Semper Fi Society donates to relief organization

Photo By Master Sgt. Jennifer Redente | Semper Fi Society president, Marine Maj. Aaron T. Frazier presents a $1,200 check to Marine Lt. Col. Aaron F. Potter during the 232nd Marine Corps Birthday Ball celebrated by Marines deployed to Camp Lemonier. Frazier is the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Comptroller deputy officer and Potter is the 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense commander. Potter's unit is deployed from Camp Pendleton, Calif. Some Marines from 3rd LAAD had family members stateside who were forced to evacuate their homes in late October.  

CAMP LEMONNIER, DJIBOUTI

11.18.2007

Story by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Redente 

Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa

By Air Force Staff Sgt. Jennifer Redente
Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Public Affairs

CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti – Marines from the Semper Fi Society at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, donated a $1,200 check to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society at Camp Pendleton, Calif., during their birthday ball, Nov. 10, celebrating the Marine Corps' 232nd birthday.

While deployed, Marines celebrated their birthday and with the help of the Semper Fi Society, helped stateside Marines and their families, who were forced to leave their homes in Southern California during the recent wildfire evacuation in late October.

"The money was originally supposed to go to memorabilia that Marines could take as keepsakes from the birthday ball," said Marine Maj. Aaron T. Frazier, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Comptroller deputy and Semper Fi Society president. "The idea came shortly after Marines and their families were evacuated from Camp Pendleton."

The Marines may not be blood related, but the mantra, "The Few, The Proud," holds true with this small Marine Corps family as they helped one another out by contributing the money to help Marines back home.

"We were having a birthday celebration meeting when the suggestion came up to instead of spending the extra money on the birthday, the money would benefit more Marines if it was donated to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Fund of Camp Pendleton, Calif., to help the Marines and their families affected by the fires in Southern California," said Marine Col. Richard W. Britton, CJTF-HOA Marine Corps Coordination Element senior Marine.

Frazier presented the check to Marine Corps Lt. Col. Aaron F. Potter, 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion commander. Potter's unit is deployed from Camp Pendleton.

"When tragedy strikes anyone in our community, we all take action," said Potter. Together, the Semper Fi Society and the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, can reach a few places that insurance will not be able to.

"If Marines could have, I'm sure all of them would have poured into the streets to help their neighbors during the fires," said Potter. "That wasn't possible, so they assisted in a way they could. This is what community is all about. Unsolicited acts, like this, make me even more proud to be a Marine."

The money was raised through various fundraisers held by the Semper Fi Society, selling various objects to service members assigned to CJTF-HOA and Camp Lemonier who are deployed together to prevent conflict, promote regional stability and protect coalition interest in order to prevail against extremism.

The Semper Fi Society is a new organization, which was just started earlier this year.

"We hope to keep it going as long as there are Marines in Djibouti," said Marine Gunnery Sgt. Rongalett D. Green, administrative chief and coordinator for the Horn of Africa Marine Corps Coordination Element and Semper Fi Society member. "We want to keep our bank account supplied with money for when the emergency or need arises to help Marines."

• Date Taken: 11.18.2007
• Date Posted: 11.18.2007 15:02
• Story ID: 13998
• Location: CAMP LEMONNIER, DJ