Glendale is a long way from Iraq. But it isn't nearly as far as the distance 50 Marines at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday had traveled on their road to recovery. "I had a rocket go through my Humvee and through my right femur," said Lance Corporal Christopher Bickel of the United States Marine Corps. Read more »
While their husbands were deployed, several Marine wives at Camp Pendleton came up with an idea to help wounded Marines coming back from Iraq. Knowing firsthand how important it is for families to visit their wounded Marines, but also knowing that not everyone has the means to cover the costs, the women each gave $100 to start a fund to help military families from across the country visit Marines in the hospital. That was the humble beginning of the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund 3½ years ago. Read more »
Top rated NCAA Division I teams' UVA and Navy faced off at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex October 5, 2007. Hampton Roads Chapter of US Lacrosse (HRLax) and the Hampton Roads Council of the US Navy League sponsored this exciting sporting event. The Virginia/Navy game provided Hampton Roads Lacrosse fans an opportunity to witness the fastest game on two feet, played by talented athletes. Both teams have consistently ranked in the NCAA's top ten. UVA beat Navy 6-2 but the real winners are our injured and their families as the game garnered $65,000 in support for the IMSFF. For more information please visit www.hrlax.com.
Click here to view press release and photos.
First Lt. Andrew Kinard used to drive a 1993 Toyota 4Runner. But last night, he got a major upgrade in the form of a fully loaded 2007 4Runner from Ron Rosner Toyota in Stafford. read more
On Monday, November 19, 2007, at a Joint Ceremony at the Pentagon, The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund received the 2006 "Spirit of Hope" Award presented by Army Chief of Staff General George W. Casey Jr. The Commandant of the Marine Corps, General James T. Conway was on hand to represent the Marine Corps as the award was presented to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund's Karen Guenther and Wendy Lethin. The "Spirit of Hope" Award was established by the Hope Family Foundation (HFF) in 1997 in honor of Mr. Bob Hope.
"The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund and four individuals nominated by their respective services earned the award for patriotism and service reflecting the essence of Bob Hope's dedication to those in the Armed Forces." The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund was nominated by Commander, MARFORCENTCOM, LtGen J. N. Mattis, as the organizaton epitomizes the values of duty, honor, courage, loyalty, commitment, integrity and selfless dedication while significantly enhancing the quality of life of Servicemembers and their families serving around the world.
"In addition to those in uniform, the four individuals and one organization we honor with this year's Spirit of Hope Award have by their actions proven worthy of that wonderful feeling of having paid for their little slice of freedom," said Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr.
Previous recipients include President George H. W. Bush, John Glenn, Rudy Giuliani and Walter Cronkite.
The "Spirit of Hope" Exhibit may be viewed at the Pentagon.
View the press release.
The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund has been nominated the Charity of the Month for November by Charity.com.
We have planned to send checks to both east coast Injured Marine/Semper Fi Fund, and the west coast Injured Marine/ Semper Fi Fund. These checks will be in the amount of $10,000 each! Our plan is to send these checks to both coasts and have them arrive on Veterans Day, Nov. 11th 2007.
CW11 News
Supporting the troops by sinking your putts, that was the mission of a patriotic golf tournament Sunday in Forest Park. Though a day on the golf course is a far cry from boot camp, surprisingly, both activities can share an important mission, helping Marines take care of their own, so it was as golfers sweated through the hard work of 18 holes.
The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund has been recently recognized and awarded with a $10,000 grant for the Specialized Equipment Program and a $5,000 grant for the Family Support Program. Newman's Own, Fisher House Foundation, and Military Times Media Group sponsored the eighth annual Newman's Own Award Ceremony at the Pentagon on August 10, 2007. This award seeks to reward ingenuity and innovation for programs that benefit service men and women and their families. The challenge is straightforward: "Present an innovative plan to improve the quality of life for the military community and receive funding to carry out the plans."The emphasis of the competition was for organizations involved in supporting deployed service members or the families of deployed service members. We send our deepest appreciation to Newman's Own, Fisher House Foundation, and Military Times Media Group for recognizing and supporting our mission.
LA Daily News
They bled for their country. Now, they run for each other.
These United States Marines, who went to war and left parts of themselves behind, stand united. They bear the scars of wounds earned thousands of miles away and the drive to press on, no matter what.
These are the men of Team Semper Fi.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Marine Lance Cpl. Scott MacKenzie of Cherokee Country wanted to make his mother proud after receiving a Purple Heart for injuries in Iraq.
WUSA9 News
A group of 4 Marines have formed "Team Semper Fi," a triathlon team to compete in running, swimming and jogging events around the country to raise money for the Injured Marines Semper Fi fund.
Team Semper Fi competed in their first event, the Cooper River Bridge Run in Charleston South Carolina. The Marines and Cadets of the Citadel joined them in their efforts and helped raise awareness and funds for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. The Charleston Post and Courrier received the following letters to the Editor this weekend.
The Post News and Courier
In March, 10 Marines studying at the Citadel and 12 Citadel cadets are giving up part of their Spring Break to participate in the Cooper River Bridge Run to raise money for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. They will be running with 50 pound packs on their backs. Also running, is Team Semper Fi, a group of amputees sponsored by the Fund.
EDH Telegraph
Glenn and Rose Shuder, parents of Lance Cpl. Brad Shuder who was killed in action in Iraq on April 12, 2004, are planning a fundraiser from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20 in front of Raley's, 3935 Park Dr. Proceeds will benefit the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund organization.