The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund (IMSFF) had its genesis in April 2003, at the Naval Hospital, Camp Pendleton, California. A registered nurse and spouse of an active duty Marine saw first hand the challenges faced by wounded Marines and sailors as they returned from Operation Iraqi Freedom. She, along with a dedicated group of military spouses and hospital employees, began to organize Welcome Home activities at the hospital.
Because of the success of the group’s efforts at Camp Pendleton during Operation Iraqi Freedom I and with the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom ll, the original group of Marine Corps spouses again assembled for action. At a kitchen table aboard the base at Camp Pendleton, California, the concept of IMSFF was born and efforts established to begin their legacy of rapid assistance, with no red tape, to injured Marines and Sailors.
By May 2004, the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund was incorporated in California. Vince Bartolotta and Daral Mazzarella provided pro-bono legal services. A wide variety of professionals became volunteers early on, bringing a wealth of diverse talent. A Governing Board and an Advisory Board were formed, composed of volunteers who brought wisdom, professionalism, and a true heart for the sacrifices made by today’s military heroes. General Alfred Gray (29th Commandant of the Marine Corps), LtGen Gregory Newbold, MajGen J. Michael Myatt, and SgtMaj Lonnie Sanders joined the Governing Board of Directors in the Summer of 2004.
The Fund’s first official donation, from the Lighthouse Christian Church in Oceanside, California, assisted the first three wounded Marines. It was to be the first donation of many. Due to the extraordinary generosity of patriotic citizens across the country, the Fund has exceeded everyone’s expectations. Looking back on the growth of the Fund, we truly believe that divine intervention has helped this Fund surpass the goals that we originally set for “Serving Those Who Preserve Our Freedom.”