Semper Fi Fund Founder Karen Guenther Receives Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Humanitarian Award
Quantico, VA (PRWEB) November 20, 2014 -- The Semper Fi Fund is proud to announce that its Founder and CEO Karen Guenther has been named the recipient of the 2013 Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Service Award. Given just once a year, the award is a multi-service recognition presented to an individual or organization demonstrating exceptional patriotism and humanitarian concern for members of the Armed Forces or their families.
The Award was named in honor of Fisher House founders Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher made it their lives’ work to give back to the men and women who serve in our nation’s military. The first Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award was presented to the Fishers at the Army-Navy football game in December 1996. Since then, each recipient’s name has been engraved on a large commemorative trophy that remains on display in the Pentagon and is removed only for the annual presentation ceremony.
Secretary of the Army John McHugh presented the award at a private ceremony in the Pentagon Hall of Heroes on November 17th, praising both Karen and the Semper Fi Fund for their work: “On behalf of a grateful nation, I am deeply proud to play a small part in recognizing Karen’s extraordinary service. Thanks to people like Karen and her faithful team, so-called ordinary people who choose to act, to serve, wherever and whenever they see a need, thousands of service men and women have been graced by what they need to ensure their future, the future they deserve, the future they have earned through their willing sacrifice on our behalf.”
David Coker, President of the Fisher House Foundation, expressed his gratitude to Karen and the Semper Fi Fund for carrying on the legacy of its founders: “Your contributions are distinguished, legion, and making a difference in the lives of those we consider to be our country’s greatest national treasures. Your service is inspirational, your example humbling. I know if Zach and Elizabeth were with us today, they would no doubt be honored in your company, just as I am.”
Ms. Guenther thanked all of those who have helped advance Semper Fi Fund’s mission: “I did not do this alone. We have an amazing family, our military family, our non-profit family, including wonderful organizations like TAPS, and everyone at the Fisher House put their arms around us when they heard of our passion, our love and our vision and helped to take us from $500 to $100 million. And we’re just starting--there’s still so much work ahead. We’re so blessed to have this community that makes sure our military men and women stay connected, makes sure that they know that they’re loved, and that they’re not alone; we’re all there with them.”
About Semper Fi Fund and America’s Fund
Semper Fi Fund, and its program America's Fund, are set up to provide immediate financial assistance and lifetime support for injured and critically ill members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families, directing urgently needed resources to post 9/11 service members of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Reserves. Semper Fi Fund has supported injured, ill and wounded service members since 2004, offering assistance to lessen the burden for those who need it most. The Semper Fi Fund's streamlined structure keeps overhead very low, 6%; they are also one of three veteran charities to receive an "A+" rating from The American Institute of Philanthropy, and a "Four Star" rating from Charity Navigator. The Semper Fi Fund has given more than $98 million to over 12,800 service members and their families.
Alicia Sellitti, Semper Fi Fund, http://www.semperfifund.org, +1 (917) 822-9010, [email protected]
Share this article