The annual Brothers for Brothers event hosted by the pub Charlie Mike’s will have many firsts this year for their poker run scheduled for April 20 at noon.
Tracy Guthrie, media rep and owner of Charlie Mike’s, said this poker run is open to anyone. Participants can register the morning of, with any vehicle they wish.
The event honors fallen brothers of the United States Army Special Forces, also known as The Green Berets.
But this year, for the first time in the run, two honorees will be recognized. The first is SFC Lance S. Cornett United States Army Special Operations Command. The second is SFC Roberto C. Skelt, 3rd Special Forces Group.
Because the establishment has a wall of fallen Green Berets, usually customers suggest from that wall who should be honored. And Guthrie said fallen sisters are not forgotten either. Proceeds will go to the Special Forces Charitable Trust. SFCT provides meaningful and sustainable support to families of Green Berets through its 501(c)(3) charitable status. Programs and services designed to enhance the well-being and health of both Special Forces soldiers and their families are supported by the SFCT.
The second first this year, is that proceeds will also be divvied up between SFCT and a military-based organization called Memorial 3 Gun. Memorial 3 Gun Foundation’s mission is to remember, honor, and memorialize fallen Special Operations soldiers through the world of competitive shooting.
Their desire is that families of fallen heroes know they are not alone during and after tragedy.
The annual event will continue to raffle off guns (participants must have a gun permit to receive these), knives and other various items. Guthrie said Mission BBQ will cater the food. It’s a community event too. She said many Fayetteville businesses are involved with this poker run.
Veterinarians, pet stores, and grooming stores are involved to raffle off animal baskets with gift certificates for pet lovers. Other giveaways are pool table lights, a golf bag filled with gift certificates to various golf courses, a Yeti cooler filled with adult beverages and handmade canes.
“It is an all-around good time with a solid history behind it,” Guthrie said.
In the beginning
The Brothers for Brothers event first started in 2009 by the original owner of Charlie Mike’s, Michelle Curtis. The first run was for Mitchell Young, a 7th group communications sergeant. Guthrie said it is her understanding that his wife Robin had the idea.
Michelle continued the poker run as a way to donate all the proceeds to various organizations that support the community.
In 2016, Iris Hash owned the bar.
“All the money made was then donated to the SFCT,” said Guthrie. “It has continued that way.”
As a finale to the day, Charlie Mike’s will be welcoming back those who completed the 222 mile Let’s Ruck It Out trip from Fayetteville to Camp Lejeune and back.
For more information regarding the Brothers For Brothers Poker Run, visit https://bit.ly/3THFYME.