With Tampa, our organizations headquarters, holding a rich history of Gasparilla, krewes and parades we created a program that would form a krewe.  Building a group based on camaraderie, but also to move as an active force in the community sharing our organizations mission and partnering with other groups and krewes to work as a team.  Our hope is that this combined effort will allow us, as an organization, to reach further and become more effective.

 

The Krewe of Semper Fi was founded in 2018 by Kym Smith, Kristin Maximo, Nick Pedrick and Cyd Deathe. Semper Fidelis, usually shortened to Semper Fi, is the motto of the United States Marine Corps and is Latin for “always faithful”. Faithful to God, Country, Family and the Corps.  We felt this was the perfect name and would ring loud throughout the community, especially those who had past or present connections with the Marine Corps.

 

Our float, “Frank the Tank” was built by members of the Marine Families organization; an Army Vietnam Veteran, Army National Guard Veteran, Marine Dad and Army Veteran son.  Many volunteer hours were spent learning, testing and improving until they were able to finish the build.  Keeping the float reveal a secret from the krewe members,  the KOSF founders also worked long weekends painting and decorating the float for the parade season.  Local artist, Tim Innamorato, was hired to professionally paint the float as a Marine Corps tank.  Tim spent many extra donated hours to make sure every detail was perfect. 

 

Our krewe costumes are representative of past war eras when men & women worked in factories building military equipment.  KOSF men are dressed as mechanics in full coveralls and our women are dressed as Rosie the Riveter who was a cultural icon and the star of a campaign aimed at recruiting female workers for defense industries.  Members who are active duty or veterans have emblems on their uniform to designate their military branch of service.

 

During each parade we will have special guests ride along with us.  These special guests may be active duty, veterans, wounded warriors, Gold Star family members, JROTC cadets or family members who are somehow connected to military service.  They will enjoy the parade free of charge, enjoying food, drink and plenty of beads to throw.

 

The Krewe of Semper Fi is an outreach program of Marine Families, a Florida based organization that “Honors, Supports, Educates and Inspires” military, veterans and their families. The Marine Families Organization provides community outreach, while promoting awareness and education on the daily sacrifices being made by our military. Although founded by marine parents, Marine Families is inclusive of all branches, veterans and patriotic supporters.