It started as an idea: The United Associ- ation would run a race to raise money for the Semper Fi Fund, a nonprofit that provides care and support to post-9/11 wounded, critically ill and injured serv- ice members and their families. More than $210,000 raised and almost six years later, the impact the United Asso- ciation has managed to make towards the mission of the Semper Fi Fund is immeasurable. On August 14, for the sixth year run- ning, the UA Plumbers and Pipefitters 5K and Pub Crawl will take place in Ann Arbor, MI, tied to the United Associa- tion’s coveted Instructor Training Pro- gram. It’s an annual gathering to help these men and women get the skills and training they need to progress to the next level in their professional ca- reers. The race is a fun event for those in attendance, as well as a way for them to bond together to help service mem- bers and veterans; all proceeds from the race and pub crawl go directly to the Semper Fi Fund. “The Semper Fi Fund is so grateful and truly honored to have the support from the United Association for the sixth annual UA Plumbers and Pipefit- ters 5K and Pub Crawl to benefit our na- tion’s heroes and their families,” said Semper Fi Fund President, CEO, and Founder Karen Guenther. “While the fi- nancial contribution is significant, there is also such a sense of community, sup- port, and genuine concern for the wel- fare of our service members and their families. A strong impactful relationship has been built over the past six years. It’s like a small family, with all of us coming together for one common goal—to support our nation’s heroes,” she said. With the United Association’s mis- sion to help provide transitioning serv- ice members with employable skills through its Veterans in Piping® (VIP®) programs, and the Semper Fi Fund sup- porting the members of the military through their journeys, the event is a great collaboration between the two or- ganizations. The support for service members and their families is evident throughout the annual event. For instance, before the race last year, there was a powerful and meaningful ceremony to honor the 22 fallen Marines from 1st Battalion 24th Marines who gave the ultimate sacrifice serving their country. All 22 names were read aloud, as their lives were reflected upon and the reading was followed by the bugling of Taps. The Semper Fi Fund was an idea borne in 2003 when a small group of military spouses sat around a kitchen table at Camp Pendleton wondering how they could help injured Marines and Sailors returning home from Iraq. Thirteen years later, the Semper Fi Fund is celebrating more than a dozen years of service to our wounded, critically ill, and injured service members and their families. Since its inception, the Fund has pro- vided more than $150 million in grants to more than 18,500 members of the military from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Funding is broken into three main categories: family support, transition, and a wellness program. And what’s equally as impressive is that the Semper Fi Fund has averaged an over- head of just six percent since its incep- tion. As a result, the organization has received an A+ rating from Charity- Watch and 4-Stars from Charity Naviga- tor—the highest rankings possible from the two most respected nonprofit watchdog groups. It is anticipated that more than 500 people will run the 5K this year and many others will join in for the pub crawl. Everyone involved with the Semper Fi Fund would like to thank the United Association for its ongoing involvement in supporting our return- ing service members. To learn more about the event, visit http://www.uap- prun5k.com/ . Career Opportunities in Piping for Transitioning Veterans | Spring/Summer 2017 SemperFi FundGrateful forSupport oftheUnited Association ofPlumbers, Fittersand HVACRService Technicians 11 Event has Yielded Invaluable Support and More Than $200,000 for Wounded Service Members