Who We Are

A Semper Fi Mission volunteer kneeling to help a man seated on a city sidewalk

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.

Leadership

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.

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.

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."

Glenn Baroni

Board Member

Coming soon!

Kevin Berkeybile

Board Advisor

Kevin Berkeybile is a proud United States Marine Corps veteran and former member of the Pennsylvania State Police. From 2013 to 2017, Kevin served in the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines as an 0351 Infantry Assaultman and Assault Section Leader. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant.

Following his military service, Kevin joined the Pennsylvania State Police in 2019, serving at the Belle Vernon and Washington Barracks. In 2020, he was awarded the Pennsylvania State Police Medal of Commendation for his exemplary service.

Kevin's law enforcement career was cut short in 2024 due to struggles with substance use disorder and mental health challenges. Determined to rebuild his life, he entered treatment at Warriors Heart Recovery Center in Bandera, Texas-a facility dedicated to veterans and first responders battling similar issues.

By the grace of God, Kevin found new purpose in recovery and became one of the first volunteers with Semper Fi Missions. He fully embraced his calling to help others, working actively within both Alcoholics Anonymous and Warriors Anonymous. He now chairs a weekly meeting and sponsors individuals on their own recovery journeys.

Kevin is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Addictions and Mental Health Treatment at Alvernia University. His mission is to serve those suffering from mental health and substance use issues, especially within the veteran and first responder communities. Drawing from personal experience and professional service, Kevin offers a unique and powerful perspective on the challenges these groups face-and the hope that recovery is possible.