Injured Marine and Team Semper Fi member, Brandon Pelletier, catches the eye of United States Olympic Committee.

Team Semper Fi member Brandon Pelletier

“Man, that kid is fast!”    While racing at the recent Warrior Games in May 2011, Marine Lance Corporal Brandon Pelletier caught the eye of members of the United States Olympic Committee.     Brandon’s participation in Team Semper Fi, Semper Fi Fund’s “Recovery Through Sport” program,  has allowed him the opportunity to train at an Olympic Training Center and compete with world class athletes.

Meet Brandon Pelletier:   He graduated boot camp during the summer of 2006, joined  3/23 Weapons Company based out of Austin, Texas, and deployed to Iraq in April 2007 as a Heavy Machine Gunner.  Brandon was injured during a night operation in the Al Anbar Province on Oct. 17, 2007.   His right arm was crushed at the elbow.   After several years of evaluations and multiple surgeries, Brandon has no feeling and is still unable to move it, though he is hopeful that he will be able to keep his arm.  Read more about Brandon’s recovery here.

LCpl Pelletier

This trial has not kept Brandon down.   His determination and passion for running led him to become a member of Team Semper Fi where he attended a triathlon camp.    This opportunity opened a door for his future that he had never thought possible.   After competing in the Warrior Games  this past May, Brandon was offered the opportunity to train at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista Ca.   So began Brandon’s journey to make the track team for the 2012 London Games!

Brandon Pelletier left this week for the Czech Republic to compete in his first international meet.   We are told that Brandon “continues to train hard and shave huge chunks off his race times.”   We celebrate these successes with Brandon and look forward to cheering him on later this week at the Czech Open Championships!  Stay tuned for updates via Facebook and Twitter!

Learn more about Team Semper Fi’s  participation in this and other events and how “Recovery Through Sport” is opening doors of opportunity for other injured heroes;  encouraging them to embrace a fighting, athletic spirit on their road to recovery.

There are other injured heroes, like Brandon, who are in need of the inspiration, opportunity and confidence that Team Semper Fi provides.    The Semper Fi Fund intends to meet this need.

Here’s how you can help us continue serving those who have sacrificed so much in the name of our freedom:

1.  Share Brandon’s story with your friends and family on Facebook and Twitter!

2.  Donate Now  to “open doors” for injured heroes like Brandon who are also on the road to recovery!