METALCON has partnered with the Semper Fi & America’s Fund (The Fund), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping service members in all branches of the United States Armed Forces. The Fund was created in 2004 to direct urgently needed resources and financial support to critically wounded, ill and injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces alongside their families.
Joining us at the show for The Fund’s check presentation ceremony on Friday, Nov. 1 at 11.45 a.m. in the exhibit hall is veteran Corporal Tony Mullis, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), a representative of The Fund who has benefited from the support it provides.
Mullis enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2008 and embarked on his first deployment from 2009 to 2010. In 2011, he was deployed to Sagin, Afghanistan, shortly before the birth of his first child. Tragically, in April 2011, during a routine patrol, he stepped on an IED, resulting in the amputation of both legs. Just five days later, he was transferred to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he met his newborn son and began his journey to recovery. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in June 2012.
Now residing in South Central Georgia, Mullis is actively participating in The Fund’s apprenticeship program as he pursues entrepreneurship and seeks to expand his family business. Since welcoming another son in 2015, he has turned his passion into a thriving venture, breeding, hatching, raising and selling Bobwhite quail to plantations and individuals. His business, Mullis Quail Covey, has seen remarkable growth since 2022, and he is eager to continue its expansion, leveraging the skills he has gained through The Fund’s apprenticeship program.
The Fund offers vital, life-changing support through a broad spectrum of services designed to meet the complex needs of those it serves during hospitalization, recovery and transition back into the local community, providing support through three key areas of assistance: Service Member & Family Support Program, Transition Program and Integrative Wellness Program.
“The Fund is dedicated to caring for our nation’s critically wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans and military families—standing by them not just during their journey to recovery, but throughout their entire lives,” said Carly Kenworthy, Senior Manager, Community Events. “We appreciate the support from METALCON, which will make a meaningful difference for veterans and families in the Atlanta area.”
Each year, METALCON gives back to the local community where the show takes place. Last year’s giving back program also benefitted The Fund, raising money for military veterans in Las Vegas. To raise funds, METALCON is accepting donations at the show for the organization’s wristbands, in addition to holding a raffle offering multiple prizes, including a grand prize two-night complimentary hotel stay during METALCON 2025, with a full access pass to the show and access to two in-depth workshops. Other prizes include NFL memorabilia signed by METALCON keynote and former NFL Most Valuable Player and Super Bowl Champ, Joe Theismann.
Additional contributions to The Fund can be made before, during and after the show or at The Deck, located at the entrance of the exhibit hall, where members of show management will be available to meet supporters. For more information on how to donate, visit www.metalcon.com.
