DARKHORSE MARINES

GET SOME FOR DARKHORSE MARINES – Got 5K for Joey Lopez-Pratti and his fallen and surviving brothers of the 3/5 Marines. The 5K Run-Walk raises funds for the Darkhorse Lodge, a retreat ranch for Marinés recovering from the wounds, seen and unseen, of the fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq after 9/11. “This is what we do to turn our hurt into help,” Joey’s brother, Arthur Pratti, told the 200 runners assembled. Joey Lopez-Pratti, part of great Rosamond family of Christian faith, was one of 25 Marines killed in 2010 deployment of 3/5 Marines in Sangin Province. Additionally 184 wounded with three dozen to amputation from Improvised Explosive Devices. Among the hardest tours of duty for Post 9/11 Marines against Taliban. Rogue One MC of Rosamond cycled out as escort from start line. Jin Hur, Tony Tortolano and Juan Blanco cooked up burritos to serve before and after as support from Crazy Otto’s Diner Avenue I and Coffee 4 Vets. Julia and I suited up and made the course. Our times? Don’t ask, but we finished. Click on the images to view gallery.

Coffee 4 Vets BBQ

Had a fun day today volunteering at the Lancaster Elks lodge; Coffee 4 Vets put on a bbq to thank all our veterans for their service! It’s amazing to have the opportunity to be apart of wonderful things! LAND OF THE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE!!!! Thank you to all that have served!!!! Click on the images to view gallery.

Antelope Valley Veterans BBQ

Coffee4VETS, Inc is inviting our veteran’s community to our 2023 BBQ on Memorial Day at BPOE Elks Lodge 1625, 204 E. Ave K, Lancaster from 12n – 4pm. The Boggie Woggie Mommas will be performing and our Young Martines will be posting colors. Bring the family and join in the camaraderie and a great meal together. Look forward to seeing you. Please be safe in your travels. This day we remember the fallen who paved the way for our future. The Shopping for our Antelope Valley Veterans BBQ is completed. Yea! It indeed was a rewarding adventuring with our VPAN Team who’s our sponsor of our 2023. Together we “ROCK” the stores. Yes, stores to get all the ingredients for a successful BBQ for our AV veterans. Many thanks to our Partners Jimmie, James and Veronica at VPAN. Thank you Chef Tony and our President, Juan Blanco. Thank you Lt. Comm Walter Sapp for hosting us at B.O.P.E. Elks Lodge 1625, 240 E. Ave K, Lancaster. Together, We are ready. Click on the images to view gallery.

Dream Flight

This was originally Posted by Ronald Klumpp… Prestige Assisted Living of Lancaster arranged for the Veterans from the facility to go on a “Dream Flight” today. Each Veteran sat in the front seat of a 1942 Stearman PT-18 Biplane as the pilot flew them around the Antelope Valley (About a 15 minute flight). In honor of his WWII service, our Dad Bill was also asked to sign the tail of the plane to commemorate his flight. There were hundreds of WWII signatures on the tail. Bill truly enjoyed the flight and was humbled by the honor. All in all….I think he had an incredible time. Click on the images to view gallery.

Youths that Volunteered at the Edwards AFB

Our Youths that Volunteered at the Edwards AFB 2022 Air Show and STEM Expo got an opportunity to tour the Base on Thursday. We hosted our Young Marines and Palmdale Sheriff’s Explorer’s and our tour guild; Danny “Sketch” Bazzell, Community Engagement Chief, Edwards AFB Public Affairs. We all had a great time and it was very educational. This was also an opportunity to introduce our youths to the possibility of a career in our Military service. Coffee4VETS President Juan Blanco sends his Congratulations to everyone and he’s very proud of your services to our community. Click on the images to view gallery.