Vanessa Kean talked about the Semper Fi Fund . The presentation started with a touching video of what this organization does for injured service men and women. The story began in the spring of 2003...
Just back from Operation Iraqi Freedom, the first wave of wounded Marines and Sailors landed at Camp Pendleton, California. A dedicated group of Marine spouses began to organize welcome home activities at the hospital. They arranged travel for family members who couldn’t afford airfare. They provided a specialized van for a Marine who is now a quadriplegic through the generosity of donors like retired Marine Colonel Jack Kelly. The group assembled and distributed care bags filled with toiletries and phone cards. And still, the injured kept coming.
- In 2004 Semper Fi Fund was born. The efforts of 1st Marine Division Marine spouses during the year evolved into a national 501 (c) 3 nonprofit—The Semper Fi Fund!
- In 2005, Semper Fi Fund recognized the toll that caregivers face in the day-to-day reality of caring for wounded, ill and injured service members. Semper Fi Fund stepped in to help by providing support, education and resources for caregivers.
- In 2006, Team Semper Fi was created. First sports team made up of wounded Marines and Sailors. Recovery Through Sport launches with 8 members and has grown to include more than 1,800 service members representing all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
- In 2008, the first documentary was shown, showing Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) military leadership talking about PTSD.
- In 2010, Semper Fi Fund was rated an A+ by CharityWatch and 4-Star by Charity Navigator, the highest rating awarded by each of these watchdogs. These top grades have been maintained ever since.
- In 2010, Team Semper Fi Fund Members Competed in 1st Warrior Games, a multi-sport event for wounded, injured or ill service personnel and veterans.
- In 2011, Semper Fi Fund celebrated reaching $50 Million in assistance for post 9/11 wounded, ill, and injured service members and families.
- In 2012, America’s Fund program started to open up Semper Fi Fund assistance to all service branches.
- In 2015 Semper Fi Fund Hits $100 Million milestone
- In 2017, Semper Fi Fund celebrates another major milestone by announcing $150 Million in assistance to service members of all branches of the Armed Forces.
SemperFiFund website: https://semperfifund.org/