This Mother’s Day, we honor the love and commitment of Jennifer Miller. Her sons, Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Steven Craig & Army Staff Sergeant Ryan Craig, are part of the fifth generation of their family to serve our Nation and were both critically injured while on deployment.
In 2008, Steven suffered a severe traumatic brain injury from an IED explosion in Iraq. He underwent a lengthy recovery and continues to deal with the lifelong effects of the attack. Two years later in 2010, Ryan suffered a gunshot wound from an enemy sniper in Afghanistan. The bullet penetrated his helmet, resulting in life-threatening wounds that required a two-year hospitalization. But throughout every hardship, their mother, Jennifer, has remained by her sons’ side. She serves as their caregiver with the full support of Semper Fi & America’s Fund, who has provided vital, all-encompassing care for their family for over 16 years.
“Semper Fi & America’s Fund contacted me while in hospital stateside and have been a constant support to my family,” said Steven.
“Semper Fi & America’s Fund means to me that I know someone is always there for support both emotionally and at times financially,” said Ryan, whose injuries require 24-hour care. “I have a contact to utilize programs I otherwise would have never had access to or knowledge of. I get peace of mind knowing they are here for me as well as my parents.”
From offsetting the cost of home renovations to sending Jennifer on caregiver retreats, The Fund has ensured their entire family has everything needed to provide the unique level of care for Steven and Ryan, the result of which has been life-changing.
“I have no words to express what the support has meant to me as their mother and would shudder to imagine the journey without the guidance and support I am offered,” said Jennifer. “I have an unspoken peace knowing I have The Fund in my family’s life.”