Friarhood Raises over $1,000 for Semper Fi Fund in Honor of Lt. Col. Jerry Coleman

“Oh, Doctor! You can hang a star on that baby!”

…

The Friarhood is honored to announce that $1,371.28 has been raised for the Semper Fi Fund in honor of late Padres broadcaster Jerry Coleman. The funds were raised through t-shirt sales that emblazoned the colonel’s trademark catchphrase “Oh, Doctor!” on them and were donated in Coleman’s name. Fans and readers of the Friarhood had a chance to purchase a shirt starting in late January and sales certainly exceeded expectations.

The Semper Fi fund is a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance and other aid to injured military service members and their families. Founded in 2004, the Semper Fi Fund has issued more than 67,000 grants and over $85 million in assistance to more than 11,000 families.

The group was founded by a group of Marine Corps spouses who knew from firsthand experience all of the trials and tribulations that military service members and their families go through during times of conflict and unrest.

Since its founding almost ten years ago, the Semper Fi Fund has been one of only three veteran nonprofit organizations to receive an A+ rating from Charity Watch, insuring that all funds donated are quickly dispersed to veteran families in need.

Jerry Coleman, who passed away on January 5th, was a legend of Padres broadcasting for over 43 years. Coleman started calling games for the friars starting back in 1972 and over his illustrious career, Padres fans came to welcome Coleman’s voice in their homes, cars, and anywhere a radio could be found.

Some people were born and raised on Coleman’s voice for Padres games and the voice behind the microphone in the coming seasons will surely be missed. Coleman’s service time as a broadcaster meant a lot to San Diegans over the years, and his dedication to the game was outstanding.

In addition to his time as a broadcaster, Coleman also served his country as a fighter pilot in the United States Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve from 1942 to 1964. Naturally, donating to the Semper Fi Fund for Lieutenant Colonel Jerry Coleman – veteran of World War II and the Korean War – was an easy choice to make.

Coleman was also the only Major League Baseball player to see live combat in two separate wars, all the while receiving an All-Star game selection in 1950, receiving the Babe Ruth Award that same year, and also serving as a member of four different World Series Championship teams with the New York Yankees.

Coleman’s time on the field, in the air, and behind the microphone made a huge impact on San Diego sports fans and fans across the country. It is our honor, and we are humbled by the support we received, to be able to donate to such a prestigious organization for a truly prestigious man.

From the entire Friarhood staff and the congregation, we want to say… Thank you, Jerry.

LT. COL. JERRY COLEMAN

September 14, 1924 – January 5, 2014

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