Join us in supporting The Colonel Cares

Operation International is a secular, non-political, humanitarian organization founded in 1996 by Medhat Allam, MD; Ravi Kothuru, MD; and Robert Mineo. In their quest to advance human rights ideas, Operation International provides free medical care to people in need — regardless of gender, cultural, ethnic, political or religious affiliations. To ensure that their efforts impact underserved communities for years to come, they also offer education and training to local health care workers during each of their medical missions, as well as improve hospitals’ infrastructure through equipment donation. 

In addition to their healthcare efforts, they are committed to combating the cycle of poverty that further besets the lives of children — and particularly orphans — in the communities they serve. Operation International provides material assistance to meet the children's immediate needs for proper nutrition, clothing, housing, and education. They also help orphanages with sustainable sources of electricity, water, and food.

The Joe Canestrari Memorial Scholarship was established to provide qualified and deserving students entering into their sophomore year at Immaculate High School, Joe's alma matter, with a scholarship. 

To qualify, students must demonstrate their commitment to high achievement in academics, be an active participant in school extra-curricular activities and be a positive member of their class and school. The scholarship is awarded annually until the student's graduation.

Nemours Children’s Health is one of the nation’s largest multistate pediatric health systems, including two free-standing children’s hospitals and a network of nearly 75 primary and specialty care practices. Nemours Children’s seeks to transform children’s health by adopting a holistic health model that utilizes innovative, safe and high-quality care while also caring for the health of the whole child beyond medicine.

Funds raised by The Colonel Cares will benefit the Nicholas T. Bracaglia Endowed Fund for Cerebral Palsy Research at Nemours Children’s Health. The fund supports research into a wide range of aspects of the condition, including:

• Family dynamics in cerebral palsy (CP)
• Hip dysplasia and scoliosis in CP
• Postoperative pain control and assessment in CP
• Quality of life in CP

Air Force Aid Society is the official charity and nonprofit of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force. Since 1942, AFAS has proudly served Airmen, Guardians and their families by providing emergency financial assistance, educational support, community programs and disaster relief.