In 2015, Master Sergeant George Vera faced one of the most dangerous situations he’d ever encountered — a group of enemy insurgents was attempting to overrun the camp where he was stationed in Afghanistan. George’s courageous team stood at the ready to repel the insurgents, taking down a suicide bomber and providing vital protection to their fellow Soldiers during the hour and a half long gun battle … during which George was shot four times.
His extensive wounds led George into a fight for his life. He was medevac’d off the battlefield, his life in peril as he first received treatment in Germany, then later at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland, where his wife, Angela, learned that George had suffered paralysis in his legs and substantial damage to his internal organs, including the loss of one kidney.
During one of the most difficult times of her life, Angela received life-changing support from Semper Fi & America’s Fund. Determined that the Vera family would never travel this difficult journey alone, The Fund provided grants that allowed Angela to remain at George’s hospital bedside throughout months of surgeries and rehabilitation — a priceless gift made possible by our donors.
“We couldn’t have asked any better from an organization,” said George. “The Fund has helped us out so much.”
To honor George’s great sacrifices and ensure he has everything needed to live independently, The Fund has made certain that all his family’s physical and emotional needs are always met, including offsetting the cost of an adaptive vehicle, as well as providing gift cards for basic essentials and specialized equipment to ease George’s difficulty sleeping. Angela is also an active participant in our Caregiver Retreats, where she has discovered an irreplaceable community of support with fellow caregivers.
Remarkably, George has excelled as a world-class athlete, living each day with a phrase he often shares with those around him: “Don’t let your injury define you!” Having now competed in both the Warrior Games and the Invictus Games, George is a beacon of hope to those around him, his grit and determination a heroic testament to the incredible courage he has shown post-injury.
“Semper Fi & America’s bond means family to me,” said George, whose wife and three daughters served as his greatest motivation for his inspiring recovery. “The Fund is always there for me and my family.”