CAMP PENDLETON SOUTH, Calif. — Semper Fi & America's Fund operates solely on donations, yet still helps support thousands of active duty, veterans and their families every year.
One of them is a Navy veteran living in Oceanside.
"I'm a double amputee below the knee, partially missing three fingers. I've had 93 surgeries and we have No. 94 on the books," Doc Jacobs said.
Jacobs joined the military right out of high school — he comes from a long line of service members, and like so many, he felt compelled to protect our country post 9/11.
"I would do it 100 million times over again, knowing the same outcome," he proudly said.
He was six and a half months into a seven month tour in Iraq when he hit a roadside bomb.
"I saved my life and another Marine — and helped revive another one," he said.
Once out of the combat zone and in a U.S. hospital, he awoke to family at his bedside — their support all made possible by Semper Fi & America's Fund.
"We're here for a lifetime, and that's what kinda sets our organization apart. Our hearts are just so full of gratitude," said Sue Baker, The Fund's Chief Program Officer.
A group of mostly military spouses in Camp Pendleton started the nonprofit in 2004 with five and 10 dollar donations. It has grown exponentially since.
"We operate like we're still a small family, but it's so big. 32,000 service members and over $300 million given to them. It's a lot!" Baker said.
The Fund helps critically wounded, ill or injured active duty members, veterans and their families. For Doc, in addition to getting family to his side, donations from generous Americans helped make adaptations to his home and car. The Fund even paid for a fence to better protect his service dogs, all as a way of saying thank you.
The adaptive equipment The Fund provided gave Doc the confidence to run 16 marathons, write two books and complete his masters degree.
"I can't slow down, I just — can't stop," Doc said, while smiling.
For more information, visit The Fund's website.
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