A new passion … that was what Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Tawan Throngkumpola was searching for after twelve years of faithfully serving our country in the Navy.
Tawan enlisted in 2002 with a desire to “serve my country and to protect and defend the United States,” he said. As a Hospital Corpsman, Tawan provided emergency medical care for injured service members on the battlefield during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. While overseas, he survived multiple incidents involving improvised explosive devices, which resulted in severe traumatic brain injuries. After medically retiring, Tawan sought support for the harsh, lingering effects of these injuries. He then encountered Semper Fi & America’s Fund, and his entire life began to change.
“There is a huge support system at Semper Fi & America’s Fund. The staff and fellow veterans were always there for me by phone call, text, email, and Fund events.”
Throughout Tawan’s transition from military to civilian life, The Fund remained alongside him, offering financial support as he furthered his education, assistance with finding local resources, and help with processing and expediting his compensation and pension awards through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
When Tawan discovered a new love of horses through equine therapy, he knew this was the passion that he’d been searching for. Supported by The Fund, he learned horsemanship skills and assisted fellow veterans with their recoveries by promoting physical and mental healing through equine therapy. The Fund also assisted Tawan with funding for travel to horse show events and riding lessons, and he is currently starting his own business of creating custom, engraved belt buckles as a member of our Apprenticeship Program.
“The staff and veterans of Semper Fi & America’s Fund have been my biggest cheerleaders and supporters since my first encounter with The Fund,” he said, now living a happy and productive life as The Fund’s support has drastically improved his independence and overall well-being. “The support I have received, and continue to receive, from The Fund has motivated me to always be a better, healthier person every day.”
