Hood to Coast Semper Fi & America's Fund Team

I've been blessed to be able to raise money for the Semper Fi fund over the years by running the Marine Corps Marathon. This year I attended a special thank you reception that Semper Fi hosted where we heard from several of the injured service members whose lives were changed by Semper Fi.  One ex-marine was in front of everyone and he was so overcome with emotion while he was speaking that for the entire time he was talking, his hand that was holding the microphone was shaking uncontrollably.  

While he was originally injured in 2004 (he lost his leg and had several other serious injuries), what stuck out to me was that even though it has been 20 years since he was originally injured, Semper Fi helped him just last year when he needed mental health help.  The recovery process for these soldiers continues long after they've left the battlefield and way longer than the goldfish-like attention span of our nation's media and politicians.  He and I spoke about our families (he has 3 sons too: 19,16 and 14) and what it has meant to them to see that the important thing in life is to keep moving forward no matter what happens.  

If you have 10 minutes, watch this video about the Semper Fi fund that made me appreciate the blessings that I take for granted.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLCCovFGVlg&t=32s

If you haven't donated to the Semper Fi fund, please consider doing so.  I was impressed with them before and after having met them in person I am even more awed by what they do.

I'm proudly supporting Semper Fi & America's Fund as a community athlete for the 2025 Hood to Coast Semper Fi & America's Fund Team. 

Semper Fi & America’s Fund cares for our Nation’s critically wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans, and military families. Supporting all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, we provide one-on-one case management, connection, and lifetime support. Today. Tomorrow. Together.

• Semper Fi & America’s Fund is A+ rated from CharityWatch — their highest rating.

• Semper Fi & America’s Fund ensures our combat wounded, critically ill, and catastrophically injured U.S. service members and military families experience the appreciation and respect of our supporters. Our warriors and their families will achieve the highest possible quality of life and independence in a loving, caring, and committed community and will not be forgotten on their road to recovery and beyond.

• Semper Fi & America’s Fund manages and operates diverse, comprehensive programs in the areas of Service Member and Family Support, Transition, and Integrative Wellness through a “needs-based” approach. All grants are delivered through a one-on-one case management relationship, the result of which is life-changing and lifesaving.

• Semper Fi & America’s Fund employs a powerful holistic approach, integrating physical, mental, and emotional recovery through powerful therapies and innovative technologies, which most often leads to both healing and post-traumatic growth.

• To date, Semper Fi & America’s Fund has given $500 million in vital and ongoing assistance to over 33,000 service members, veterans, and military families.

Please support our campaign by entering an amount in the "Make a Contribution" box below. If you would like to donate directly to one of our team members, please enter the runner’s name in the “Search” box above.

Thank you for supporting Semper Fi & America's Fund and for helping those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom!