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APK Charities is a proud recipient of the 2021 Myra Kraft Community MVP Award! It’s awarded to “those who exemplify leadership, dedication and a commitment to improving their communities through volunteerism.” The New England Patriots Foundation donates $225,000 each year to selected non-profit organizations located in New England. There are twenty $10,000 winners and one…

WEST HARTFORD, Conn.—The 2021 WEHA Bear Fair will officially dance into town in just a few weeks. But organizers are so excited, they couldn’t resist the temptation to get the party started NOW! “You can feel the excitement building throughout the entire town of West Hartford. The anticipation is palpable!” says Tom Hickey, President of…

Helen Pederen-Keiser was recently interviewed by NBC Connecticut regarding the heartbreak that’s unfolding in Afghanistan. Please see the video below. “A Connecticut family whose son was killed in the War in Afghanistan say they are sickened by what is happening in the country where he made the ultimate sacrifice.”

On behalf of APK, the Wallingford Lions Club awarded a $2,000 scholarship to a deserving student, Torres Munoz Alexandra, in Captain Andrew Pedersen-Keel’s name. This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from Lyman Hall or Mark T Sheehan high schools in Wallingford. Winners are judged on academics, school activities, sports and community service. Ms.…

From APK Charities, thank you so much to the NYPD and the NYPD Harbor Police. You guys are awesome! Thank you so much for supporting APK Charities and Goldstar families. To the Goldstar family of CW2 Duane Cantrell, so happy we met and were able to spend time with you! Love, Helen, Bob, and the…

380-mile trek traces life of state native, Andrew Pedersen-Keel, killed in Afghanistan A group of about a dozen people began a 380-mile journey Tuesday, and not by car, train, bus or bike, but on foot. Some were rucking, carrying 35-pound camouflage backpacks. One couple pushed a stroller with their young daughter. While participants would alternate…

Fallen CT soldier to be honored at NASCAR race by Meghan Friedmann [email protected] Reprinted with permission A local fallen soldier is getting a special honor this Memorial Day: Army Capt. Andrew M. Pedersen-Keel, who grew up in Wallingford, will have his name featured on a race car during Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600. “It’s a way to…

A donation that doesn’t cost you a penny — Amazon Smile AmazonSmile will now contribute a percentage of your Amazon purchases directly to APK Charities. It costs you nothing; the donation comes entirely from Amazon. For every $100 spent, 50¢ goes to helping CT Veterans in need. It’s that easy and it doesn’t cost you…

By Sarah Page Kyrcz Oct 29, 2019 Reprinted with permission GUILFORD — On your mark, get set, ruck! When the sixth annual APK 5K Run/Ruck/Walk and Kids Fun Run at Guilford Fair Grounds kicks off, among the sea of runners will be 20 participants from the 3rd Special Forces Group in Fort Bragg, N.C., who…

By Sarah Page Kyrcz of the Shoreline Times | Reprinted with permission. MADISON — Soldiers deployed overseas often hanker for the creature comforts of home, such as coffee, tea, beef jerky, instant soup, candy, hand sanitizer, soap and magazines. Through the generosity of one local organization, these items and many more are en route to…

During visits to all 50 states, retired Navy veteran Keith Sherman met with the parents of Army Captain Andrew Pedersen-Keel in Madison By Justin Schecker, Reporter, NBC Connecticut Published Jun 26, 2019 Reprinted with permission from NBC Connecticut http://https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/on-air/as-seen-on/Navy-Vet-Wants-to-Keep-Memories-of-Fallen-Heroes-Alive_Hartford-511860012.html A retired Navy veteran is on a mission to make sure the stories of fallen heroes…

U.S. Navy 4 Star Admiral William H. McRaven speaks to Gold Star Families at the Brian R. Bill Memorial Golf Tournament Bob and Helen recently attended the Brian R. Bill Memorial Golf Tournament in Darien. Gold Star Families of Chief Petty Officer Brian R. Bill, Navy Seal, Army Spc Wilfreso Perez Jr., 4th Infantry Division…

Helen Keiser-Pedersen, Gold Star Mother of CPT Andrew Pedersen-Keel speaks at Memorial Day Parade, Madison, CT. Please follow this link for the video. Thank you, Dottie Packer, for the video.

June 8, 2019 would have been PK’s 35th birthday. We’re celebrating by having hero WODs at CrossFit New Haven at the District Athletic Club in New Haven, CT. What is a hero WOD? It’s a workout of the day — WOD, get it? — in tribute to a fallen member of the military who died…

Bob and Helen attended last week’s Tuesday’s Children fundraiser at the Plandome Country Club. This organization supports 9/11 families and first responders, assists Military Families of the Fallen, and is there for communities impacted by terrorism and traumatic loss. Tuesday’s Children honored Andrew’s Gold Star mother, the beautiful Helen Pedersen-Keiser!

Limited edition Nine Line Apparel T-shirts with the motto “Never Falter. Never Quit” are now available to order! Nine Line Apparel has generously donated 100% of the proceeds to APK Charities. Click here to buy but hurry! These fabulous T-shirts that help our vets and vet families are only available for a limited time. You…

Emily Grey of Spike’s K9 Fund was nice enough to write to us to tell us how (and who) APK Charities moneys are helping. One lucky recipient is a K9 by the adorable name of Tiebo. And now…Officer K9 Tiebo is one live-saving vest richer due to your generous donations. Tiebo is a beautiful K9…

Our hearts are broken. The brave men of ODA 3126 are America’s finest citizens and soldiers. Andrew was a proud member of this team until 11 March 2013. The men pictured here attended our 4th annual APK Event in 2017. We loved these soldiers as if they were our own sons. The team deployed to…

We have some really exciting news about this year’s APK 5K. Some special guests will be dropping in. And when we say “dropping in,” we really mean it. The U.S. Army Special Operations Command Parachute Demonstration Team — also known as “The Black Daggers” – will be dropping from a plane into the Guilford Fairgrounds…