Honoring Heroes: Semper Fi and America’s Fund’s Lifetime of Support
This week’s educational episode showcases the incredible work of Semper Fi and America’s Fund, an organization that has been providing vital support to service members, veterans, and their families for over 20 years. At the heart of this organization is Sondria Saylor, the Executive Vice President, whose personal connection to the military community runs deep.
Sondria’s association with the military began in 1984 when she became an active-duty spouse. In 2003, she witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by wounded service members returning from Iraq, and she knew something had to be done. Along with fellow military spouses, Sondria sprang into action, meeting the medevacs at the hospital and providing basic necessities and comfort to these brave individuals. This grassroots effort soon blossomed into the Semper Fi and America’s Fund, a nonprofit that has since provided over $500 million in financial support and programs to an astounding 33,000 service members across all branches of the U.S. armed forces.
Sondria’s unwavering dedication to the mission of Semper Fi and America’s Fund is truly inspiring. Through the organization’s comprehensive case management and lifetime support, she and her team ensure that service members, caregivers, and their families receive the holistic care and resources they need to navigate the challenges of recovery and reintegration. From caregiver retreats to sports programs and holiday celebrations, Semper Fi and America’s Fund is a beacon of hope and community for those who have sacrificed so much to serve our country.
About Sondria:
Sondria serves as Executive Vice President, Semper Fi & America’s Fund. In that capacity, she oversees Case Management Western Region, Communications Operations, and the Apprenticeship, Jinx McCain Horsemanship, and Veteran to Veteran (V2V) Programs.
Prior to assuming her current position, Sondria served as the Vice President, Case Management Western Region 2014-2021, Senior Director, Case Management Western Region 2005-2014, and Director, Donor Operations 2004-2005.
Sondria’s association with the military began in 1984 when she became an active-duty spouse. As a military spouse, she was actively involved in the evolution of Marine Corps Family Readiness from its formative years in the early 1980s through 2004 when she served as Key Volunteer Advisor to the 1st Marine Division.
As the Key Volunteer Advisor of 1st Marine Division in 2003, she worked with and assisted Karen Guenther in support of our returning wounded at the Naval Hospital at Camp Pendleton which was the inception and origin of the Semper Fi & America’s Fund.
Sondria’s work in Family Readiness was recognized in 1993 as an inductee to the US Field Artillery Honorable Order of Molly Pitcher. Sondria’s work with the Semper Fi & America’s Fund was recognized in 2007 by Cookie Magazine as one of the recipients of the 1st Annual Smart Cookie Award honoring women who are making a difference in the world.
Sondria was raised and educated in Fairfax, VA and has extensive experience in small business ownership and management. She and her husband Ben who is a retired Marine Colonel have been married for 38 years. They have two adult sons.
