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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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Chuck Ondo

Chairman

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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Rob Rudy

Vice Chairman

Rob Rudy is a passionate leader dedicated to empowering individuals facing food insecurity and homelessness. In 2020, Rob made the courageous decision to walk away from a six-figure salary to embrace a calling that ignites his passion for change. Alongside his mother, he co-founded Outreached Arms, a mission that has been close to their hearts since 2010. At the intersection of hope and relationships, Rob and his team guide those in need toward self-sufficiency and a brighter future, believing that every story matters and every connection counts. Rob earned a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from the University of Texas at Arlington. As a founding member of the board, he was driven to work with Semper Fi because of his deep commitment to serving the underserved and the lost. In addition to his nonprofit work, Rob is a huge Pittsburgh Steeler and Liverpool Football Club fan and enjoys spending time cheering on his teams with friends and family. Through his role on the board, he hopes to lead Semper Fi into an international ministry that focuses on building the Kingdom of God through relationships and showing people how to have a personal relationship with God. ”

Amanda Naccarelli

Treasurer

Amanda Naccarelli is a compassionate leader who has dedicated her life to serving those in need through her unique blend of faith and professional expertise. Since 2012, Amanda has built a successful career as a realtor, helping individuals and families find homes and communities where they can thrive. Her deep understanding of housing challenges and her passion for service have driven her to make a lasting impact both professionally and through her nonprofit work. Amanda’s journey into serving the underserved began in 2020, when she started participating in outreach efforts through her church. It was during these outreaches that she connected with Chuck Ondo, which led to her involvement with Semper Fi Mission. Through Semper Fi Mission, Amanda has been able to extend her heart for service, focusing on helping those struggling with housing insecurity and other challenges. In her role as a realtor, Amanda has developed strong skills in negotiation, community advocacy, and strategic planning, which she now applies to her role as a board member. She leverages her expertise to form partnerships with housing providers, advocate for affordable housing initiatives, and help individuals navigate the often-complex process of securing stable housing. Amanda is also an active member of Bridge City Church in North Braddock, where she participates in ministry and outreach efforts. As a board member of Semper Fi Mission, Amanda is committed to expanding her service and using her professional skills and faith-driven passion to make a broader impact. She believes that small acts of kindness, whether through real estate assistance or nonprofit work, have the power to change lives and demonstrate God’s love in practical, tangible ways.

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Kristi Stewart-Smedley

Secretary

Kristi is a compassionate leader who has dedicated her life to serving those in need through her unique blend of faith and professional expertise. As a hairstylist with nearly two decades of experience, Kristi has used her talents to uplift and restore dignity to individuals facing hardship. Her journey in service began in Eastern Pennsylvania, where she volunteered at a men’s shelter, offering free haircuts to those experiencing homelessness. This initial act of kindness ignited a passion within her to serve others in more profound ways. After moving to Pittsburgh, Kristi felt a divine calling to continue providing haircuts to those in need. This calling led her to partner Chuck Ondo, a fellow barber with a heart for service. Together, they co-founded Prayercuts, a community outreach initiative that offers free haircuts to the underserved. Prayercuts has since become a beacon of hope, offering more than just haircuts—it provides human connection, dignity, and love to those who need it most. Kristi attends Revival Today Church, where she actively participates in ministry. As a board member of Semper Fi Mission, Kristi is committed to expanding her service to a broader audience, driven by her deep faith and her belief that small acts of kindness can change lives. Through her work with Prayercuts and Semper Fi Mission, Kristi hopes to inspire others to live out their faith in practical ways, showing God's love through tangible actions.

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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!

Press Center

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