Semper Fi Fund Helps Injured Troops Get Back on Track

What began as a “welcome home” project for nurse Karen Guenther and other Marine spouses seven years ago has blossomed into the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, which helps critically ill and injured soldiers and their families.

“The $50 million represents assistance that we’ve given out to more than 6,000 service members and their families,” said Director of Community Outreach Kirt Rebello, noting that it was a financial milestone no one expected to reach this early. “It represents everything from specially adapted housing, specialized vehicles, family assistance and programs we work with.”

Offering lifelong assistance to critically injured service members, the Semper Fi Fund deals with both emotional and physical ailments returning troops might have suffered while out in combat, such as PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, loss of limbs and movement.

“There’s just a tremendous need out there and a lot of them have been going through the recovery process over the last couple years and they’re just now starting to get back into society,” Rebello said.

The organization would like to thank everyone who has supported them and, as Rebello put it, the fund will be here for decades to come, ready to help any injured soldier transition back into society.

“It is through the incredible love and support of a grateful nation that we have been able to assist over 6,000 wounded service members and their families since our first day of operations, with over $50 million in assistance and 31,000 grants,” according to Guenther in a press release (Patch phone calls to Guenther were not returned by publication deadline). “It is truly proof of the love our country has for our Marines, sailors, soldiers, airmen and Coast Guardsmen!”