2nd Annual Wounded Warrior Car Show for the Benefit of the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund
A Word from the Injured Marines Semper Fi Fund and a Two Success Stories
A WORD FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Since our last update, IMSFF has made formidable advances in several significant areas. As we have maintained our uniformly outstanding support to our wounded and their families, we have expanded the assistance we are providing to our Marines and Sailors facing catastrophic illness. In both areas, we are providing cutting edge quality of life solutions as well as financial aid with great speed and compassion. The importance of what we are accomplishing in these pivotal areas cannot be overstated. It's a validation of the superb partnership we have with the American public; the strength, skill, and personal touch of our volunteer network; and the strong alliance and rapport we maintain with the Marine Corps and our hospitals. The synergy we have achieved in this crucial triad yields a level of awareness, support, and compassion for our wounded and critically ill that is greater than the sum of the individual parts. We can be justifiably proud of our individual and collective work and accomplishments - however, the need remains great and we need to keep charging. 1'm proud to serve alongside you in support of this noble cause.
General AI Gray, USMC (Ret)
29th Commandant of the Marine Corps Chairman of the Board of Directors
Just some of the Great Stories and Successes due to the Injured Marine Sergeant Gregory Edwards, USMC Sgt Gregory Edwards was seven weeks into his third tour of duty in Iraq when on October 22, 2006 he was injured by an lED that resulted in a bilateral amputation of both legs below the knee, fragmentation wounds to his legs, and his left hand was crushed. On October 25,2006 when Sgt Edwards arrived at NNMC his wife, two small daughters, and his mom and dad was there waiting to support him through the recovery of this second injury sustained in Iraq. The Navy Lodge became home to this family as they learned that the recovery would be months. The young daughters quickly won the hearts of strangers in the waiting rooms, mom and dad left their jobs behind in Alabama indefinitely, and his wife was an ever present sight at her husband's bedside. Thanks to the continuous support of Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund the Edwards family has received financial grants throughout Greg's rehabilitation and is now getting ready for their new handicap accesSlible home to be built. Sergeant Merlin German, USMC On February 20,2005, an lED exploded underneath LCpl Merlin German's humvee in Fallujah. He was blown out of the turret but he was on fire. Mter some very brave Marines got to him and put the fire out on their buddy, Merlin was left with 3rd degree burns over 97% of his body. The soles of his feet and the top of his head were the only areas not burned. The IMSFF remembers vividly the day that Merlin flew in from Germany to BAMC. No patient there had ever lived with burns like this before, and no one expected him to survive. Nineteen months later, Merlin moved out ofthe hospital and eventually moved into a new home in San Antonio, where he continues to undergo additional surgeries and rehabilitation at BAMC. The donors of IMSFF have helped the German family with a handicap van; they have kept Merlin's mom and dad at bedside; the have helped them keep their home in the Dominican Republic; they purchased a mattress recommended by his physical therapist; they helped with furniture for a temporary apartment; and provided great assistance with Merlin's new two-story house. Merlin and his wonderful family are living testaments to the power of the IMSFF, the capabilities of our military system and the beauty of the indomitable human spirit.
Semper Fi Fund
Today, after two meritorious promotions, SGT German is excited about a trip to NYC to visit his family and celebrate his 22nd Birthday. The IMSFF staff and the Marine liaisons at BAMC describe Merlin's personality as being full of life. He is cheerful, has a great sense of humor, and is mischievous enough to put a smile of the face of any general officer. What a blessing he is to all who know and love him!
