Semper Fi Fund Receives $30K Grant at Camp Pendleton

Editor's Note: The following is an announcement from Wells Fargo.

The Semper Fi Fund has been named the recipient of a $30,000 grant from Wells Fargo as part of the bank’s 160^th Anniversary.  The donation will support the nonprofit’s mission to assist injured and critically ill service members and their families. On Friday, April 20,Wells Fargo’s North County Regional President Brian Lee presented the $30,000 grant to Semper Fi Fund Co-Founder Wendy Lethin, staff and local service members at Camp Pendleton. 

"We are deeply appreciative of Wells Fargo's support of the Semper Fi Fund during their 160th Anniversary celebration," said Karen Guenther, Founder and Executive Director of the Semper Fi Fund. "This generous gift will help us to continue our mission of providing assistance to our injured and critically ill service members- wherever the greatest need may be.”

The Semper Fi Fund provides support in a variety of ways including: Service Member and Family Support, Specialized & Adaptive Equipment, Adaptive Housing, Adaptive Transportation, Education and Career Transition Assistance, Therapeutic Arts and Team Semper Fi.

One of the many recipients helped by the Semper Fi Fund is Corporal Gabriel Martinez and his wife Kayla. They were married only three months before Gabe was deployed to Afghanistan with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion (CEB) in October 2010. Another short month later on Thanksgiving Day, Gabe called Kayla with the devastating news that he had been injured by an improvised explosive device (IED) blast and medevaced out with one of his best friends. Both men lost their legs.

The Semper Fi Fund assisted Gabe's family while they were in the hospital at Bethesda, so they could remain by his side while he most needed them. The Fund also helped Gabe and Kayla move their belongings to their new home in California and provided assistance to Gabe's family, allowing them to visit him when he left the hospital without having to worry about financial repercussions. Most recently, Gabe was able to purchase specialized athletic equipment and an adaptive truck, thanks to the assistance of the Semper Fi Fund.

“The Semper Fi Fund is always there when you need them- it’s more than just a Fund, it's a friend," stated Martinez.

“Gabe and Kayla truly have an amazing story, and we are proud to help support them thought the Semper Fi Fund,” said Brian Lee, Wells Fargo’s Regional President for the North San Diego County Market.  “They are an amazing organization that is truly making a difference in the lives of our injured military service members and their families. On behalf of our Wells Fargo team members, I’d like to recognize the men and women who serve our Country and risk their lives every day for our freedom.”

The $30,000 donation to the Semper Fi Fund is part of Wells Fargo’s 160^thAnniversary celebration. Wells Fargo team members took part in a company-wide poll, which determined how the company would distribute $160,000 among three national non-profit organizations: Feeding America, Semper Fi Fund and Teach for America. As a result of the team member voting, Semper Fi Fund was awarded $30,000.

About Semper Fi Fund

The Semper Fi Fund (SFF) (www.semperfifund.org) is a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance and quality of life solutions for Marines and Sailors, as well as members of the Army, Air Force and Coast Guard who serve in support of Marine forces, when they become injured in post 9-11 combat or training operations, or they face life threatening illness or injury. Our fund provides relief to qualified Service members and their families for immediate financial needs that arise during hospitalization and recovery, as well as perpetuating needs such as home modifications, customized transportation and specialized equipment.

The SFF was founded by Karen Guenther, a registered nurse and spouse of an active duty Marine who had first-hand knowledge of the challenges faced by wounded Marines and Sailors returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. She, along with a dedicated group of military spouses established Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund in May of 2004.