads Bible studies, and serves as advisor to all aspects of the Semper Fi Mission activities. He loves to share the Good News of life in Jesus Christ at Semper Fi’s homeless and prison events, and to guide and shepherd the most vulnerable among us to the source of true, eternal freedom.

Press Center

Veterans Leadership Program provides hope and opportunity for veterans
US Marine, State Trooper turns Barber
Kenneth Aquiline uses own struggles with drug addiction and homelessness to help fellow veterans
100K Americans Died From Drug Overdoses In 1 Year
Recovery center hopes Narcan training can reduce drug overdose deaths
Pittsburgh celebration marks lives saved in opioid epidemic
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