Team Semper Fi

Last week I had the chance to meet a small group of Marines who had been injured in Iraq. They were amputees, missing an arm, a leg or suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. They did not come home to brood or complain about the politics that now surround the war. They were here to compete as part of the “Team Semper Fi” triathlon team. Their purpose is to travel the country; running, swimming and biking on behalf of their fellow Marines who will be coming home, like them, maimed and injured. The team is hoping their athletic endeavors will prompt private citizens to give money to the Injured Marines Semper Fi Fund. This is a non-profit organization founded by a nurse and wife of an Iraq war veteran who saw the need to raise money above what the government contributes to help the wounded Marines and their families through the hospital stays, recovery and transition back to society.

The foundation has spent about $10 million since its start in 2004, but the need is far greater than that amount. I interviewed Marines Bacillio Santellano 23, Dustin Fleming, 23, Javier Alverez, 26 and Derek McGinnis, 29. All said they don’t know how they or their families would have managed without the Semper Fi fund. Wives were flown to Bethesda Naval hospital, and given living expenses after having quit their jobs to be at their husbands’ bedsides. Homes were made handicapped accessible, cars were bought, classes paid for with Semper Fi funds.

One of my colleagues asked, “Where is the government?” I don’t have an answer for that; not yet; but it’s clear the work of the Semper Fi fund and the young men who make up Team Semper Fi is much needed and appreciated. If you want to reach this group go to http://www.semperfifund.org/