After being critically wounded while on deployment in Afghanistan, Sergeant Michael Spivey has accomplished amazing feats and surpassed incredible goals — all because he dared to keep moving forward.
Michael joined the Marines at a young age, his strong desire to serve our country leading to deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. An engineer whose work involved sweeping for improvised explosive devices (IEDs), Michael lost his left arm below the elbow and suffered shrapnel injuries to his back and legs in an IED explosion. Michael was medevaced to safety and met his Semper Fi & America’s Fund case manager, June, when he arrived at the hospital back in the States. The Fund offered Michael support in all areas of his life, ensuring every need was met.
When asked what The Fund means to him, Michael said, “Family. One of the biggest stand out differences has to be having June. She has become a truly caring part of the family. When she calls to check in, she finds a way to always make my day and life a little bit easier … Semper Fi & America’s Fund has given me emotional and community support and offered me a chance to reconnect with service members.”
Throughout the many trials Michael faced throughout his recovery, this quote from Rocky inspired him to achieve what most considered impossible, including the life-changing experience of becoming a two-time Paralympian.
“The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!”
After Michael was introduced to the world of Paralympic Snowboarding during his rehabilitation, The Fund was honored to faithfully support his journey to becoming a world champion.
“The Fund helped me get back into many physical activities and supports me each year as I train and compete … They have been a huge reason for and directly contributed to my success as an athlete. The Fund saved my life!” said Michael.
Michael remains an active member of our Fund family, often participating in various snowboarding events, and his wife, Kris, has both attended and hosted activities designed to support caregivers, including our Semper Fi & America’s Fund Caregiver Retreat. This unique program has provided Kris with the resources needed to further Michael’s comfort and independence and have allowed her to make connections with fellow caregivers. Together, Michael and Kris’ courage, resilience, and hearts full of gratitude have shown countless others what it looks like to keep moving forward.
“Thank you, Semper Fi & America’s Fund! What you do is changing lives! What you do is saving lives!” said Michael and Kris. “We are eternally grateful for all you have done for our family!”
