Van Unen Miersma Propane has forged a partnership with the Semper Fi Fund, a non profit organization that assists injured and ill service members and their families. Van Unen has purchased three propane delivery trucks and for every gallon of propane these trucks use, the company will donate one cent to the Semper Fi Fund. The propane company anticipates pumping nearly 750,000 gallons each year or donating $7,500 for each propane autogas truck.
Van Unen Miersma Propane’s new trucks will be wrapped in U.S. Marine MARPAT camouflage and feature the Semper Fi Fund logo. The partnership will last for the life of the trucks, which should be at least five years.
To celebrate the program, Van Unen Miersma is hosting a launch party November 2, 2016. Expected to attend: military personnel, politicians and civic leaders and members of the local fire and police departments. Also invited are propane customers. The launch party is expected to kick off with a welcome address, followed by an opening prayer led by Captain(R) Chuck Roots, a Navy Chaplain and Marine Corps Staff Sgt.(R). Van Unen Miersma Propane CEO Rick Van Unen will discuss the history and mission of the Semper Fi Fund. A short address from U.S. Representative Jeff Denham will precede the presentation of Van Unen Miersma Propane’s donation check, which will show the projected $22,500 that all three new trucks should generate in year one.
Since November 10th is the official 241st birthday of the Marine Corps, the event will conclude with a traditional cake cutting ceremony to celebrate the birth of the Corps. The traditional passing of cake from the oldest to the youngest Marine demonstrates the passing of the honor, experience, and heart of the Corps to the next generation of Marines to carry on.
The Semper Fi Fund was established by a group of Marine Corps spouses in 2004. The organization provides financial assistance and other support to post-9/11 wounded and injured service members from all branches. Since its founding, the Semper Fi Fund has given $136 million to 17,000 heroes and their families.