Semper Fi & America's Fund

I was in need of help, they went over and beyond..they were very polite, respectful and worked in a timely manner.. I am blessed bc they were a blessing from God's. I can't thank them enough. Thanks Everyone May God Bless❤️������������������ USN VETERAN

I reached out to this organization requesting financial assistance. Debra responded back to me and identified herself as a case worker. I had to tell her at least two times what it was that I was seeking assistance with before she grasped it. She offered to send me over to a colleague who handles education that may be better suited to help. Well, obviously, she still didn’t grasp because she passed inaccurate information to Heather. I received a call from Heather followed up by a text. She indicated Debra had passed on my information indicating I needed help with education funding. I told her she had it wrong and I explained what it was for. Her snarky response was well that’s education. So I played the game and said great so you’re able to help me and she says the best advice I can give you is to find another program. That’s how you support veterans? I’m enrolled in a university to receive a masters degree and you think it’s that easy to just pick up and find a different school and program? How insensitive and lacking compassion and empathy. My suggestion is Heather go back to TV because you’ve got no business academic advising veterans. If the organization is unable to assist because it doesn’t fall within their mission, then I understand that. My concern is with the way these two ladies handled the problem that was presented to them. A complete disgrace!!

Semper Fi & America’s fund has truly been life changing and life saving for me. I was wounded by an IED in Afghanistan on Thanksgiving day 2010, and lost both of my legs. As soon as I was back in the United States, the Fund was there; they quickly became a huge part of mine, and my family’s, lives. It’s now been nearly 12 years, and the fund is still very much a huge part of mine and my family’s lives. I owe great deal of my life and my recovery to them, and an eternally grateful. If anyone were ever “on the fence” with donating to Semper Fi & America’s Fund, know that your money absolutely could not go to a better place to influence and change the lives of our nation’s veterans.

Gabe Martinez
Sgt USMC

I received help from the Fund in more ways than I can describe on this space. However, I want others to know that this organization not only dedicates their efforts to helping you but cares about your long term goals, plans, intentions and will be there as close or as far as you want or need them to be. They love our military and care deeply for us and our families’ well being in our long road to recovery. They’re an authentic team of people who can be relied upon when no one else is there in our darkest and most painful moments through the recovery process and through life. They’re a family who will not abandon you and will always be there without judgment of your needs but with a realistic expectation of your ability to be better and do better in time. They’re approached to care is focused on their ability to provide the level of care needed and that it can help you with your individual needs. Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful) means something to them and they remind me that some people and organizations can still be trusted.

Never have I asked for help but SemperFi and America’s fund has always been there when I absolutely needed them the most. From bringing me back into a group setting again with amazing outings, to fixing floors and driveways in order to accommodate my wheelchair. They are always there and showing up for not only me but all our vets.

They won’t allow a female veteran to participate in their neurological program even though this veteran is 100 percent rated by the VA for the said condition as service connected and caused by an MST attack. Because they do not consider this to be combat related (understood-it’s not), or a catastrophic enough of an injury. It ruined my life and has damaged my brain and spinal cord and vision and etc… but still I just don’t meet the criteria for their program. How shameful. I bet your donors and board members would love to know that I just didn’t make the cut. I wish there was another organization with a similar program without your roadblocks to entry.

 These folks do INCREDIBLE work and move mountains to support any and all Marines. They’ve gifted me with very helpful equipment to ameliorate getting beat about the head a few times and they just helped me buy some equipment to start my post Marine Corps career. They are Marines helping Marines and if you give them $10 you can bet $9.98 is going directly to the mission.

Semper Fi Fund is one of the best charities I have ever dealt with. When I had to go through my medical board and through the VA for treatment, they helped cover the travel costs and bills. In an unrelated incident years later, the same social worker was able to help us during a time we had to be between homes, and covered the cost for us to stay in a small (rather inexpensive) cabin. I will forever be grateful that Semper Fi Fund was there for us and will continue to be there for others, so much so that now when I can, I donate to them every time I have the extra funds.

I can't tell you enough about how awesome and supportive this organization is. They have helped us with emergency situations and they did not make us go through a bunch of hoops to get the help. What a relief they are!! My husband is the disabled veteran and he does not like to ask for help...but Semper Fi Fund made it very comfortable for us and did they did not make us feel embarrassed to be the one needing help. I HIGHLY recommend them!!!!!!!!!

Have worked directly with this nonprofit and they provide a much needed support to our service members and their families!

By far the best organization I have ever dealt with. We were helped while my husband was enlisted and then a year or so after he got out. I was able to keep my case manager even though we lived across the country. They have gone above and beyond to help us. Between sending non narcotic healing devices for my husband, money for bills, gas cards, and food cards they also have been my shoulder to cry on when times were hard. I would do anything for this place! They are near and dear to my heart. Absolutely amazing. They also expedite claims so you arent left hanging. BEST PLACE OUT THERE!

Semper Fi Fund was THE single-most helpful, all-encompassing organization while my husband was enduring combat PTSD. They provided financial assistance without delay when we needed during his treatment, but they went above and beyond anything we could have imagined. They helped us form friendships with others going through what we were going through. They helped to restore hope in our lives, always treated us with respect not pity, and encouraged us to live a full life again. When we needed them (and that was often for quite awhile!), they were immediately responsive, every single time. Leadership is strong in SFF, and their staff exudes selflessness and passion for their mission at a level unmatched by any other organization out there. Veterans, here is help; Caregivers, here is understanding; Donors, here is service. Please consider supporting this organization so that other families may be touched as ours has been.

I am a Vietnam combat veteran that came home unscathed however I have many friends that never came home. I want to help those who experienced combat injuries in some way and wish I could do more.

I am a medically separated Marine that applied for assistance by sending an application to a case manger which was ignored, I called to follow up and that phone message was ignored. I then faxed the application to IMSFF and was again ignored. This was over the course of several weeks. I have always thought very highly of them and to be ignored is little disheartening. If they couldn't help then tell me don't ingore me.

The Semper Fi Fund has been a huge blessing to our family. My fiance was able to find recovery through sport when he was welcomed to the Team Semper FI. I was also invited to a caregiver retreat they held and found life long friendships with other women that understand what we go through on a daily basis.

Semper Fi Fumd is a lifesaver. Their commitment to our Wounded Warrior is amazing. Thank you for having our backs!

Our 19 year old USMC son was wounded horribly in Afghanistan in 2011, losing both legs above the knee. Semper Fi made it possible for my husband and me to be with him while he recovered. Both of us are small business owners and we would newer have been able to afford to take as much time off as we did if it were not for the amazing people in this organization. All they wanted to know was how they could help. When i mentioned that it would be great if i could work on my books on the train while travelling back and forth, they bought me a laptop so i could do just that. And they continue to check in with us and help if we need extra funds for modifying our home to be more accessible for our son. No paperwork. No questions. No wasted time. Just like the Marine Corps: the very best, and there when you need them!

If rfjs can read financials, maybe s/he should compare the Form 990's between WWP and SFF. Among other things that stand out are the gross disparities in slaries/compensation of paid staff.
I initially dontated to WWP until I saw how little, percentage-wise, was going to direct services. I now have a recurring, monthly donation going to SFF on behalf of a fallen Vietnam-era comrade.
SFF is a great organization, with minimal overhead, and the vast majority of its resurces are dedicated to helping our wouinded warriors.
If rfjs can't see that, then silence may be the appropriate/responsible thing to do.

I have been helping raise money for this noble fund for 9 years, years during which I have been a personal witness to the direct aid that they have given to many injured Marines and their families in the greater St. Louis area. The fund is efficient, serves its constituents immediately when the need arises, and has such a caring way of delivering their assistance. I am proud to be associated with these folks. May God continue to bless them!

I'm a combat wounded Marine myself and Semper Fi Fund has always been there whenever I've needed help. There have been plenty of times when they helped me when I didn't even know it. For example, programs for wounded I have benefited from, medical equipment, and funding for my family to take care of me when the Marine Corps wasn't paying them on time. The only negative thing about this organization is that they are so giving and helpful that some guys take advantage of their programs when they don't need it. But that can't really be helped. "There's always one."
I spent over 4years in the hospital and out of all the non for profit organizations I've seen at that place this is one of the very few that actually cares and makes an important impact on the lives of wounded service members.
I am sure all my fellow Marines at the hospital would agree.

I do not know where to begin on this GREAT organization! As the president of a very small Military NPO I know firsthand what I hear from our Warriors and other NPO’s. Semper Fi Fund is TOP notch all the way! I have heard only positive things regarding this organization since they were founded. Then in December 2012 when least expected my son was admitted inpatient to a Veteran Hospital. Considering all the contact I have, I was left clueless on what to do or where to seek help with MY own sons needs! Then I received a call from Semper Fi Fund. They immediately went into action on assisting my son. The people I have spoken to over the years, MANY volunteer their time! It’s so heartbreaking to see all those that support NPO’s such as Wounded Warrior Project, where the CEO’s make $350,000 or more annually!! I’ve never heard any positive feedback on WW Project. People I know that have done fund raisers for WW Project don’t even get a thank you letter! I wish more people would look at the fantastic leadership and the amazing support Semper Fi Fund provides to our Warriors each and every day! They better the lives of our Warriors and their families without any public pay on the back! Please have total faith when donating to Semper Fi Fund organization, and have total peace of mind knowing your money is being used in the best way possible, directly to those in need!
God Bless all that work endlessly at Semper Fi Fund!

RJFS has written, what I feel, is an untrue and unfair review. I know of very few charities that donate of $60 million to injured marines with an overhead of about 4%.
I happen to personally know one of the caseworkers. I can tell you that she works pretty much 24/7 to get money to these marines. The money buys iPads, beds, airplane tickets, bus tickets, gifts for loved ones. Wherever there is a dire need, these ladies work so hard to fulfill it. I know these caseworkers shed many tears listening to the humble requests that are made.
These ladies are just as determined and hardworking as the troops they are aiding.

I am writing this in response to the post by rjfs on May 18, 2012. The post was seriously upsetting to me personally after what the Semper Fi Fund has done for me, my family, and the other combat wounded people I know.

This rjfs person clearly does NOT know what they are talking about. The Semper Fi Fund has helped me out personally and I'm not even a Marine. They also helped my family come see me in the hospital when I lost both legs and an arm in combat. They did not get any advertising for doing this, just my families gratitude. Their overall rating on this site is a 4.8 out of 5. The wounded warrior project's is 1.7 out of 5. The two funds don't even come close to each other. The Semper Fi Fund would have a 5 out of 5 if it weren't for this person abusing their freedom of speech. They probably got denied something they didn't deserve.

This is a great fund to donate to. They have also helped me with my service dog and getting a vehicle. Again, these are two things they did not get advertising for. If you donate to them, your money will actually get to where it is needed unlike some of the other funds. As someone they have helped I can guarantee this. I cannot say enough good about this fund. They have been there for me when I needed them.

On July of 2012 my family and me were sent to camp Pendleton to supposing I was going to finalize my retirement, I couldn't wait. The only problem was that this was a last minute thing. I was told on a thursday that we were flying out on Sunday. Aside from that my wife was 8 months Pregnant about ready to pop. It took a toll on both of us, specially her. Aside from all this it was a very unexpected expense. The marines said they pay for the plane. But everything else I need to pay out of pocket and then I would get re imbursed in 4 to 6 weeks. They flew me into camp Pendleton and had to rent a car. And if it wasn't for the Semper Fi fund, I would've had to pay for a hotel too! I spoke with them one day and they had everything ready for me and my family that same day. After everything, we were finally heading home. I was worried about my financial situation at the moment. Evacuee like I said it was an unexpected expense. Sure enough 2 days after we got back home I went negative on my account. Now I was worried about everything after all what was I going to do for the next week until I got paid? Without hesitation the Semper Fi fund sent my family and I a check to cover the expenses for the next week and I couldn't of had asked for a bigger blessing. It turned out that they rescheduled my appointments without notifying me or headquarters marines. So it was a trip for nothing! But thanks to the Semper Fi fund I was able to get through this hard time! If they were not there for us, it would've made it very difficult for my family. Being single is one thing but having a family they end up being your priority. And wether I'm negative on my account or not, my wife needed to eat, we needed gas for doctors appointments. Having the Semper Fi fund help was like God sending me a guardian angel to watch over me and my family. They say God works in misterious ways, and this is the perfect example of it! God answered my prayers with the Semper Fi fund. So thank you for blessing me and my family. The care is amazing with them. They listen to you no Matther what you have to say. And they truly do whatever they can to help out the wounded Iraq veteran. If it was not for them we would had struggled. Thank you for everything and God bless the Semper Fi. Fund!

The Semper Fi Fund is an amazing charity. The Fund was created and is operated by passionate people who work from the heart. Their abilities, kindness, and generosity is truly inspiring.

As a donor it gives me great satisfaction to know that so much of my donation (nearly 95 cents on the dollar) actually goes to Wounded Servicemen/women. What other organization can say that? Upon further investigation of IMSFF, it is apparent that they are providing real help to our veterans. IMSFF assists with expenses like housing, and basic needs, as well special events like their Team Semper Fi. This is one organization worth supporting, and my family and I will definitely continue to do so.

Semper Fi Fund is a great charity! I just did a fundraiser for them and had a great response from friends and family. And unlike many military charities they have a very low overhead of 5%. Join me in supporting the Semper Fi Fund! Semper Fi!

This program is as bad at Wounded Warrior Project. Check out its financials. If you need help getting sporting equipment or want to go on a fishing trip and play golf where they can get pictures like Wounded Warrior Project they will help. Now days if you need help actually doing something where they cant get photos they give you $10 and tell you to have a nice day. The fact that they have an office in an actual USMC unit is a conflict of interest and illegal i think.

I started donating when a fellow Marine of my son was injured. He unfortunately passed away from his injuries but my husband and I felt it was important to continue to support the Semper Fi Fund. Since then we have come to hear great things from another fellow Marine, learning to live his new normal as physically challenged Marine. Thank you Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund for all you do for these outstanding young men and women who serve in our armed forces. Anna Lancaster, OR

This organization has helped me to reach the elite level in paralympic sports. When I was injured in 2003 it was life changing knowing I would never be able to do many things due to the paralysis. Becoming affiliated with IMSFF and eventually Team Semper Fi got me involved in competitive sports and now my goal is to compete in the 2014 paralympic games in Sochi Russia.

I can say that this is one place where you know your money is being used for the right purpose. They have helped us many times over the last 7 years. I can't tell you how thankful I am to have this organization. My husbands wounds were life changing and they continue to stand by their Marines.
Thank you!!

We are one of the families this organization has helped out on several occasions. They have always been there when we needed them. If you are worried about where your money goes look no further. It goes to the Marines and their families. The staff are amazing. We love the Semper Fi Fun!

I have been volunteering with IMSFF for just short of a year now and I only have wonderful things to say about the organization! Every member of the staff and volunteer is truly dedicated to the well-being of those that they serve. They selflessly give of their time, going above and beyond to meet the needs of their military families. I've been touched by the stories of so many and each family I have heard from has also had nothing to say but wonderful things about their time with IMSFF. This is an exceptional organization that is genuinely dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by combat injury and illness.

I've been working as a volunteer with the IMSFF here in the Pacific Hawaii, since 2004. It gives me great pleasure assisting the Marines, Sailors and their immediate love ones in crisis and in need of great assistance, this is a great program who has gone the distance above and beyond to assist the Corps, Navy and all those services that is in direct support of the Marine Corps/Navy Team.

My experience with the IMSFF began in 1955 when I came on board as a case volunteer at the VA Hosptial in Palo Alto California. This Hospital is one of four VA Poly Trauma Centers continuing the rehabilitation of our injured once they are discharged from the military hospitals. It is critically important to have family members at the bedside during this rehabilitation, and this is where the IMSFF plays one of it's most important roles. The Fund provides financial grants to assist with travel,lodging and ongoing expenses at home. Without these grants it would be a major burden,if not impossible for most families to be at the bedside. The Fund has been a blessing and will continue to support our Marines, Corpsmen and their families.

I began working with the fund in late 2005 as a case volunteer. I have seen amazing things happen since that time. Our fund has given away more than 37 MILLION dollars since it began in May 2004. I volunteer at Brooke Army Med Center in San Antonio,TX. Many of our service members are horribly burned and sometimes are here for 24-36 months for treatment. Our fund is able to provide family support grants that allows close family members to remain at the bedside of these critically injured men and women. We also assist with adaptive equipment, vehicle grants for amputees who need modified vehicles. From the time an injured service man or woman arrives, Semper Fi Fund reaches out and assists until the family is ready to move forward as they return home.

I am currently a Case Volunteer for the IMSFF. I started with the fund 3 years ago and will continue for as long as I am able. I currently live in Japan but am still able to volunteer through phone calls & email. I love being able to help the service members of our nation with their needs, especially since they have been injured defending our freedom! My husband of 15 years is a LtCol in the USMC, I am so proud of him & what he does, I feel it is my duty and honor to help out our wounded. I love being able to talk with the service members and their families. I love this organization, what it stands for, what we do & I absolutely love being to help out service members in their time of need.

As a wife of a deployed Marine and a busy mother of three children, I still find time to devote to IMSFF. Working with the Marines and Sailors, their families and friends, and helping CHANGE THEIR LIVES is a feeling that you can't get anywhere else. After calling a Marine with good news that assistance is on the way and knowing that I've played even just a small role in their recovery humbles me and helps me. I say with immense pride "I am a volunteer for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund."

I enjoyed my experience as a case volunteer i jumped at the chance to be on staff. The stories I hear from these Active Duty and Veteran wounded Marines and Sailors and their families are at the sametime, heartbreaking and heartwarming. For every tragic circumstance, there are many triumphs; truly inspirational. The relief and gratitude in their voices at the news they are getting a grant often brings me to tears. I can't count the number of times I've been told "Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund is the only organization that could help me. What can I do to pay this back?"

As a volunteer bringing meals to families of wounded warriors at Bethesda Naval Hospital, I have seen and heard first hand the great support this organization has given to our wounded warriors. I recently went to visit a Marine who had been injured and within 24 hours, a case worker from the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund had contacted them to offer financial assistance. During our lunches, I have often heard from parents and spouses of the wounded saying things like: "the IMSFF saved my life. I don't know what I would have done without them". "I couldn't believe how fast they responded". I could go on and on. Their commitment and devotion to their cause are beyond reproach. Their administrative costs remain among the lowest for a non-profit, and the compassion and genuine care they show throw their deeds make them more than deservant of this award

Amazing organization that helps our injured service members! They would do anything for those in need. I also like that they have a low overhead...they give as much as they can back to our Marines and Sailors.

In just a few short years this organization has given out over 18,000 grants in the amount of 37 million dollars to service members who have been wounded or are critically ill. Over 92% of the money donated goes back to the service members. If there is a service member you know who has been wouded in Iraq or Afghanistan chances are this organization has helped them in some way. Mostly staffed by volunteers, this organiztion strives to help the service member and family members through the recovery process.

I am a retired Senior Chief Petty Officer USN. I have been running marathons in support of the Injured Marine Semer Fi Fund. I have had the HONOR to meet alot of the young men and Women that this great organization has helped,and to meet them and hear thier stories of how Semper Fi helped them recover and return to a normal(or as close to normal) life is so inspiring. The example that sticks out in my mind is as follows. A few years ago I did the COOPER RIVER BRIDGE RUN,a retired Marine and I walked the 6.2 miles with an injured marine. He had to wear a halo screwed into his lower leg. He walked the 6.2 and never once complained. Last Oct I was running the Marine Corps Marathon in DC. around mile 8,i heard some one calling my name. It was this same young Marine,his legs healed and running his first marathon,which he completed. With out the fine support of the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund,his road to recovery would have been alot more difficult. What more needs to be said,SEMPER FI FUND comes through and is a much needed organization.

A great organization truly dedicated to the needs of the people it serves. Volunteers for whom this is their highest priority. A driving focus on meeting the needs of injured Marines and their families.

Excellent organization. In the short years that they have been around, they have helped so many service members and their families through the hardships they encounter after suffering injuries while serving their country. They continue to get their name out there to help ensure positive outcomes for our nation's heroes!

Great organization. They have many diverse and unique programs that are available to veterans. Their staff is congenial, respectful, and expeditious.