APK Charities General Fund in Memory of Captain Andrew M. Pedersen-Keel, Special Forces

APK Charities is a non-profit organization raising funds for the APK Direct Assistance Program, the APK Endowment Fund with the Madison & Guilford Foundations, and Spikes K9 Fund in loving memory of Captain Andrew Pedersen-Keel, Special Forces. The majority of our funds raised for these worthy causes comes from our annual APK 5K and 5K Ruck March which takes place on the first Saturday of every November. This year, our APK 5K and 5K Ruck March are both in person – on Saturday, November 4, 2023 – and virtual from October 29 through November 5, 2023. Scroll down to learn more. Not a runner? Not a problem. You can still donate to our General Fund by making a donation below.

$68,144.50 donated
255 Donors

About APK Charities

Our mission is to serve as a bridge connecting our society and our Armed Forces, opening our hearts and minds to serve those who protect us.

We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization proudly raising funds for our Military through: the APK Endowment Fund with the Madison & Guilford Foundations, Spikes K9 Fund, and the APK Direct Assistance Program that provides direct financial aid and material assistance to active-duty Military, Veterans and their families and Gold Star Families.

APK Charities was created to help us properly honor and remember the life, bravery, and humanitarian spirit of our son, Captain Andrew M. Pedersen-Keel. America’s military, and their families, make enormous sacrifices every day. We seek to raise awareness and support for our active, retired, wounded and fall-en warriors and their families, and to provide financial aid and material assistance to charitable organizations and causes that support Veterans.

APK Direct Assistance Program

The APK Direct Assistance Program (DAP) is designed to provide direct financial and other support services to service members and their families who are in need of emergency or hardship assistance. This means that in addition to supporting military charities, we work with local organizations that support Veterans. Our direct funding helps those who may be slipping through the cracks, or for whom timing is critical.

They stepped up when we needed them. Let’s be there when Veterans need us most.

APK 5 K and 5K Ruck March

The majority of the funds we use to help veterans in need across Connecticut, come from our annual APK 5K Run & Ruck, and our Kids Fun Run. This celebrated and important event takes place every year on the first Saturday in November. Due to worries about COVID 19, this year’s run will be virtual. Run wherever you’d like. But please run. Whether you run, ruck or walk, join the fun for a great cause!

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36 Comments

  1. Deborah Feldman on May 26, 2022 at 10:38 am

    In loving memory of Charles G. Wolf



  2. Gilbert Litalien on May 27, 2022 at 4:15 pm

    In addition to honoring Captain Pedersen-Keel, I make this donation in memory of Charles Wolfe, a decorated combat veteran of the Korean War’s “Fighting Fifth” Marine Regiment.



  3. Amy Mays on June 6, 2022 at 9:58 am

    For my friend Jack Bellinghams birthday



  4. Megan Baker on June 8, 2022 at 9:26 am

    Our new studio raised money for Memorial Day in honor of Andrew. Although they didn’t know each other; my husband Chase Baker and Andrew were 06 classmates at West Point!



  5. JoLynn Kennedy on June 10, 2022 at 8:49 pm

    This donation is in honor of Art Robbins – 7th grade Social Studies teacher at Polson Middle School. He has made a lasting impact on our daughter and we are grateful for his dedication to teaching and citizenship.



  6. River Valley Periodontics and Implant Dentistry RVP on September 8, 2022 at 9:05 am

    Hello, we are a local periodontal/dental practice and we have a charity donations program. We collect suggestions from new patients and your organization was named.



  7. William Palmer on September 22, 2022 at 10:42 am

    AOF ’02



  8. Carole Sehn Laramie on September 25, 2022 at 5:17 pm

    Love you!



  9. Ryan Smith on September 27, 2022 at 1:14 pm

    We are grateful for Andrew’s and so many other soldiers for their service and sacrifice for our country.



  10. Jason Paine on October 3, 2022 at 1:25 pm

    We want to honor Andrew’s sacrifice to our country and support those that serve or have served our country, along with their families.



  11. Maureen Binder on October 6, 2022 at 9:16 am

    Love💕



  12. Joseph Joliat on October 6, 2022 at 12:43 pm

    To PK, whose incredible influence set my life on an amazing track in the US Army.



  13. Anonymous on October 7, 2022 at 11:02 am

    In Honor of ODA 3126 through the years. Never Forget.



  14. Nutmeg State CT5 BlueStarMothers on October 8, 2022 at 8:04 am

    Nutmeg State Blue Star Mothers CT5 send our love to Helen and Bob.



  15. Claudia & Mel Rumwell on October 9, 2022 at 3:55 pm

    Helen and I go way back.. and I will never forget meeting About a 9 or 10 year old Andrew in Washington D.C. at a vascular meeting that Helen and I attended in 1978, when Helen and I became forever friends. I will never forget Andrew and his commitment to his Country.. and I have the greatest respect and love for what Helen and Bob are doing in his memory. May God continue to bless them and all they serve.



  16. Carole Sehn Laramie on October 9, 2022 at 9:31 pm

    One love.



  17. Danielle Lutz on October 14, 2022 at 11:32 am

    The Wallingford Lions Club appreciates your mission and commitment to service to others. We thank you for honoring all of our Armed Forces and their families. Wishing you a successful event! -from your friends, ROAR!



  18. James and Doris OConnor on October 14, 2022 at 12:26 pm

    Hi Bob and Helen,
    Sorry I can’t make the RUCK. Prior family obligation. Thanks for all your help with Hayat Zarin’s family. We’ve almost got the family trained on CT Transit buses to/from their med. and dental appointments. Your housing assistance is AMAZING!!! as is the family!
    Jim and Doris



  19. Niedziela Family on October 17, 2022 at 7:54 am

    In loving memory of our mom Alberta Niedziela on what would be her 100th birthday. Mom lived in CT her entire life and always donated to veterans’ charities. She would greatly approve of the veteran support provided by APK Charities.



  20. Daniel & Mary Hally on October 18, 2022 at 6:19 pm

    In honor of each service woman and man who dedicates her/his life to meet unimaginable challenges within their days. This includes local police, fire, EMT responders, as well as currently active and veteran armed services.



  21. Roy Conrad on October 18, 2022 at 11:44 pm

    For Alex and all the other fallen members of third group and their families. May we never forget.



  22. Because of the Brave on October 23, 2022 at 11:10 am

    We will always honor the memory of APK!



  23. Bobbi Racette on October 30, 2022 at 11:49 am

    This is a cause dear to my heartstrings. APK forever remembered



  24. Linda Palo on October 31, 2022 at 1:34 pm

    Helen & Bob,
    Wishing you a very successful event! Sorry I missed the sponsorship deadline.
    Best wishes,
    Linda



  25. Christopher Baillargeon on November 1, 2022 at 6:49 pm

    This is on behalf of the CT 102d Army Band to something we look forward to each year. Happy to send our Rock Band and wish you all the best on a successful day of remembrance and excellence!



  26. Carl Swanson on November 2, 2022 at 9:44 am

    Helen – in addition to the $10,000 donation we have made in PK’s name to the West Point AOG, we are also making this $100 donation directly to APK Charities. Best Regards, Anne & Carl Swanson



  27. Michelle Crowley on November 2, 2022 at 7:21 pm

    Bob and Helen, we are unable to make the run this year as we will be in Indiana with Paige rooting against Penn State..sorry Bob!! It looks like the weather will be perfect. We wish you so much success and know that although this is such a wonderful thing you do, it continues to also recognize your personal loss. Sending you both hugs!
    Michelle, Sean, Paige and Jake



  28. Susan Smola on November 3, 2022 at 8:55 pm

    I was unable to participate in this year’s APK 5k Run & Ruck. Andrew, Helen & Bob, you are always in my thoughts. <3



  29. Edward Steiger on November 8, 2022 at 8:51 pm

    In honor of all the parents, who also sacrifice for our country.



  30. Brian Minietta on November 11, 2022 at 9:56 pm

    May the Lord continue to bless you as you bless others!



  31. James Wheeler on November 14, 2022 at 12:46 pm

    Dear Helen and Bob,
    As Veterans Day was last week, we remember Andrew’s faithful service to his country, and his ultimate sacrifice.
    May the Lord continue to pour out His amazing grace on you both as He heals your hearts
    Jim & Judy Wheeler.



  32. AVON OLD FARMS SCHOOL on December 7, 2022 at 1:45 pm

    Avon Old Farms would like to honor Andrew and all soldiers and thier families who served and sacrificed for our country.



  33. Nick Ottomaniello on December 28, 2022 at 4:28 pm

    Thanks to my cousin Eric Lemieux I became aware of the A P K Charities.
    I am a U. S. Submarine veteran of the Vietnam era.



  34. Kenia Ford on January 5, 2023 at 10:52 am

    I met the father in Family weekend at West Point, where my son currently is. Very moving.



  35. Carrie Carloni on February 8, 2023 at 9:25 am

    I heard about this incredible organization through my friend, Ray Simpson. I wanted to donate to help the cause and to support him when he does his march in March 2023! Go Ray and team, you got this!



  36. Grace Cummings on February 11, 2023 at 8:37 am

    We are donating for Juliana’s 4th birthday.