Specially Adapted Vehicle Presented To Injured Marine

On Thursday May 12, 2011 a specially adapted vehicle was presented to Marine Corps Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Samuel Schoenheit, at Jeff Gordon Chevrolet in Wilmington.

SSgt Schoenheit was injured on June 26, 2008 during a firefight in Heart Province, Afghanistan. During an intense battle, SSgt Schoenheit was critically injured when he was shot in the head as his convoy came under heavy attack. His injuries left him paralyzed on his right side but after years of therapy Samuel has regained enough functionality to qualify to drive a specially adapted vehicle.

The vehicle was made possible by funding provided by the Semper Fi Fund, For the Fallen, Sentinels of Freedom and the Veterans Administration.

The Semper Fi Fund helps fund specially adapted vehicles through its Adaptive Transportation grants. These grants are provided to service members who have lost limbs or are paralyzed as a result of their injuries. Modified transportation is a vital component to a successful rehabilitation for someone who is severely injured. It is key to ensuring that appointments and therapies are easily attended, and more freedom of mobility is given to the injured and their families.

Typically, a modified vehicle can cost upwards of $40,000. After the VA loan is applied to a handicap vehicle, the Semper Fi Fund will provide a grant of up to $20,000, depending on needs, to reduce and often eliminate the financial burden of a car payment. As of March 31, 2011, the Semper Fi Fund has provided close to 1,500 grants totaling $4.9 million towards the costs of purchasing or modifying specially adapted vehicles.

The Semper Fi Fund (SFF) (http://www.semperfifund.org/) is a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance and quality of life solutions for Marines and Sailors, as well as members of the Army, Air Force and Coast Guard who serve in support of Marine forces, when they become injured in post 9-11 combat or training operations, or they face life threatening illness or injury.

Our fund provides relief to qualified Servicemembers and their families for immediate financial needs that arise during hospitalization and recovery, as well as perpetuating needs such as home modifications, customized transportation and specialized equipment. SFF has awarded more than 26,000 financial grants totaling more than $48,000,000.00!

The Semper Fi Fund was founded by Karen Guenther, a registered nurse and spouse of an active duty Marine who had first-hand knowledge of the challenges faced by wounded Marines and Sailors returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. She, along with a dedicated group of military spouses established IMSFF in May of 2004.



(http://semperfifund.org/assistance/