Karen Guenther was the inspiration behind the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund and remains the guiding force as the Fund continues its quest of assisting injured Marines and service members and their families. As a spouse of an active duty Marine, she has been close with many military issues and an active volunteer for years.
Karen has 17 years of nursing experience in pediatric intensive care, emergency room, and pediatric wards. She served military families aboard Camp Pendleton for three years as a visiting nurse with New Parent Support Program, the pediatric ward at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton and the Pediatric Intensive Care unit at Balboa Naval Hospital.
Karen participated in a medical mission to Chile, South America. She also spearheaded a Children¹s Foundation at Salinas Natividad Medical Center and has been involved with implementing bereavement programs at several hospitals.
For three years, Karen facilitated and presented at the Leadership Education Seminar at Camp Pendleton. She also served two years as the Key Volunteer Coordinator and one year as the Key Volunteer Advisor for an Artillery Battalion at Camp Pendleton.
Karen has been recognized as UCSD Medical Center Pediatric Nurse of the Year; she received the Beaufort Naval Hospital Certificate of Meritorious Performance, the Commanding Officer’s Letter of Commendation, and the Molly Pitcher Award from the US Field Artillery Association. In September 2004, the Marine Corps League awarded Karen the Dickie Chapelle award for her service and dedication to Marines and their families. She also received the Daughters of the American Revolution’s highest award, their Medal of Honor, for her work aboard Camp Pendleton. Karen was recently recognized by Cookie Magazine in their first annual “Smart Cookie” Awards for mothers who make a difference in the world.