It was in 8th grade that Sergeant Ken Kalish realized his calling in life to serve our Nation as a Marine. For as long as he could remember, Ken had aspired to join the military, and in 2007, his dream became a reality.
He deployed to Iraq in 2009 and to Afghanistan in 2010 on special assignment with the Mobility Assault Company as an improvised explosive device (IED) Detection Dog Handler, working alongside canines trained to detect danger areas and protect patrols.
While conducting a route clearance mission in Afghanistan, Ken lost both of his legs and his left arm below-the-elbow after being critically injured in an IED explosion, resulting in numerous surgeries and extensive rehabilitation for Ken to learn how to live as a triple amputee. He spent over three months in the hospital, fighting for his life alongside his wife, Rebecca.
It was then, during the most difficult trial that Ken had ever faced, that Semper Fi & America’s Fund offered his family an invaluable opportunity — the vital resources he needed to continue his treatments and ultimately, to return home.
“The Fund reached out to me and my family while I was still in the hospital, offering us a wheelchair accessible van after I was transferred to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio,” he said. “[This allowed me] to finally be able to leave the hospital setting after nearly 3 months of being in that setting.”
Throughout years of rehabilitation, Ken continued to grow stronger and discover deeper levels of independence, including the ability to drive once again as The Fund has provided grants to ensure his comfort and safety with funding for a modified vehicle to perfectly fit his needs as a triple amputee.
“When I first got injured, I really depended on others to help me with some physical things,” he said. “As the years have gone by, I’ve come to realize there is so much that I can do on my own … My wife is my biggest motivator in my recovery. She always pushes me to achieve and reach for new goals in my life.”
The Fund has now provided Ken, Rebecca, and their two young children with ongoing support that has proved life-changing, including grants for home repairs, assistance for Ken’s service dog, and an Action Track chair to ensure Ken’s mobility and independence despite injuries that will forever impact his life.
“One of the most important things that is happening to me now is I decided to take control of my health, which has allowed me to lose over 60 pounds and start the process of getting back in my prosthetics,” Ken said, his hope to continue to better his physical and mental health in the year to come.
From the battlefield to coming home, Ken is always in service to those around him, being an example of love and courage to inspire those around him to achieve whatever they set their minds to do.
