SemperFiFund.org Serving those who preserve our freedom December 2013 Happy Holidays

The photo seen ‘round the world We wouldn’t be at all surprised to find this photo of Staff Sgt. Jesse Cottle and his wife Kelly on many “best of 2013” lists. It’s a remarkable illustration of service and love—and the Semper Fi Fund is honored to have played a small part in it. Jesse joined the Marine Corps in 2003 and served three deployments as a radio operator in Iraq. He transferred to an EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) team, spent two years in Japan, and was deployed to Afghanistan in February 2009. On July 19, 2009, Jesse’s EOD team was clearing IEDs (improvised explosive devices) in support of a Marine infantry company. Jesse stepped on a pressure plate with his left foot, triggering the explosion that claimed both his legs. He received immediate medical care, including the amputation of both legs, and was transported to Camp Bastion (the main British military base in Afghanistan) overnight, then to the U.S. support grants, assistance to his Air Force Base in Bagram, Afghanistan, parents to make home modifications, and then to Landstuhl, Germany. funds to purchase a special therapeutic A week after the explosion, Jesse mattress and a lightweight wheelchair, arrived at Bethesda Naval Hospital, a handcycle grant and grants for where he remained for four weeks. He transportation to and from San Diego was transferred to the Naval Medical while his vehicle was being modified. Center in San Diego, where he began the Free of the stress of financial concerns outpatient phase of his recovery after a for himself and his family, Jesse was able total of eight surgeries. to focus on recovery. He received his first The Semper Fi Fund’s assistance to set of legs in September 2009 and Cottle, along with members of the 3rd EOD Company, 9th ESB attached to 2/3 Jesse and his family included family continued on page 11 Golf Company in Afghanistan. A Word From Our Chairman A Semper Fi Fund Hero Story: Ba o rd of Directors Marine Corporal Josh Sams Alfred Gray Chairman of the Board USMC (Retired) 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps As we approach the 2013 holiday season, we enter a time in which we put aside Annette Conway any differences that divide us and focus on those things that unite and bind us Vice-Chairman of the Board Former “1st Lady of the Marine Corps” as Americans and as humans. With this thought in mind, I’m happy to deliver some encouraging news: Americans overwhelmingly agree that the service R obert M. Bowlin Treasurer members who sacrifice so much on behalf of all of us deserve our unequivocal Former Chairman, Sony Music International respect and support. To this end, Semper Fi Fund and America’s Fund have CPA (Retired) distributed more than $83 million in grants to more than 10,500 service Wendy Lethin members and their families. Secretary Bonnie Amos But our work is just beginning! As more service members return home, issues of “1st Lady of the Marine Corps” post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury and transitioning from military to Kim Foley CEO of Foley Inc. civilian life take on greater importance. One way we’re working to address these Chairman of the Audit Committee issues is the Veterans 2 Veterans program that launched earlier this year; you USMC (1967-1971) can read about it on page 8 and I can’t express my thanks enough to everyone Karen Guenther who helped get this program off the ground. President, CEO, Founder Sergeant Carlton W. Kent It is with the deepest respect and admiration that I say thank you to: USMC (Retired) 16th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps • All the Semper Fi Fund and America’s Fund staff and volunteers, Michael E. Lowe Chairman of the Investment Committee whose Herculean efforts all year round make such profound USMC (Retired) differences in the lives of so many. Major General James (Mike) Myatt USMC (Retired) • Everyone who has donated to the Semper Fi Fund and America’s Lieutenant General John F. Sattler Fund in amounts large, small and in between. We don’t take your USMC (Retired) support lightly, which is why we work so hard to keep our overhead Dr. James Wright so low. President, Dartmouth College (1998-2009) USMC (1957-1960) ______• All our service members and their families who sacrifice so much Who Is Josh? The first time Josh was deployed, in How did the Semper of themselves in so many ways on behalf of us all. These men and John M. Dowd, Esq. 2008, he served in Garmsir. In 2010, Honorary Board Member, Board Member Emeritus Josh Sams was born in 1984 in Fi Fund help Josh? women are remarkable beyond words, and they’ve earned admiration USMC (1965-1969) Wilmington, Ohio. The oldest of three Josh served in Marjah, which lies in a We provided Josh and his family with and respect beyond measure. Major General Tom Jones major poppy field belt; the harvesting Advisory Board Member, Board Member Emeritus children, Josh attended Wilmington a number of family support grants Finally, I want to ask you to do something very specific to help us in our USMC (Retired) High School, where he ran track and of poppies for opium production so Josh could focus on his recovery efforts to serve those who serve us – and it won’t cost you a cent.Spread the Peter M. Murphy, Esq. played football, baseball and lacrosse. makes the area a significant source of without worrying about financial issues. Honorary Board Member, Board Member Emeritus word! To help us in our mission, consider taking on the task of telling someone After graduating in 2004, Josh funds for the Taliban. In 2011, Josh We also provided him with grants for about the Semper Fi Fund and America’s Fund. Share our posts on Facebook was deployed to Sangin, notorious with your own Facebook friends. Forward our emails. Retweet us. Give this attended Thomas More College in an adaptive vehicle, a handcycle and newsletter to someone when you’re done reading it. Every little bit helps— Honorary board memberS Crestview Hills, Kentucky. He continued for opium trade and described by the an Action TrackChair – an all-terrain and if everyone reading this does just a little bit, the collective impact will be General James T. Conway his athletic career, playing outside Guardian newspaper a year earlier as wheelchair. We also helped with home enormous. USMC (Retired) “the deadliest area in Afghanistan.” 34th Commandant of the Marine Corps linebacker on the football team. modifications, including landscaping, Lieutenant General Wallace “Chip” Gregson Jr. Our goal remains the same: No American warriors or families must ever feel Off the gridiron, Josh was studying to accommodate the TrackChair. USMC (Retired) When was alone on the long road to recovery. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and criminal justice. Pacific Security Affairs Josh injured? What’s next for Josh? Stay well and have a Happy Holiday season. Take care of yourselves, take R ear Richard R. Jeffries When did Josh join On January 12, 2012, Josh was USN (Retired) “After I retire from the Marine Corps, care of each other, God Bless and - Semper Fidelis Former Medical of the Marine Corps the Marine Corps? on foot patrol in Sangin with the 1st I plan on returning to my home in North David J. McIntyre Jr. Josh joined in 2006 and was deployed Battalion, 6th Marines. He stepped President and Chief Executive Officer, TriWest Carolina with my wife, Lindsey – we were three times to the Helmand Province in on an IED (improvised explosive device) Lynne Pace married on July 5, 2011 – and our dog. Wife of General Peter Pace, USMC (Retired) southern Afghanistan. Along the way, and sustained injuries that required Advocate for military families I’ll be attending the University of North he completed the Advanced Assault both legs to be amputated above the Al Gray, Marine General Peter Pace Carolina Wilmington and finishing my Leaders Course and the Marine Scout Chairman USMC (Retired) knee. He also sustained a serious bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.” 16th Chairman of the Sniper School. pelvis injury. Barbara Woodbury President and Trustee, Navy & Marine Association To meet other Semper Fi Fund heroes, please visit semperfifund.org/heroes december 2013 2 3 SemperFiFund.org T o all of our An America’s Fund Hero Story event hosts “Words cannot adequately describe the feelings that I AR MY STAFF SERGEANT have knowing that there is support out there for injured JASON GIBSON an d sponsors ... Marines. The grant you have sent me blew me away. Both this grant and the Shell gas cards are a major factor THANK YOU for me, as they will allow me to continue my search for fo r your time, energy, sustainable employment and to get back onto my feet. Your organization is a blessing. The only thing I can do is say heart and love thank you. I really do appreciate all that you have done for that you have so gratefully given in me. If there is any way for me to contribute back to the support of our service members and Semper Fi Fund in the form of volunteering or in any way their families. We are humbled by possible, please let me know. This is an organization that your generosity as you continue to will have my continued support.” make such a difference in the lives of our heroes.

“I just wanted to tell you how grateful we both are to you for helping us. There are a lot of things going on for both of us and we ultimately fell behind on a lot of our bills, especially our mortgage. I really had no idea how we were going to get caught up. I am so extremely grateful. Who is Jason? deployment brought about a change to remain at bedside after the initial I can’t even put it into words, how much this means to us. Jason Gibson was born June 1, 1986 of scenery: He left for Afghanistan in injuries in June 2012. We also provided Thank you so much. in Westerville, Ohio, a town of about March 2012. an iPad, a truck bed cover to protect God Bless You!” 36,000 located smack in the middle of the lift he uses to get in and out of the the Buckeye State. He has one sibling, When was truck, funds to cover truck payments a younger sister named Kristen. Jason injured? and a transition grant to assist Jason After graduating from Westerville About two months into his third and Kara with bills while he was waiting South High School, Jason went on to deployment, on May 30, 2012, Jason for his disability pay to start. Ohio State University, where he enrolled was on foot patrol and stepped on in Air Force ROTC. On June 30, 2009, an IED pressure plate. The explosion What’s next for jason? “I just wanted to thank you, once again, for your he married his wife, Kara, about six claimed both his legs at the hip and As of September 2013, Jason is assistance. My wife and I are both extremely months after they met. inflicted a deep wound on his right medically retired from the military and grateful for the funds that the Semper Fi Fund forearm. looking forward to moving back to provided us. We really do appreciate it so, so much. When did Jason Jason was transferred to Germany, Ohio. He enjoys handcycling and snow You can rest assured that my wife and I are going join the army? then to Walter Reed National Military skiing, and is part of Team Semper Fi, to make the most out of every penny provided...and that not a single penny will go to waste. You pro- After one year at Ohio State, Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, our rehabilitative athletic program that vided an answer to one of our most urgent prayers, Jason decided to devote himself to for inpatient care. A few months later he supports recovery through sport. “I’ve and you made a very big difference in our lives. My full-time service: He joined the Army transferred to the Navy Medical Center biked the Los Angeles and San Diego wife and I are forever grateful.” on September 1, 2005, and distinguished San Diego where he began outpatient marathons both in about 2 hours,” Jason himself as a combat engineer. therapy. says. “I’ve been learning to golf, too—it’s Jason’s first deployment – to Mosul, somewhat difficult from the wheelchair, Iraq – began in 2006 and lasted 15 How did America’s but I’m still able to do it.” He’s also months. In July 2009, just days after Fund help Jason? looking into getting his pilot’s license. A special thank you to the following sponsors who helped make the getting married, Jason was deployed 2013 Marine Corps Marathon a tremendous success! We provided family support grants No wonder so many look to Jason as for one year to Baqubah, Iraq. His third that enabled Jason’s wife and mother an inspiration. P remium Sponsor Gold Sponsor Silver Sponsors

Use your creativity and passion to take an active role by fundraising, donating or spreading awareness for our cause! Please visit semperfifund.org/fundraising for more details! T o meet other America’s Fund heroes, please visit americasfund.org/heroes december 2013 4 5 SemperFiFund.org Team members Team Semper Fi & compete for a spot to represent the USA at the Team America’s Fund Sochi, Russia 2014 Paralympic R ecovery Through Sport Winter Games

January 18-20, 2013 September 29, 2013 Alpine Big Tunnel to Towers Mountain Camp Run/Walk 5K Park City, UT , NY

October 27, 2013 May 11-16, 2013 Marine Corps Marathon March 2, 2013 Warrior Games April 6, 2013 Washington, D.C. Blossom Trail Ride, Fresno, CA Colorado Springs, CO Cowboy July 19, 2013 Challenge Drive For Heroes Golf Classic Culpeper, VA Colorado Springs, CO

April 6, 2013 June 6-9, 2013 Cooper River Bridge Run Endeavor Games, Edmond, OK Charleston, SC

April 12-14, 2013 Triathlon Camp, Pensacola, FL

January 20, 2013 March 17, 2013 April 21, 2013 May 19, 2013 May 25, 2013 November 3, 2013 November 17, 2013 Rock N Roll Marathon Los Angeles Marathon Army Marathon Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon Sea Isle City Tri for Vets NYC Marathon Rock N Roll Marathon Phoenix, AZ Los Angeles, CA Belton, TX Fredericksburg, MD Sea Isle City, N New York, NY San Antonio, TX

January 27, 2013 April 18-21, 2013 May 18, 2013 May 19, 2013 October 5, 2013 November 3, 2013 December 1-7, 2013 Carlsbad Marathon Sea Otter Classic Semper Fi 5K Copenhagen Marathon Jacksonville Marine Corps Half Marathon & 5K Col Ripley Memorial Run Ski Spectacular Carlsbad, CA Monterey, CA Washington, D.C. Denmark Jacksonville, FL Annapolis, MD Breckenridge, CO

• 600 total team members • 54 athletes in the US Paralympic Pipeline J oining in on “Recovery Through Sport” across the country... TEAM FACTS • 19 athletes compete internationally • 20+ sports represented • 8 host countries Announcing Team America’s Fund with its first 25 team members! december 2013 6 7 SemperFiFund.org part of V2V,” Brandon explains. “So many service members feel like they’re alone, like there’s no path forward. For someone In their own words St ronger Together who has made that journey to be able to step up and say – from “I personally find that being in this situation, thinking lost thoughts all personal experience – ‘this is how I traveled my path forward, the time and going up and down on different medications, to be one of S emper Fi Fund’s V2V Program Builds Lifelong Bonds the most difficult times of my life. I consistently spend my days trying to now I want to help you travel your path forward,’ that’s a understand what is happening to me. It is with deep humility and profoundly powerful thing to be able to do.” gratitude that I thank each one of those involved in the extraordinary help Brandon is one of five V2V Veteran Leads helping service that I have come to receive from the Semper Fi Fund. I recognize members navigate the path from military life to civilian life. and thank you very much.” Each Veteran Lead currently helps 50 to 100 service members, “I just wanted to thank you for the Action Trackchair you purchased and each service member’s need is specific and unique. For for my son. It is just unbelievable. You, the Semper Fi Fund, have once example, one person may need assistance with computer again astounded us with your generosity and kindness.” training in order to secure a job while the next person may need “Semper Fi Fund paid to get my service dog Phoebe. In the short time help learning how to set up a personal budget. In all cases, of we have had Phoebe, it already feels like we’ve had her from the very course, the purpose is to address the individual’s need and beginning. She has been a perfect addition to our family. Semper Fi make his or her transition to civilian life smooth and successful. Fund has never hesitated to help our family when we have needed the help and we’ll be forever grateful.”

“We want to be a resource to service members, of course, to help them transition to civilian life,” Brandon explains. “But we he Veterans 2 Veterans Program is an entirely new Support Coordinators (DISC) to make sure service members also want to guide them to a place where they can be a resource concept. It’s a powerful – and absolutely effective – are plugged in to their local resources. to the next service member who comes along. This is a program “Tmentoring program that makes a real difference “V2V is unique in this respect,” Karen explains. “There are about lifelong bonds. We need to build a generation of veterans in the way service members are able to successfully transition many nonprofits that support a service member during the who are able to help those who come next.” from military to civilian life.” transition period, but we’re actively making sure they’re “This generation of service members will be set up for success That’s how V2V Program Lead Brandon Pelletier taking advantage of all the benefits and programs available because of this program,” Brandon says. “As an organization, enthusiastically describes this latest important initiative to them on the local level.” these are exactly the types of programs we need to implement from the Semper Fi Fund. The V2V program is also unique in the way it takes and expand to support our veterans.” Launched early in 2013, V2V is all about veterans helping veterans. a motivational—and personal—approach to helping service members. “No one knows what our service members are going through “Most of the time when a fellow service member comes to better than other service members,” says Semper Fi Fund the V2V program, he or she is so far down, it’s hard to build “Being able to draw on personal Founder, Karen Guenther, “so who better to serve as their experience is an important mentors?” part of V2V.” When a Semper Fi Fund case manager recognizes that a “This is a program about service member being officially discharged from the Department lifelong bonds. We need to of Defense can benefit from the V2V program, a V2V Veteran Lead steps in. Veteran Leads work closely with Veteran build a generation of veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISN) and District Injured who are able to help those who come next.” In their own words “Thank you and the Semper Fi Fund for the Emwave and the Alpha Stim devices. The generosity and follow through to get me the gear is much them back up,” Brandon says. “Every day is a struggle. But I appreciated. It is very rare to find both of these qualities, of giving and tell every service member I’m working with in the program: You tenacity, today and proves that the Semper Fi Fund is a great have my cell phone number – if you’re having a bad day, you call organization. These two devices help me daily deal with symptoms of me. We’re in this together, and I know how hard this can be.” Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and chronic Post Traumatic Stress. Know that these expensive devices are utilized often and make a huge difference Indeed he does: In 2007, Brandon was a Marine reserve machine for me. My family also thanks you. My mood is definitely improved with gunner. During a night mission, he was standing in the turret of the use of these items.” his Humvee when it rolled over a buried explosive. The Humvee “I would like to take just a second to thank the Semper Fi Fund and was flipped over by the explosion and Brandon’s right arm was yourself for helping my family through these hard times. It really means crushed from the elbow down. His arm is intact, but he remains quite a lot to me that someone is there for us when we need them the paralyzed below a prosthetic elbow. He also suffers from post- most. Your timely responses and gracious grants are deeds that I will never forget, thank you.” traumatic stress and mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury. “Being able to draw on personal experience is an important Learn more about V2V and the Semper Fi Fund by visiting semperfifund.org december 2013 8 9 SemperFiFund.org A Note continued from page 1 From Our walked on them for the first time right Founder M n illio -Dollar Smiles after Thanksgiving. He walked out of the hospital on his own with two canes in from the bottom of our hearts.” January 2010, but by midsummer the Bob and Renee’s generosity will bring canes were gone. many smiles to the faces of injured and Jesse and Kelly (a swimmer for Boise critically ill members of all branches of the State) met at a swim meet in San Diego during his recovery. “I remember being very military and their families—and you can Dear Friends and Family, add to the impact of their donation: intrigued by him,” Kelly said. “He was As 2013 comes to a close, it’s a great time to reflect on the Through December 31, 2013, The Bob & very different and not just because of incredible year we have had at Semper Fi Fund and America’s Fund. Renee Parsons Foundation will be joined by his legs, but because of who he was.” GoDaddy in a $1 million matching campaign. The couple was married in 2012, and Our Veteran-to-Veteran (V2V) program has been a tremendous Make a donation to the Semper Fi Fund before the iconic photo was taken in 2013 at a success, providing mentorship, transition assistance, and community for service members in need. Semper Fi Fund mentors are doing a the end of the year—and double its impact for family gathering. phenomenal job hand in hand with case managers to help navigate our veterans! For complete information, please “The photo really says it all,” Jesse told their local Veterans Integrated Services Network, network in their visit www.semperfifund.org/donate-godaddy. ABC News. “I actually look at it very much as communities, seek job opportunities and pave the way for their future. a symbol for our whole relationship in general. Renee & Bob Parsons We are so proud of the work that these men and women are doing, She’s physically carrying me, but there’s times Here at the Semper Fi Fund, every has so far awarded $28 million to various and look forward to seeing this program grow in the coming year. dollar we receive from our supporters charities. We suspect, though, that where she’s carrying me emotionally. It’s a perfect representation of who Kelly is.” We’ll never forget the impact that the Boston Marathon had on all of makes us smile—and when we receive a there’s a soft spot in Bob’s heart for the us. In the wake of this unexpected tragedy, the men and women of million of them all at once, well, there are Semper Fi Fund: Bob is a U.S. Marine Team Semper Fi sprung into action, sharing their experiences, lending hardly smiles big enough to express our Corps Vietnam veteran and a recipient of a shoulder to cry on and giving hope to the victims and their families. gratitude. the Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnamese “If I hadn’t stepped on Several months later, we returned to Boston for an America’s Fund So when The Bob & Renee Parsons Cross of Gallantry and Purple Heart Medal. that IED I wouldn’t have reunion; seeing the lifelong bonds between survivors like Celeste Foundation recently graced us with “We are so grateful for the incredible Corcoran and Team Semper Fi’s Gabe Martinez, there was not a met her,” Jesse says. another $1 million donation—raising their support we’ve received from Bob and dry eye in the room. Parsons receives the Parsons as a “I wouldn’t take it back ever.” collective support of the Semper Fi Fund Renee Parsons, whose generosity is only Purple Heart after being young Marine In this newsletter, we have shared some truly inspiring stories from to $2.8 million—there were plenty matched by the size of their hearts,” said injured in Vietnam some of the everyday heroes whose sacrifice and courage continues of smiles to go around. CEO Karen Guenther. “Their donation to inspire us, like Jesse and Kelly Cottle. A picture of Kelly carrying Established in 2012 by Bob Parsons, will touch the lives of countless service Jesse, a double amputee, on her back, went viral in September, a founder of GoDaddy, and his wife Renee, members and their families, and on symbol not only of the support she gives him every day, but the The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation their behalf, we thank Bob and Renee couple’s strength in spite of all their struggles. For this, and all of the amazing things we have accomplished this year, we thank you from the bottoms of our hearts. You make it In their own words possible for Semper Fi Fund and America’s Fund to continue to help our injured service members and their families in their time of “I am an 84 year old widow of a WWII Marine Veteran. He passed away almost 7 years ago (one month before our 60th wedding anniversary). Needless to say, I heard many sad stories about the war. We now have a Sacramento National Cemetery in Dixon, CA which is about 40 miles from where I live. We had to need—we couldn’t do it without your support. wait about two months for the cemetery to open and how happy I was to think that he would be put to rest as one of the first 100. I have photos beginning with From all of us here at Semper Fi Fund, we wish you a Happy Holiday, the first laying of the Christmas wreaths and every yearly event thereafter. He was a Midwest farm boy and this cemetery is across from an almond orchard and acres of flat land where the sun shines all day. The land was donated by the man who had farmed the land and blessed by God for all these veterans. They have and look forward to another incredible year with your support. landscaped it so beautifully and you feel peace the minute you enter the Avenue of Flags. My son is now living with me as my caretaker and found your website (semperfifund.org) when he was interested in finding out information on the amount veteran organizations were actually helping the veteran and the amounts Semper Fi, going to administration. He discovered that I have been giving $7 to $8 a month to about five veteran organizations for YEARS. The organizations to which I was donating to (well known to all) ALL had very poor ratings or NO rating at all. I still feel very badly about hearing it. It’s true my donations have not been very large, but when I think of the number of years that I have been sending checks, it’s just as well that I don’t know what the total would be that HAS NOT gone where I intended. I feel happy to be sending you my small donation and I will be looking forward to your e-newsletter. Being on a senior budget, my donation will not be very large, but it comes from my heart. Thanks for allowing me to share my comments with you. Keep up the great job you are doing that I have read about Semper Fi Fund Founder, and God Bless you and all your volunteers. Wish I could join in!” Karen Guenther Karen Guenther with service member, Ronny Porta. “As a person who has directly been a part of the love and support that all of you at Semper Fi have so freely given to myself, my family and all the other Marine families I am filled with much gratitude and thanks. Today I was able to donate a very small token back to you. I will donate to you every time I sell a house and receive a commission. Please if you don’t mind, just let the donations be anonymous. The gift of being able to be a tiny part of your organization is a miracle. We are so blessed to have our Marines willing to go in to harms way for us. And may you never know the tragedy of having your son, husband or father ever hurt. Your being there to support me and my family has been immeasurable. I stand ready to help in any way I may. I feel so blessed by being able to give this small amount. May God continue to bless our Marines and the organizations that support them.” Employees Community Fund of Boeing ’s Crystal Vision Awards december 2013 10 11 SemperFiFund.org MAILING ADDRESS

Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund 825 College Boulevard Suite 102, PMB 609 Oceanside, CA 92057 SemperFiFund.org

Thank You for Serving Those Who Preserve Our Freedom

S emper Fi Fund since 2004 D onaTIOn and administered over Support Information $83,000,000+ Donations may be made online: given in assistance to service members SemperFiFund.org 64,000 Please send check donations to: we’ve total grants to service members Semper Fi Fund with 825 College Boulevard helped over10,500 operates less than Suite 102, PMB 609 wounded heroes and their families OVERHEAD expenses6% Oceanside, CA 92057 Donate today and give a legacy supplies for tomorrow. Please consider in joining our Semper Fi Fund over $1,000,000 support every month Legacy Society and continue to make a difference in the lives of 4 Star rating from processes 60 our service members forever. fromA+ charityRating watch charity navigator grants per day contact [email protected] For any additional information, since 2012 please email: america’s Fund [email protected] assisted 200 For donations, the Fund’s ingiven assistance federal tax ID number is $2,000,000 26-0086305. administered over 1000 grants servicemembers and their families

The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund is a facebook.com/ twitter.com/ youtube.com/ linkedin.com/company/ registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. semperfifund semperfifund semperfifund injured-marine-semper-fi-fund SFF.poster.insert8.25x11.revised.FINAL.pdf 1 11/7/13 10:43 AM

HOW YOU CAN HELP

PO!...Spread our mission by sharing this poster on your local bulletin boards! Post at your community center, co!ee shop, gym, club house, church, school, work place, VFW, or library. Go to www.semperfifund.org to print out

more posters or share on Facebook and Twitter. TEAR HERE. POST THIS SIDE.

HO!...Turn your favorite activity into a fundraising event! Host a BBQ, mystery dinner, bake sale, lemonade stand, motorcycle or bike poker run, golf or softball tournament, flag football game, tailgate, etc. Go to www.semperfifund.org/fundraising/ for helpful hints on planning your next event.

C M TOA!...Toast the Semper Fi Fund and America’s Fund with friends and Y family and plan on how you can make a di!erence in the lives of our veterans

CM in 2014!

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Visit our website: www.semperfifund.org

facebook.com/ twitter.com/ youtube.com/ linkedin.com/company/ semperfifund semperfifund semperfifund injured-marine-semper-fi-fund ABOUT THE SEMPER FI FUND: The Semper Fi Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and its program America's Fund, are set up to provide immediate financial assistance and lifetime support for injured and critically ill members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. We direct urgently needed resources to post 9/11 service members, who meet our criteria for assistance, from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Reserves.

WHO WE ARE: The Semper Fi Fund was created by a group of Marine Corps spouses nine years ago, and those same women run the Fund today alongside other spouses from all services branches, retired service members, all of whom intimately know the needs of our military families. We have been by our injured and ill service members' sides from day one, helping them as they navigate lengthy recoveries and rejoin their communities.

HOW WE HELP: Financial, emotional, and tiered support for our injured/ill service members and their families through the following programs: Family Support, Care Giver Support, Adaptive Housing, Adaptive Transportation, Specialized Equipment, Post Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury Support, Veteran to Veteran Program, Education and Career Transitioning, Rehabilitative Sports programs, and more.

WHO WE HELP: Post 9/11 service members with amputations, spinal cord injuries, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post Traumatic Stress (PTS), burns, blindness, other physical injuries, or those su!ering from life-threatening illnesses. We also help immediate family members of our active duty, spouse or child, who face life threatening illness or injury.

HOW WE ARE UNIQUE: The Semper Fi Fund has been awarded the highest ratings from Watch Dog groups: A+ from Charity Watch for the second year, and we are one of only three veteran nonprofits to receive this rating the last two reports; 4 stars from Charity Navigator for five consecutive years. We maintain an extremely low overhead - 6%, rapid assistance with no red tape.

LOOKING FORWARD: The Semper Fi Fund has been successful over the years thanks to our loyal supporters, both individuals and corporations. Yet our challenges continue to intensify due to the level of severity of injury, illness, and post-traumatic stress unique to the length of war on terrorism. These critical injuries are brought home and often call for a lifetime of assistance.

Tax-deductible contributions from people like you make up our lifeblood; whether donations are large or small, a one-time gift or ongoing endowment, every individual or corporation has the power to make a real di!erence, here and now, no matter where they are in the world. The Semper Fi Fund is forever grateful to each of our supporters who share in our ongoing mission. Please help us help those who have given so much in the name of freedom.

www.semperfifund.org