Semper Fi & America's Fund

“I thought I was alone, but then The Fund stepped in." Tyler’s experience highlights the importance of community and support. As we close out Suicide Prevention Month, let’s commit to ensuring no one feels alone on their journey. Watch his full story https://bit.ly/4cUHMIN. #SuicidePrevention #SupportOurHeroes If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call 988 then press 1, text 838255, or chat online at veteranscrisisline.net.

August was packed with 19 incredible community-driven events that continue to support our mission! ✨ General James T. Conway Golf Classic: Celebrating 20 years of support since 2005! 
✨ Honoring Our Wounded Military: 11 years of dedication since 2014. 
✨ UA Plumbers & Pipefitters Cornhole Tournament: 13 years of generosity. 
✨ SCM North America: 5 years of contributions through the International Woodworking Fair. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in all our August events! Together, we make a lasting impact.

Meet Lieutenant Colonel Natalie Vines, a 21-year Army veteran whose journey from hurt to healing is a testament to the power of hope. After sustaining severe injuries in Iraq, Natalie faced overwhelming challenges, including a traumatic brain injury and PTSD. With the unwavering support of The Fund, she found the strength to keep going. Natalie says, "I am alive today because organizations like Semper Fi & America’s Fund support me, care for me, and give me hope." Through our adaptive sports program, Team Semper Fi, Natalie stays connected to her military family, continuing her road to recovery with courage and determination. Learn more about Natalie’s journey to healing here https://bit.ly/4cUHMIN. #SupportOurHeroes #SuicidePrevention #Resilience #Hope #FundFamily If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call 988 then press 1, text 838255, or chat online at veteranscrisisline.net.

For more than 20 years, The Fund has built a community that’s more than just support for our Nation’s heroes—it’s a lifeline. As we observe Suicide Prevention Month, we reflect on the lives we’ve touched and the critical work still ahead. Watch this special clip from our 20th Anniversary video and see the impact we’ve made together. While we honor our progress, we recognize that our mission continues, and with your support, we can keep making a difference for those who need us most. #SuicidePrevention #SupportOurHeroes #20YearsOfService #FundFamily If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call 988 then press 1, text 838255, or chat online at veteranscrisisline.net.

After 9/11, SGT Jonathan Harmon was inspired to serve, dedicating his life to defending our country. This is his story.   Meet SGT Jonathan Harmon, a dedicated Army veteran from Cedarville, CA. Inspired by the events of 9/11, Jonathan joined the Army right after high school and served as an Infantryman with the 82nd Airborne Division. In 2012, while deployed in Afghanistan, he lost both legs in an IED explosion. The Fund supported his recovery by providing rehabilitation, family assistance, and adaptive housing. Jonathan made history as the first double-above-knee amputee to return to duty in the 82nd Airborne Division. Today, he’s pursuing a PhD in Military History, continuing to inspire others. #NeverForget #September11   How did 9/11 impact your decision to join the military?
 I always had the desire to join the military, stemming from my family heritage of military service, but the attacks on 9/11 solidified that dream. I remember sitting in 5th grade when my teacher rolled in the old TV on a cart and turned it on just as the second plane hit. Seeing people make the impossible choice to escape the building in any way they could lit the flame of purpose in my soul. When my 18th birthday arrived, I joined the delayed entry program and after finishing High School later that year, I shipped off to Basic with the intention of becoming an Airborne Infantryman.   What does 9/11 mean to you today, and how do you honor the memory of that day? 9/11 is always a difficult holiday for a lot of veterans. It’s the tragic day that drastically changed our path in life in a positive and negative way. To honor 9/11, a large veteran motorcycle group and I get together every year to reminisce and share stories about where we were that day and how it impacted the lives that we are living. The brotherhood of having your men around you puts a proverbial salve over the wound of the memory from that horrible day.   What challenges/injuries did you face during your service? During a patrol in Kandahar, Afghanistan, in 2012, I stepped on an IED, which resulted in the loss of both my legs above the knee. PFC Brandon Goodine was killed in action, and nearly a dozen paratroopers were wounded when two additional IEDs detonated nearby.    How has The Fund supported you through your recovery? The Fund has been an invaluable source of support and comfort throughout my years of recovery at Walter Reed. After arriving at Water Reed, I met a Fund case manager as I was getting off the medical transport. From DAY ONE The Fund has been assisting me and my family during the long road to rehabilitation. They provided plane tickets so my family could visit, helped financially with building my Smart Home, and connected me with contacts that I still use in my academic career. What warms my heart more than anything The Fund does is the yearly Christmas ornaments they give out each December. It’s an amazing, subtle reminder in a chaotic world that our sacrifices are truly never forgotten.

Take a moment to pause and remember the heroes and survivors of 9/11.   On this Patriots Day, we honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and reflect on the bravery of the first responders, the resilience of survivors, and the enduring spirit of our Nation. That day also fundamentally defined our mission. As wounded service members returned from Iraq in 2003, a group of determined military spouses laid the foundation for The Fund. What began as a simple act of care has grown into a lifelong commitment to support our Nation’s heroes. Let us never forget the courage, unity, and strength that emerged from the darkness of that day. 🇺🇸 #PatriotsDay #NeverForget #SupportOurHeroes   Video Credit: Courtesy of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum

A powerful statistic: 75% of our supported heroes experience a decrease in suicidal ideation after 3+ years with The Fund. This is the impact of consistent, compassionate care and community support. Let’s continue to make a difference together. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call 988 then press 1, text 838255, or chat online by going to veteranscrisisline.net. #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthMatters #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

As we gear up for another school year, our annual back-to-school events help alleviate the burden of shopping for school supplies for our service members, veterans, and military families. We’re proud to provide backpacks and school supplies to ensure our heroes' children are ready for a successful school year. Watch the video recap of our 2024 backpack events to see the smiles and excitement firsthand! We’re wishing everyone a great school year! #BackToSchool #SupportOurHeroes #MilitaryFamilies #FundFamily

Labor Day is a time to recognize the hard work and dedication of all, including our veterans who continue to serve through entrepreneurship. Operation Coffee, led by Marine veteran Sam, is a prime example of how our Apprenticeship Program can ignite new passions and purpose. Learn more about Sam’s journey here:https://bit.ly/3ALWTqJ. #LaborDay #SupportVeterans #VeteranOwnedBusiness

Thank you to Subaru of America for providing 50 appreciation packages to caregivers at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center this week. We are so grateful for Subaru's support!