Veteran's Day with Semper Fi & America's Fund

Key Takeaways

TheFund.org provides vital, long-term support to wounded veterans and their families, addressing evolving medical and personal needs.
The organization efficiently directs 92 cents of every dollar to veterans, assisting over 38,000 service members and 100,000 family members.
Veterans often require continuous physical and mental health support, years or decades after their service, for conditions like PTSD and complex injuries.
TheFund.org fills critical gaps in care, from adaptive vehicle grants to mental health counseling and family support services.

TheFund.org, a merger of the Semper Fi Fund and America's Fund, was established by Karen Gunther to aid service members recovering alone.
It has assisted over 38,000 service members and 100,000 family members, raising more than $350 million.
The organization efficiently directs 92 cents of every dollar to veterans and maintains high rankings from charity watchdogs.
Case managers provide long-term support for evolving medical needs and adaptive vehicle replacements, often covering second and third grants not provided by the VA.

USMC Sgt. Major Kevin Swiss, after 30 years of service including Iraqi Freedom, initially struggled to seek help for PTSD post-service.
He learned about TheFund.org through the Aspire Center in San Diego, which helped him overcome isolation and achieve goals like running a half marathon.
Swiss shared his dark moments, including drinking and negative thoughts, before his girlfriend encouraged him to seek help.
His caseworker, Claire Whitlock, from TheFund.org provided assistance with mortgage payments and a new computer for his studies.

Corpsman Tyler Burdick was injured in Marza, Afghanistan, on July 22, 2010, when his vehicle struck an IED.
He underwent double amputations in 2014 and 2015 to manage pain and improve mobility after initial Marine medical care.
Burdick competed in the Paralympic Games, starting with snowboarding in Sochi 2014, returning to Team USA after further surgeries.
The Semper Fi & America's Fund supported him and his family for over a decade, covering hospital visits, VA benefits navigation, and competitive sports fees.

Major Ivan Castro, a U.S. Army Special Forces officer, lost his sight in combat in 2006 due to a mortar round.
He continued active duty for a decade as one of three blind officers, serving in Special Forces recruiting and family support roles.
The Semper Fi Fund and America's Fund provided him a new bike for national Paralympic cycling championships and ongoing family support, including holiday gift cards.
Castro paracycles approximately 60 miles per ride and has run over 50 marathons since losing his sight.

Army Specialist Darnell Duggar, injured in 2011, expanded his farm business with support from TheFund.org.
The fund provided resources for equipment and networking opportunities at conventions.
Duggar utilizes sheep for vegetation management in solar farms.
He applied for the fund through the Farmer Veteran Coalition, receiving mentorship from his case manager.

Navy veteran Jason Wheeler, wounded in a 2002 parachute accident, and his wife Christine received over a decade of support from The Fund.
Christine highlighted caregiver retreats as transformative, providing education, self-care strategies, and a supportive community for spouses of wounded warriors.
Jason suffered severe injuries, including limb salvage, spinal damage, TBI, and bilateral above-the-knee amputations in 2015 after a decade-long VA wheelchair denial.
The Fund contributed to his Tunnel to Towers recipient home and is covering hotel costs for his family during upcoming osteointegration surgery and three months of physical rehabilitation.

Retired USMC Lance Corporal Ed Lyons was wounded on November 25, 2009, in Afghanistan by an IED, resulting in a transradial amputation and TBI.
The Fund provided consistent support since 2009, covering lodging for his parents and assisting with his discharge, VA employment, and celebrating his three children's births.
Lyons maintains contact with case managers for 16 years, noting The Fund operates without red tape and responds within hours.
His family celebrates Veterans Day annually by watching "The Patriot" and having a barbecue.