lance corporal larry bailey, usmc - semper fi...

An EvEning with thE SEmpEr Fi Fund - intrEpid 2012

www.SemperFiFund.org

1stLt Antoine Bates was injured by an IED on June 26th, 2011 while on a dismounted patrol in the northern green zone of the Sangin Valley, Afghanistan. He lost his left leg below the knee, suffered multiple fractures to his right leg and left arm. His recovery at WRNMMCB has progressed significantly through the support of his family and the staff at WRNMMCB. He will make a full recovery and plans on staying in the Marine Corps on active duty as well as pursuing his Masters degree in foreign policy at Georgetown University.

The Semper Fi Fund has assisted with family support grants for travel and loss of income for family members to be by Antoine’s bedside during his recovery at WRNMMCB. The Fund also

assisted the Bates family with travel expenses and lodging accommodations for Antoine’s promotion ceremony. Antoine has also received assistance in obtaining a keyboard for music therapy as part of his recovery.

Captain Antoine Bates, USMC

We Are Proud To InTroduce You To our Heroes

Lance Corporal Larry Bailey, USMCOn 28 June 2011, in Helmand Province of Afghanistan, LCpl Larry Bailey’s unit was moving inside to occupy a new patrol base when they were attacked by small arms and machine-gun fire that mortally wounded a fellow Marine. Upon contact, LCpl Bailey aggressively maneuvered onto the roof to repel the assault when he struck an improvised explosive device (IED), sustaining amputation above the knee of both legs and the amputation of his left hand.

Presently, LCpl Bailey is in the Wounded Warrior Program as an outpatient at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Bethesda (WRNMMCB), where he receives daily physical and occupational therapy that ensures his proper adjustment to his new prosthetic legs and hand.

LCpl Bailey has been selected for a hand transplant by the the Joint Walter Reed/ John Hopkins Experimental Surgery Program with the primary goal of ensuring him a full productive quality of life.

The Semper Fi Fund has assisted with family support grants to cover travel costs and basic necessities for family members as they stayed near LCpl Bailey during his time at WRNMMCB, as well as, a family Christmas.

Corporal Jessie Fletcher, USMCOn October 17, 2011, Cpl Jessie Fletcher, 23, a Marine scout sniper, was injured in an IED blast while conducting combat operations in Helmand Province of Afghanistan. Cpl Fletcher sustained bilateral above-the-knee amputations, amputation of his 4th and 5th digits on his left hand, and partial amputation of the 4th digit and thumb on his right hand.

The Semper Fi Fund has assisted with family support grants to help compensate for loss of income and visitations. An iPad was given to Jessie for moral support and communication with his loved ones and friends. The loss of several fingers and limited use of others has made it nearly impossible for Jessie to manipulate buttons on a phone, so the Fund assisted with the

purchase of an iPhone 4, as well as an adapted guitar. He is an avid guitar player and this will allow him to continue enjoying his love for music.



Master Sergeant William “Spanky” Gibson, Jr., USMC (Ret)

On May 16th, 2006 while on a foot patrol, GySgt Gibson was shot through the left knee during a fire fight. His wounds required his left leg to be amputated just above the knee. While rehabilitating at Brook Army Medical Center (BAMC) in San Antonio, he started training and competing in Triathlons. From November 2006 until November 2007 he competed in over 12 races including one marathon, two half Ironman races, and a three-day adventure race in support of the Semper Fi Fund.

In January 2008, GySgt Gibson re-deployed to Iraq as the I Marine Expeditionary Force (Fwd) Fires Support Coordination Chief. This deployment made GySgt Gibson the first above-the-knee amputee to return to a ground combat area of operation. He was promoted to MSgt on

July 1, 2008. MSgt Gibson retired from the Marine Corps on August 2011, at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. He received letters of appreciation from all four living Presidents of which he served during his over 20 year career.

The Semper Fi Fund has assisted MSgt Gibson and his family with support grants to assist them in remaining bedside during his recovery as well as ongoing support during his rehabilitation; a specialized equipment grant for a hand cycle to compete on Team Semper Fi and a vehicle grant to assist with the cost of purchasing a vehicle that would accommodate his prosthetic. MSgt Gibson remains an active participant on Team Semper Fi.

Corporal Dan Lasko, USMC (Ret)

On April 24, 2004, Cpl Dan Lasko was riding in a convoy in Afghanistan when his vehicle was struck by an IED. Cpl Lasko’s left leg was amputated below-the-knee. He was medically retired in April 2005. Since then, Dan has earned an Associate’s degree in criminal justice, completed a 2-year fellowship with the House of Representatives through the Wounded Warrior Program, and is currently pursuing his BS in criminal justice.

Dan has been part of Team Semper Fi since 2005. As part of the team, he has competed in over 50 competitive racing events including 5k’s, 10k’s, half and full marathons and triathlons, to

include one of the world’s hardest triathlon - Escape from Alcatraz. Dan was also a member of the 2011 Warrior Games Champion United States Marine Corps team. His hard work and dedication has earned him status as an elite athlete.

The Semper Fi Fund has provided Dan with grants for a high performance bike for his competitions, a bike for his wife Jessica to use as she trains with him, assistance with coaching fees and equipment maintenance, bathroom renovations to his home to make it more handicap accessible, and an iPad for his continuing education. Dan not only raises awareness through Team Semper Fi, but he is currently the “face” of the Fund’s marketing campaigns.

Cpl Todd Love is a third-generation Marine who served in Afghanistan with 1st Recon out of California. In October 2010, Todd was the point man on a foot patrol when he triggered an IED. He suffered the loss of both his legs above the knee and had severe damage to his left hand, resulting in amputation. With the help of his family, Todd has moved forward with a spirit of motivation and determination.

The Semper Fi Fund’s assistance enabled his family to be by his side during the good and the bad. They stood by him as he received his Purple Heart in November 2010, when he took his

first steps on his prosthetic legs and moved his fingers on his first prosthetic hand in January 2011. They were also the first to greet him off the plane when he returned home for a town sponsored homecoming event in April 2011. From doing more pushups than his therapists to snow skiing, sky diving, surfing and more, Todd is still an avid athlete and fit Marine.

Corporal Todd Love, USMC



On October 21, 2010, PFC Benjamin Maenza was on a dismounted patrol in Sangin Valley, Helmand Province, Afghanistan when he was hit by a 20 pound IED which resulted in the bilateral above the knee amputation of his legs, shrapnel wounds to the face and injuries to his torso. He arrived at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland on October 24, 2010 and transferred to Walter Reed Army Medical Center to begin his rehabilitation in the middle of November 2010. His recovery is going well; he works hard in physical therapy and has completed his medical boards. LCpl Maenza is looking forward to going home to Brentwood, TN by the end of April 2012 and pursuing a Bachelor’s degree at Lipscomb University.

The Semper Fi Fund has assisted LCpl Maenza’s family with family support grants for his dad, mom and girlfriend to remain at his bedside during recovery and grants for travel between

the home and hospital. Grants to LCpl Maenza have provided support for necessary clothing for the cold winters in Maryland, books for college classes, an iPad and a vehicle grant for a specially adapted vehicle.

Lance Corporal Benjamin Maenza, USMC

On September 6, 2011, Petty Officer Miller was leading his team on a response to clear an area that had been mined when he stepped on a mine that resulted in the amputation of his left leg below the knee, injuries to his left arm and a broken right hand. Petty Officer Miller spent 17 days as an inpatient at WRNMMCB and was walking on his prosthetics within 41 days of his injury. He spent 4 months in rehabilitation at WRNMMCB before transferring to complete his rehabilitation training with SOCOM near Virginia Beach, VA. He plans to stay in the Navy on active duty once he has completed his medical boards.

The Semper Fi Fund assisted his father and his fiancée with family support grants to remain at his bedside during his recovery and rehabilitation. The Semper Fi Fund also assisted Petty Officer Joseph Miller with a grant to purchase a vehicle which made it easier for him to drive while wearing his prosthetic and assisted him with travel for his first trip back to see his unit after his injury.

Petty Officer 1st Class Joseph Miller, USN

On Oct. 17, 2007, during a night operation in the Al Anbar Province, Iraq, LCpl Brandon Pelletier’s right arm was crushed at the elbow in a motor vehicle accident. After several years of evaluations and multiple surgeries, Brandon’s arm still has no feeling due to the extensive nerve damage. Brandon has chosen to put off amputation of his hand to pursue the US Paralympic Team and the Paralympic Games in 2012.

The Semper Fi Fund has been with Brandon and his family since his injury. The Fund has assisted with family support grants, travel costs for the many medical appointments Brandon has had to attend, auto assistance, housing assistance, and assistance for his bid on the US Paralympic Team. LCpl Pelletier proudly represents the Fund as a Team Semper Fi athlete, and has been nationally recognized for his speed. Brandon competed in his first world competition in the Czech Republic in August 2011, where he placed 1st in the 100m and 200m, and placed 3rd in the 400m. This was his first step towards his goal of winning gold in London this year.

“I have had the honor to represent this great country fighting against terror in Iraq and from that experience and support from grateful Americans and the SFF, now I get to represent this country again

in fighting for gold in the 2012 Paralympic Games.” ~ LCpl Brandon Pelletier, USMC (Ret)

Lance Corporal Brandon Pelletier, USMC (Ret)



On June 20, 2006, SSgt Andy Robinson’s vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb. He sustained a neck injury, paralysis from the chest down and open leg wounds. He spent four weeks in ICU in Bethesda and many months in rehabilitation in Tampa, FL, with his wife, Sara, by his side. While in Tampa his entire family came to visit which was a blessing as they had not seen everyone together since Andy and Sara’s wedding

The Semper Fi Fund has been able to provide family support assistance to help with travel for various family members throughout Andy’s hospital stays. The Fund has also assisted with

housing grants, lost wages, and a mobility lift for traveling on his own. As a member of Team Semper Fi, the Fund has also purchased a hand crank cycle for Andy, and a bike for Sara so she could ride with Andy as he trained. He has also become involved with wheelchair rugby.

SSgt Robinson currently attends school at the American Public University pursuing a degree in Intelligence studies. He and Sara recently became parents to two beautiful twin babies, Leah and Collin on December 7, 2011.

Staff Sergeant Andrew Robinson, USMC (Ret)

Cpl Porta was 18 when he joined the Marine Corps and 20 when he was injured by an IED blast in 2007 in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq. Cpl Porta was burned over 80% of his body to include his face and upper body. Cpl Porta also lost his arm during the blast. Tony’s parents, living in Maryland, rushed to his bedside at BAMC leaving their jobs behind to tend to their child while he lay in ICU recovering from his injuries.

Tony’s Grandmother arrived from Peru with $8.00 in her purse, stopped to see her grandchild and rushed to Marland to take care of Tony’s teenage sister. While Tony began the long

and painful recovery from his injuries, including over 110 surgeries, his family bounced back and forth from Texas to Maryland. Eventually, Tony’s Mom and sister relocated to Texas to be near Tony, while his father remained in Maryland in their family home. Tony just retired from active duty as of February 2012, and continues his recovery at BAMC. Tony has participated in many events sponsored by BAMC and remains an outspoken supporter of the Semper Fi Fund.

Corporal Tony Porta, USMC

Corporal Tyler Southern, USMCLCpl Tyler Southern was on his second deployment when he stepped on an IED in Musa Qala, in the Now Zad District of Afghanistan on May 5, 2010. LCpl Southern lost both of his legs above the knees, his right arm above the elbow, and shattered his left arm and hand. He was taken to Camp Bastion Hospital, then airlifted to Landstuhl, Germany and arrived at the National Naval Medical Center Bethesda on May 9, 2010. Tyler spent six weeks in ICU, the first two were in a medically induced coma. When he awoke, his mom, dad and two brothers, also active duty service members, were at his bedside. Tyler spent three months at Bethesda before transferring to Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

The Semper Fi Fund has assisted the Southern family with family support grants to mom and dad, to remain bedside during recovery, family support grants for travel for his mom, dad, wife, and brothers to enable them to be present during different stages of recovery and rehabilitation and adaptive housing grants towards the construction of Cpl Southern’s home in Jacksonville, FL and includes financial assistance for the construction of a pool for therapy. Cpl Southern’s parents have also received an adaptive housing grant for modifications and adaptations to their home, making it easier for Tyler and his wife Ashley to visit.



Corporal Roy Vanwey, USMC (Ret)

Cpl Roy Vanwey was burned when his vehicle struck an IED in June of 2006 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar Province of Iraq. Roy suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns to over 70% of his body, face and extremities. Roy also suffered very serious inhalation burns to his throat and lungs, and fractures in his back. He was an inpatient at BAMC for over 3 months and has had a long and difficult recovery, enduring many, many operations and hours of physical therapy. Roy was eventually medically retired.

The Semper Fi Fund has assisted the Vanwey family with support grants to offset loss of income as they stayed at Roy’s bedside. Funding was also provided so that all 5 of Roy’s brothers could travel from their hometown to be with Roy. SFF has also helped with the purchase of a bed, and getting Roy set-up to take part in a Therapeutic Art program. Roy has become a very talented painter. Although Roy had lost several fingers on each hand, his painting remains his passion. Just ask to see his portfolio!

lance corporal larry bailey, usmc - semper fi...

Documents